HA7041 Architecture and Materiality

Why do we persistently privilege the immaterial over the material in the study of art and architecture? Is it possible to achieve a more symmetrical understanding of architectural production, one in which material achievement is considered alongside the conceptual and semantic dimensions of architecture? This module critically explores the nature of thinking about architecture and weighs textual analysis against first-hand experience of buildings and related archival evidence. It interrogates traditional and modern narratives of architectural history and suggests alternative ways of thinking about buildings. It will involve site visits in Dublin city and beyond, on-site analysis of materials and techniques, engagement with practitioners and primary source research on material achievement in architecture.

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Interrogate the competing claims of conceptual and material approaches to architecture.
• Understand the properties of the principal building materials employed in the architecture of Dublin city and its hinterland.
• Recognise and articulate the principal methods employed by craft practitioners in the creation of Dublin’s architecture.
• Critically analyse the literature on Dublin’s architecture to determine the perception of materiality by scholars and critics.