Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2016

Architecture Master Information
Electives
Architecture / Design
NumberTitleTypeECTSHoursLecturers
051-0169-16LSeminar Architectural Criticism: Can Images Build Cities? Development Zones in the Limmattal Information W2 credits2GC. Schärer Basoli
AbstractThe seminar investigates the potential and the limitations of architectural criticism. The course comprises theoretical reflection, discussions of architectural objects, as well as work on texts.
ObjectiveThe objective of the course is twofold: On the one hand, students will get to know and to apply a critical approach to architecture by means of such media as oral discourse, written reviews, and the image as a tool of criticism. On the other hand, the practice of architectural criticism itself shall be reflected upon by reading and discussing theoretical and historical texts on the subject.
ContentThe seminar is structured in three sections. In a first step, theoretical foundations will be established based on reading and discussing seminal texts, as well as guest lectures by established critics. A second phase will include site visits of selected buildings in order to develop a critical vocabulary based on immediate spatial experience. The third part will be devoted to the craft of writing; students will be authoring their own arguments and hold a public discussion.
Lecture notesWill be handed out at the beginning of the semester.
051-0173-16LSpatial Concepts in Film and Architecture (Prof A.Gigon/M.Guyer) Information W1 credit1VD. E. Agotai Schmid, M. Bächtiger Zwicky
AbstractThe course deals with spatial phenomena at the interface of film and architecture. The alternating influence of these two media will be analiyzed, the dispositions of perception and effect will be compared and thus will sharpen the view for a architectural way of looking at space.
ObjectiveThe examination of filmic space situations and performance discloses new perceptions of architecture which will be studied on behalf of film analyses and experimental topics. During the course space-effective creative means such as editing or framing will be introduced and discussed under perceptive aspects. Mediality within spatial perception can thus be integrated into a development of cultural history and leads towards a conception which goes  beyond the limits of architecture and stimulates new processes of design.
ContentNew perceptions of architecture are studied on behalf of film analyses and experimental topics. During the course space-effective creative means such as editing or framing will be introduced and discussed under perceptive aspects. Mediality within spatial perception can thus be integrated into a development of cultural history and leads towards a conception which goes  beyond the limits of architecture and stimulates new processes of design.
051-0193-16LPerformance and Intervention Information W2 credits2US. Keller Roca
Abstractthe elective course invites participants to come up with unexpected answers to socially relevant questions raised by architecture through performance und intervention art.
ObjectiveThe medium of performance art is the human being, whose voice and body send out messages into surrounding society. Performance art attempts to create an awareness of how such messages are sent and received. We will examine the significance of speech, posture, clothing and movement using selected examples from performance art.
ContentInterpersonal relationships are regulated by political, legal, economic and cultural structures which are given representative physical form by architecture. Intervention art critiques the relationship between social structure and built-up space. We seek to develop ways of intervening in situations in which we ourselves are implicated, raising questions about the relationship between architecture and social environment.
Prerequisites / NoticeTo enroll in the course, please consult the lecturer: Link
051-0195-16LKritik und Theorie Information Restricted registration - show details W2 credits2SK. Sander
AbstractAgainst the background of my self-developed ten-line-format we are going to discover thematically partly fee, partly architecture related topics, by writing.
ObjectiveStructure and/or strenghtening of the capability to express oneself in writing on a journalist level - effortlessly, flexibly and easily , thus primarily on special guidelines with regard to a tight text volume (i.e. blurbs on books or short contributions in magazines).
ContentAgainst the background of my self-developed ten-line-format we are going to discover thematically partly fee, partly architecture related topics, by writing.
The seminar enables students to work out concise and coherent texts of high linguistic expression to various topics within very short time.
LiteratureMohafez, Sudabeh: das zehn-zeilen-buch; Dresden 2016 (2010)
Queneau, Raymond: Stilübungen; Frankfurt am Main 1990 (1947)
Prerequisites / NoticeEnrolment on agreement with the Assistant, Ms. Sudabeh Mohafez Link.
051-0197-16LPhotography Information Restricted registration - show details
Limited number of participants.
Enrolment by agreement with the lecturer - Motivation letter to be sent to Link by 2nd September 2016 at the latest.
W2 credits2UK. Sander
AbstractApplying and understanding theoretical and practical aspects of photography from fine arts, architecture and society
ObjectiveThe aim of the course is to reach a higher competence level of the media through applying cultural techniques of photography. Through critical discussions and analyses of the medium, participants will develop their concept of photography and confront its theoretical and practical challenges.
ContentParticipants will analyze the motivations, strategies, and technical methods of artists and photographers. These analyses will also include the effectiveness and the history of reception of the given work or artist. Based on practical examples, theories of photography will be applied, i.e. through discussing reference, reproducibility, image time, etc.
Prerequisites / NoticePlaces are limited. Enrolment by agreement with the lecturer. Please Motivation letter to be sent until 10.9.2015 an Wirz Mirjam <Link>
051-0199-16LArchitecture and Photography Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 15.

A motivation letter is to send to Link until Friday 16th September 2016, 12 h.
W2 credits2ST. Wootton
AbstractSince the mid 19th century the representation of architecture is inextricably linked to photography. Many buildings are being discussed on the basis of photographs. The artist and photographer Tobias Wootton (HfG Karlsruhe) will teach the students the various techniques (large scale, medium format, small format, digital photography).
ObjectiveKnowledge of architectural photography
ContentHistory, theory and practice in architectural photography
Prerequisites / NoticeFor participation a motivation letter has to be handed in until Friday 16th September 2016, 12:00 noon, to send to Mr. T. Wootton, Email: Link.
051-0201-16L3D Scanning and Freeform Modeling Information
Limited number of participants.
Enrolment in agreement with the lecturer only.
W2 credits2UK. Sander
AbstractDigital Sculpture. Experimental use of a system for digitalizing and modeling 3D objects.
ObjectiveExperimentation with digital tools and various design processes of 3D forms in fine arts, design and architecture. Practicing and playing with dimensionality and sense of space.
ContentThe department of Architecture and Fine Arts has a 3D-Bodyscanner available for the digitalization of persons and objects, and is complimented by a special software for modeling the 3D data.
After a period of training and practice, participants are asked to develop ideas and concepts for their own projects. These concepts should be used to lead and expand the system and the possibilities of its application. The process of readjustment and its realization will be a continual part of developing the individual projects.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe number if participants is limited to 14 students and enrolments need the lecturer's allowance! We Works with a 3D Touch Mouse, see Youtube
Link

Proficiency in Windows systems is a precondition for participation. To enroll in the course, please consult the lecturer: Adi Grüninger: Link
051-0219-16LArtistic and Conceptual Thinking and Working Information Restricted registration - show details W2 credits2SS. Keller Roca
AbstractWe approach the prelinguistic space of artistic thinking and agency from its context, which supports, mediates, criticizes, sells and preserves its artworks. We listen to the various protagonists of this space - cultural agents in civil service institutions, art mediators, critics, curators, gallerists, custodians; for in this space surrounding the prelinguistic one, nothing is left to chance.
ObjectiveThis seminar aims at providing access to the prelinguistic space of artistic thinking and agency, in order to be able to observe the artists in their immediate working process. This space can only be entered if we successfully leave all layers of mediation behind us and cease to force an understanding.
ContentThe seminar, of course, with its claim to teach the critical faculty to be astonished, is also part of these layers of mediation. We will measure this paradox of art directly up against our own ambitions. A productive tension will be established within us when we open up to artistic practices potentially contradicting our own.

We will approach the prelinguistic space of artistic thinking and agency from its context, which supports, mediates, criticizes, sells and preserves its productions - the artworks. We will listen to the various protagonists of this space - cultural agents in civil service institutions, art mediators, critics, curators, gallerists, custodians; for in this space surrounding the prelinguistic one, nothing is left to chance.
LiteratureBrian O`Doherty: Inside the White Cube, The Ideology of the Gallery Space.
When these essays first appeared in Artforum in 1976, their impact was immediate. They were discussed, annotated, cited, collected, and translated; the three issues of Artforum in which they appeared have become nearly impossible to obtain. Having Brian O'Doherty's provocative essays available again is a signal event for the art world. This edition also includes "The Gallery as Gesture," a critically important piece published ten years after the others.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe number of participants is limited.
Application for the course with the lecuturer also via e-mail:
Link
051-0223-16LFree Drawing Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 35.
W2 credits2UZ. Leutenegger Küng
AbstractDrawing is used to ascertain and develop the artistic ideas and abilities of students. Different techniques and methods will be tested.
ObjectiveDevelopment of individual expression in the realm of drawing; artistic flexibility and skill in the areas of working strategy and aesthetic impact.
ContentDevelopment of individual expression in the realm of drawing; artistic flexibility and skill in the areas of working strategy and aesthetic impact.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe number of participants is limited.
Application for the course with the lecuturer also via e-mail: Zilla Leutenegger <Link>
051-0227-16LArchitectural Drawing Information Restricted registration - show details
Number of participants limited to 136
W2 credits2GR. Fässer
AbstractWith the architectural drawing we can refer to one of the most important and primary design tools. Imaginations, ideas, as also the observation of important scenarios and impressions could be visualized with the appropriate technique.
ObjectiveBased on the process of the concrete, practical drawing, we can sensitize our perception and enhance also the interaction between head and hand. Also the digital drawing with Wacom tablet (if available) should not be missed out as an additional challenge.
ContentThe focus of the drawings are determined in the study of architectural references as: figure, plasticity, body, space, light, atmosphere, etc.
The second hour of lecture is booked for the review of the weekly exercises.
Prerequisites / NoticeThe number of participants is limited by 136.
051-0235-16LTheory of Architecture: Curating 1917 - The Architecture of Russian Revolution (a.i. Moravanszky) Information Restricted registration - show details W2 credits2SA. Vronskaya
AbstractIn the course of this seminar, we will collectively prepare the exhibition "The Architecture of Russian Revolution" (included in the "gta 50" exhibition series, to be open in February 2017).
ObjectiveTo commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the Russian revolution (1917), this seminar examines the impact of the political revolution upon architectural education. We focus on teaching architecture at Moscow Higher Art and Technical Studios (VKhUTEMAS; 1920-1927), a school that rivaled the Bauhaus as one of the earliest and most important "avant-garde" pedagogical institutions. This experimental-format seminar will serve as a preparation for the exhibition "The Architecture of Russian Revolution," which will open in February 2017 a part of the series of exhibitions devoted to the 50th anniversary of the gta (Institute for the History and Theory of Architecture at ETHZ). The exhibition's particular focus will be on the importance of VKhUTEMAS legacy for architectural pedagogy (especially, at ETHZ) today. Collectively, we will develop the concept of the exhibition and make curatorial and installation decisions.
ContentThe Russian Revolution (1917) dramatically changed not only political system, but also the lifestyle and culture in the country,including approaches to architectural education. Student protests against old, academic system of education followed the revolution, leading to a creation, in 1920, of one of the earliest "avant-garde" architectural institutions, the Higher Art and Technical Studios (VKhUTEMAS) in Moscow.
Instead of the old practice of moving from drawing details to smaller buildings and finally finishing their education by designing a large building, the students now started by analyzing formal elements important for different arts: "Color" served an introduction to painting, "Volume"--to sculpture, "Space"--to architecture, and "Drawing" (that is, line) as an introduction to graphic design. The most developed of the introductory courses, Ladovskii's course "Space," analyzed three-dimensional reality as a combination of "elements of sensation": the basic physical, geometrical, and spatial properties of form, such as mass, volume, gravity, or dynamics. This course will be at a particular focus of our attention. We will approach it from a variety of contexts: the political situation in the aftermath of the Revolution; the changes in Russian culture and society; the developments in science (in particular, experimental psychology) and the new concept of the human that they entailed; the emergence of modernist approaches to architecture and its pedagogy; the challenges that these changes and developments posed for architectural education. As a result of our study, we will develop the concept of an exhibition on VKhUTEMAS and its importance for architectural pedagogy today.
Prerequisites / NoticeThis is not a lecture course. Attendance and active participation is required. There will be weekly mandatory reading and creative assignments (expect circa two hours per week of homework).
Enrollment limited to 20.
051-0621-16LArchitecture and Digital Fabrication Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
Limited number of participants.

Enrolment in agreement with the lecturer only.
W4 credits4GF. Gramazio, M. Kohler
AbstractAdvance in technology revolutionizes design and fabrication processes within architecture. Digital fabrication allows immediate production from design data. The architect as author of these data takes a key role in this development. This course focuses on strategies for architectural production by means of algorithmic design tools and computer controlled fabrication methods.
ObjectiveThe goal of the „Wahlfach“ is to learn basic approaches to designing with the knowledge about digital fabrication techniques and their creative application within a specific task.
ContentWe use the term digital materiality to describe an emergent transformation in the expression of architecture. Materiality is increasingly being enriched with digital characteristics, which substantially affect architecture’s physis. Digital materiality evolves through the interplay between digital and material processes in design and construction. The synthesis of two seemingly distinct worlds – the digital and the material – generates new, self-evident realities. Data and material, programming and construction are interwoven. This synthesis is enabled by the techniques of digital fabrication, which allows the architect to control the manufacturing process through design data. Material is thus enriched by information; material becomes “informed.” In the future, architects’ ideas will permeate the fabrication process in its entirety. This new situation transforms the possibilities and thus the professional scope of the architect.
Lecture notesThe script is provided by the teaching chair and can be purchased the day the elective course starts.
Prerequisites / NoticeLimited places (enrolment on lecturer's acceptance only).
051-0731-16LCAAD Theory: A Quantum City - How to Think About Cities Information W2 credits2GL. Hovestadt
AbstractWhat if cities are not connected in space and time? You easily can talk to them. Just by taking a phone for example. But they are species in parallel universes.
ObjectiveThis course will explore the role of computational power and information technologies in the creation of our imaginaries around the city. We will show you how models and theories, emerging mainly during the 19th and 20th centuries, present leaping correspondences with more ancient conceptions of the city, when observed from an informational perspective.
ContentLink
Nearly every single point in our planet has become reachable within a few touches. A capability that some centuries ago was an exclusive privilege of emperors, popes and kings. Just imagine, today, any of us has more access to information than emperor Augustus back in roman times or the president of the United States of America 20 years ago. What does this decentralization of information entail in the way we engender and understand the city? What to do when we could potentially do anything?


This course will explore the role of computational power and information technologies in the creation of our imaginaries around the city. We will show you how models and theories, emerging mainly during the 19th and 20th centuries, present leaping correspondences with more ancient conceptions of the city, when observed from an informational perspective. We will establish a refreshing dialogue in times where we seem to be overwhelmed by the wide range of possibilities that technology and the abundance of information are opening up. We are bored by the overused debates around urbanization as a threat, energy crisis, climate change, smart cities: the same problematic is elucidated, no matter which city you are looking at. Instead, we will explore the possibilities that the digital has to offer to us, the world citizens. Such transformations have taken place since the very inception of cities, and this is why we are convinced that each era including our own has to reinvent its City within its corresponding cultural galaxies.
Lecture notesLink
LiteratureLink
051-0733-16LCAAD Practice: Bots, Characters & Architecture Information W2 credits2GL. Hovestadt
AbstractComputers and computer networks provide today a new kind of mobile and instant operability; a user's reach of action increases dramatically by having access to a computer online. Computer networks emit, receive, store and process information at the speed of light, in vast quantities, and regardless of the content.
ObjectiveBroadly, the aim of this course is to program 'computational objects' capable to operate data-streams in order to challenge different notions of information, model, computation, design, complexity, authorship, analysis, synthesis, ontology, causality, or semantics, i.a., that are arguably relevant to the field of architecture.
ContentYou have probably noticed how Spotify is able to programmatically put together a weekly list with songs that you most probably will like; or how Netflix endlessly suggests you interesting tv shows to watch. This phenomenon is increasingly around us, instantaneous and accurate suggestions of natural things. But what happens if we want to compare things from different natures? Could we ask, for instance, for indexes to literature, music or food based on our preferences for certain architecture?

This CAAD Tutorial will speculate about what Swiss architectural büro would be the best-fit to work for a fictitious character from a tv-series, like Mr. White, Sansa Stark or Elliot Anderson. For this purpose, we will first build a custom-made bot to source and index the contents of swiss-architects.com, an online platform where the community of architects of Switzerland is profiled. Similarly, we will source some relevant quotes from different fictitious characters from a number of tv-series. The comparison between these two different natures will be on the level of text analysis, we will find symmetries between the way each büro articulates its work vs. the way each character articulates his/her life. The goal is to put together a program to compute a best-matching list between Swiss architects and fictitious but recognizable characters from tv.

Throughout this tutorial we will learn to code in Python and further learn to put together a number of custom-made and open source algorithms in order to operate the web programmatically.
Lecture notesLink
LiteratureLink
063-0127-16LArchitecture VIIW2 credits1VA. Caruso, M. Angélil
AbstractLink

Link
ObjectiveThe students learn to link both historical and theoretical architectural themes with their own creative design process. 
ContentThe students learn to link both historical and theoretical architectural themes with their own creative design process. 
Lecture notesNo lecture notes will be provided.
Prerequisites / NoticeAttendance is compulsory and will be controlled.
051-0203-16L360° - Reality to Virtuality Restricted registration - show details W4 credits4GK. Sander, A. Wieser
AbstractBasics of 3D-scanning of rooms and bodies, individual scan projects, 3D-visualizations and animations. Working alone and in groups.
ObjectiveUnderstanding of 3D-technologies, handling positive and negative spaces, handling hardware and software, processing 3D-data (registering of scans, precision, interconnecting, filtering, visualizations and animations), interpretation of the generated data.
Content1. Introduction in hardware and software (getting to know technologies and context, administer tests)
2. Project development within the group (idea, concept, target, intention, election of methods, strategies)
3. Project implementation within the group (possible results, videos, pictures, prints, publications, web, blog, forum etc.)
4. Project presentation (exhibition incl. critiques, discussions)
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