Architectural Shape

Recommended Prerequisites

Project, Architectural History, Architectural Theory.

Teaching Methods

Theoretical classes with detailed presentation, using audio-visual means, of the concepts, principles and fundamental theories and analysis and discussion of case studies to illustrate the practical interest of the subject and exemplify its application to real cases.

Learning Outcomes

Provide concepts to students about visual organization of data, related to the disciplinary field of architecture. Understanding of the concept of “atlas” as system of organization of data, as well as its working rules. Development of skills of research, classification and synthesis. Capacity to discuss case studies. Acquiring competencies in synthesis and analysis, written and visual communication, conceptual problem solving, critical reasoning, autonomous learning, practical application of theoretical knowledge.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Atlas as a world map

General concept and purpose of the atlas, its relevance for architecture

2. Atlas as biography

Presentation and discussion of the case study “Wall Atlas” by Eduardo Souto de Moura.

3. Atlas as collective memory

Presentation and discussion of the case study “Mnemosyne Atlas” by Aby Warburg.

4. Atlas as a work-in-progress

Presentation and discussion of the case study “Atlas” by Gehrard Richter.

5. Atlas as a tool for action

Presentation and discussion of the case study “Atlas Group” de Walid Raad.

6. Atlas as a process

Definition of a subject of study and methodology for the development of an atlas.

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Individual report about the realization of the group work: 25.0%
Rely upon presence and participation, promoting continuous learning. : 25.0%
Group work: 50.0%

Bibliography

Gordon, Avery et al. An Atlas of Radical Cartography. Los Angeles: JAAP, 2008.

Raad, Walid. Scratching on Things I Could Disavow. Editado por Miguel Wandschneider. Colónia: Walther Konig, 2007.

Richter, Gerhard. Atlas. Londres: Thames & Hudson, 2007.

Souto de Moura, Eduardo. Atlas de Parede. Imagens de Método. Editado por André Tavares e Pedro Bandeira. Porto: Dafne, 2011.

Warburg, Aby. Atlas Mnemosyne. Madrid: AKAL, 2010.