Architecture History and

Theory

Please note: Information on this page relates to the 2010 academic year unless otherwise specified.

On this page:

• Overview
• Undergraduate Information
• Postgraduate Information
• How to find out more
• Related Subjects and Careers

This subject is taught by the School of Architecture.

Overview

Architecture History and Theory is a new specialisation that will be introduced as part of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree starting in 2010.

This innovative specialisation introduces students to a broader range of interests than the professionally orientated architecture degree programme. It focuses on the historical, social, political and critical contexts of how and why we design buildings and spaces.

Students choosing this specialisation will study some of the same courses as those studying Architecture, Building Science, Interior Architecture and Landscape Architecture. This provides students with a unique opportunity to draw knowledge from all other disciplines related to the built environment. The course offers the opportunity to investigate every kind of inhabited space from buildings and streets to landscapes.

Architecture History and Theory presents a range of lecture-based courses on historical and theoretical topics, and takes a fresh look at architectural, archaeological and historical material. Great importance is placed on the originality of information uncovered, the creativity of the interpretations made and the importance of the methodological procedures used.

This specialisation is neatly structured with the flexibility to suit varying aspirations, whatever your architectural passion - from the skyscrapers of 1900s New York to the shaping of ‘New World’ societies in the American West, Australia and New Zealand.

This new specialisation replaces the previous Architectural Studies major within the Bachelor of Arts (BA). It is also available as a major for students studying toward another first degree offered by the Commerce & Administration, Humanities & Social Sciences or Science faculties (where permitted by the relevant degree statute).

Entry Requirements

To study Architecture History and Theory at Victoria you will need to have a university entrance qualification. A background in English, history, art history, classics, design or graphics can be useful.

Architecture History and Theory Specialisation Requirements

The BAS in Architecture History and Theory is a three-year undergraduate programme consisting of 360 points in total. The degree is structured into two main parts. Part one is the first year of the Architectural Studies programme, worth a total of 120 points. In your first year, you’ll share the same courses as Architecture, Building Science, Interior Architecture and Landscape Architecture.

You will complete of total of eight 100 level courses, the seven core courses listed below and one elective course of your choosing.

In your first year you will take the following courses:

• SARC 111 Introduction to Design Processes
  
• SARC 112 Design Processes
  
• SARC 121 Introduction to Built Environment Technology
  
• SARC 131 Introduction to Sustainability in the Designed Environment
  
• SARC 151 Introduction to Design History and Theory
  
• SARC 161 Introduction to Design Communication
  
• SARC 162 Design Communication and
  
• one 15 point elective course.

Part two consists of the second and third year of the Architecture History and Theory programme. A total of 240 points, 120 from both second and third year, are required. The second and third year programme is discipline focused, comprising a series of history and theory based courses together with your electives which you can personalise to suit your needs and interests.

In your second and third year you will take the following:

120 points from courses numbered 200-399 from subjects including Architecture (ARCI), Interior Architecture (INTA), Landscape Architecture (LAND), SARC, Culture+Context (CCDN), Art History (ARTH), Classics (CLAS), and History (HIST).

Select two from the following courses listed

• ARCI 251 Architecture History and Theory
• INTA 251 Interior Architecture History and Theory
• LAND 251 Landscape Architecture History and Theory
• SARC 251 Building Technology History

Select two from the following courses listed

• SARC 351 Urban Design Theory and Practice
• SARC 352 Pacific Designed Environments
• SARC 353 Architecture History
• SARC 354 Interior Heritage Conservation and
• 30 points from courses numbered 300-399 and a further 30 points from courses the BAS Schedule.

Please note: Entry into Part two of Architecture History and Theory specialisation is open entry. However, if you choose to include studio based courses from Architecture, Building Science, Interior Architecture or Landscape Architecture within your course of study you will need to apply for entry into these courses as numbers are limited.

Please contact one of our Student Advisers to discuss planning your course of study to ensure you meet the required degree requirements for this specialisation.

Postgraduate Qualifications in Architecture History and Theory:

• Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Designed Environments
• Postgraduate Diploma in Architecture History and Theory
• Master of Architecture

The School of Architecture Student Administration Office offers additional information on:

• admission
• qualifications and courses
• course advice and selection criteria
• exemptions and prerequisites and
• your Application to study.

Architecture History and Theory courses are taught at the School of Architecture, Te Aro Campus, 139 Vivian Street, Wellington.

For further assistance please contact us:
Phone: 0-4-463 6200
Email: architecture@vuw.ac.nz

If you would like to receive posted information on this subject, you can use our Request for Study Material form. (Note: use the Graduate and Undergraduate links to get the form. The form enables you to join Victoria University’s database. Once you have joined, you will automatically receive information about the subjects you are interested in as soon as that information becomes available).

Also, Victoria’s Student Recruitment and Course Advice Office offers a range of advice on courses and help with planning your degree.

For all course information please contact the Faculty office.

Page Top