Frameworks of Contemporary Practice

Purpose of the course is to:

1. Examine architecture through the lenses of the Discipline, Profession and Practice — the issues of knowledge domains, development of technique, analytics and technologies; ethics, social responsibility and regulation; value and innovation as they relate to different social, economic, political, and environmental conditions.

2. Explore the range of contemporary and emergent practices as they relate to the re-framing of our participation in and impacts on changing social, political, economic, cultural, technological and material landscapes;

3. Develop analytic frameworks and tools for critically examining different approaches to and modes of practice, including their respective organization, operations and business models;

4. Challenge students to think about their present and future participation in practice, and to assist in their visualization of possibilities.

Course Format: Six interactive lectures by the instructor; three team assignments that will require students to meet outside of class hours in small groups (5 or less) for group discussions, content development, preparation of presentations, and in-class delivery; two visitors and/or case studies; and two mandatory sessions devoted to presentation of a semester project (to be undertaken individually or in a team of two). All class meetings are intended to be interactive/participatory.

Evaluation: Students are expected to be in regular attendance, to participate in class discussions, and to collaborate with others on team assignments. No more than three absences are permitted in order to receive a passing grade. Evaluation is based on class participation (30%), team projects (30%), and a semester project (40%).

Prerequisites: Seminar is enrolled by lottery and limited to 25 students, but it is open to enrolled students in all GSD departments and GSD degree programs. For March I and MLA I students only, completion of the core practice requirement is a pre-requisite.