arch5131B | 202526T1 elective course for UG students.

At a time of instant generative images, the creation of architectural representations is becoming ever faster and easier, but at the risk of becoming standardised and homogeneous. What are the intrinsic qualities embedded in different media [line drawings, collages, photographs, and prints], and how do they represent architectural ideas?

Through the study of representational material created by architects, including both formal presentations and work-in-progress sketches, we can learn not only about their design concepts but also about the architectural responses to the issues and concerns at the time these images were produced. This course will examine various types of architectural representation from the late 20th century, reflecting on contemporary means of reading and making architecture.

Toppic 1: Reading Architectural Drawing– the Medium

The first topic will introduce the different media of architectural representation since the 1960s, including ink drawings, collage, photography, and printed media. This will serve as the basis of the following seminars, viewing sessions, and creative exploration, understanding the ways in which architects convey their ideas and concepts, and how do it react to the impact of social/technological changes in the postwar society.

Module 2: Engaging with Archival Material

Following the discussion about the medium of architectural representation, the second topic will focus on working with the physical archival materials of the Archigram Collection at the M+ Research Centre. With an introduction by the archivist about their work and the collection, students will have a basic understanding of how to handle and read architectural archival materials systematically. It will involve active engagement in 3 viewing sessions, building towards a group project that will interpret a particular piece of artifact, focusing on a specific medium.

Module 3: Create & Curate – Architectural Representation

The content of the group project will become the basis of an exhibition about the medium of architectural representation, co-curated by the class. It will not only be a reproduction of archival material, but the team will also be the creative producers who make new material in complement with the viewed archival material.