Search result: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2025
Architecture Bachelor  | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 First Year Examinations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Examination Block 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 052-0604-00L | Structural Design II | O | 2 credits | 3G | L. Enrique Monzo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The courses Structural Design I and II explain the fundamentals of how structures function. These courses put great emphasis on studying the relationship between the form of a structure and the internal forces within it by means of graphic statics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | At the conclusion of the courses Structural Design I and II, students will be able to: 1. visualize the internal forces within two-dimensional structural elements. 2. understand the relationship between the form of a structure and the internal forces within it. 3. modify the design of a structure in order to improve it. 4. identify the most important structural typologies. 5. use graphic statics for the form-finding and analysis of structures. 6. carry out basic dimensioning of structural elements. 7. respond to structural problems in a creative manner. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Structural Design I: - Fundamentals of static equilibrium - Introduction to graphic statics - Basic dimensioning of structural elements - Cables and stiffening schemes of cables - Arches and stiffening schemes of arches - Arch-cables structures Structural Design II: - Trusses - Beams - Frames - Plates - Buckling of compression elements | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | "The art of structures, Introduction to the functioning of structures in architecture" (Aurelio Muttoni, EPFL Press, 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0415610292, ISBN-10: 041561029X) "Faustformel Tragwerksentwurf" (Philippe Block, Christoph Gengangel, Stefan Peters, DVA Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt 2013, ISBN: 978-3-421-03904-0) "Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures" (Edward Allen, Waclaw Zalewski, October 2009, ISBN: 978-0-470-17465-4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0704-00L | Sociology II | O | 2 credits | 2V | C. Schmid, N. Bathla, H. Widmer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Sociology II presents current perspectives and methods in urban studies. Part I introduces historical and ongoing processes in Zurich (Christian Schmid), examines the topics of public space and housing (Hannah Widmer); part II presents postcolonial perspectives in urban studies (Nitin Bathla). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | This lecture series seeks to enable students to better understand architecture and the production of the built environment in its social context. It provides an introduction into the great variety of contemporary urbanization processes across the world. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Sociology II focuses on current analyses in urban studies, presenting theoretical frames of reference at the example of concrete case studies. First, the historical transformations of the Zurich Region will be presented, followed by a presentation on the question of urban qualities in contemporary urban design (Christian Schmid). This will be followed by inputs on public space as social infrastructure, housing in transformation, and housing inequalities amidst climate change (Hannah Widmer). The second part of the course will explore postcolonial perspectives in urban studies. This part will present a survey of postcolonial urban theory and discuss spatial polarisation and everyday life under extended urbanisation in the so-called Global South and ways to relook at Zurich through a postcolonial lense (Nitin Bathla). The course will conclude with a need to move beyond theoretical and geographical binaries. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | 21.02 Zürich: Von der Industriestadt zur Global City (CS) 28.02 Zürich II (CS) 07.03 Urbane Qualitäten (CS) 14.03 Öffentlicher Raum: Eine soziale Infrastruktur? (HW) 21.03 seminar week 28.03 Wohnen im Wandel (HW) 04.04 Wohnungleichheiten und Klimawandel-Massnahmen (HW) 11.04 Survey of postcolonial theory (NB) 18.04 easter break 25.04 easter break 02.05 Postcolonial Switzerland? (NB) 09.05 Research Methods in Urban Sociology and Ethnography (NB) 16.05 Prüfungskolloquium *CS - Christian Schmid, HW - Hannah Widmer, NB - Nitin Bathla | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Various texts, in addition to the lecture will be provided. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0902-00L | Construction History II | O | 2 credits | 2V | S. Holzer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Construction History from Gothic to 1914 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Participants are familiar with construction history 1130-1914 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Construction History II covers: - Gothic - Renaissance - Baroque and Neoclassical - Historism | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | lecture slides, lecture recordings, preparatory lecture notes for exam available | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | see lecture notes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Examination Block 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0804-00L | History and Theory of Architecture II | O | 2 credits | 2V + 2U | M. Delbeke, T. Avermaete, L. Stalder, P. Ursprung | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Introduction and overview of the history and theory of architecture from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. (Prof. Dr. M. Delbeke) Introduction in the methods and instruments of the history of art and architecture. (Prof. Dr. M. Delbeke, Prof. Dr. L. Stalder, Prof. Dr. P. Ursprung, Prof. Dr. T. Avermaete) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Acquiring basic knowledge of the history of architecture and architectural theory, resp. of the methods and instruments of research into architecture. Being able to identify the main architectural issues and debates of the period and geography covered in the course. Acquiring the attitudes and tools to develop a historically informed reading of the built environment. Acquiring the tools to be able to draw on historical, theoretical and critical research to nourish one's architectural culture. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The course History and Theory of Architecture II offers a chronological and thematic overview of the architecture and architectural theory produced in Europe from the 15th up to 19th century. Thematic lectures on central questions of a given era are augmented with detailed analyses of individual historical buildings. Themes will cover the emergence and development of Vitruvian design theory and practice up to the 19th century, and related issues such as the emergence of the architect; the media of architectural design and practice (drawings and texts); patterns and media of dissemination and influence (books and prints); building types (the palazzo and the villa); questions of beauty and ornament; questions of patronage (e.g., the Roman papacy); the relation of buildings to the city (e.g. the development of Rome); attitudes towards history (origin myths, historicism); the question of the monument. The course Fundamentals of the History and Theory of Architecture II consists of different parts, each dealing with a particular area of research into the history of art and architecture (1) The historiography of architecture (M. Delbeke) (2) Architectural media (L. Stalder). (3) Architecture and art (P. Ursprung) (4) Urbanism and the Commons (T. Avermaete) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Literature and handouts will be provided over the course of the term. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | For the course History and Theory of Architecture II students will rely on assisted self study to acquire basic knowledge of the canonical history of architecture in Europe. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 151-8002-00L | Building Physics I: Heat and Acoustics | O | 2 credits | 2V | J. Carmeliet, M. Ettlin | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Heat: Basics of stationary heat transport and application to the design building envelopes. Acoustics: Basics of noise protection and room acoustics | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Heat: Goal is that students acquire the basic knowledge of stationary heat transport and are able to apply this knowledge for the design and performance analysis of energy efficient building envelope components. Students make simple exercises to practice this design process. Acoustics: The students acquire a basic knowledge in the following fields: description of sound, the human ear, properties of sound waves, propagation of sound, legal and planning basics, airborne sound insulation, structure-borne sound insulation, room acoustics. Students can make simple calculations to proof sound insulation and calculate the reverberation time of a room. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | ACOUSTICS: 1. Basics: description of sound, sound perception, properties of sound waves, propagation of sound. 2. architectural acoustics: legal and planning basics, noise protection, airborne sound insulation, structure-borne sound insulation. 3. room acoustics: Sound absorption, sound reflexion, reverberation, planning of room acoustics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | The course lectures and material are available on the Website for download (MOODLE https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/auth/shibboleth/login.php). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0606-00L | Computational Design II Title of this course before HS22: "Mathematical Thinking and Programming I" | O | 2 credits | 2V | B. Dillenburger, A. Savov | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course introduces computational design and teaches how design can be modeled and materialized using digital technology. Participants learn to use the computer strategically, thoughtfully, and sensitively within the design process. With the “digital literacy” acquired in this course, they develop an understanding of the potential of a digital building culture. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | To systematically harvest the potential of the computer in their work processes, architects need an insight into the fundamental principles of information technology. In this course, students learn the concepts, methods, and instruments of computational design. By the end of the two semesters, students will have mastered the basics of 3D modeling techniques, parametric design, programming code for Computer-aided-design (CAD), and digital prototyping. The acquired knowledge qualifies students to use the computer as a unique instrument to model their designs. Participants also learn to apply CAD and programming code creatively and productively in planning, design, and construction. Specifically, the learning goals are: ● Critical understanding of the possibilities of information technology in design ● Acquiring an overview of the mechanisms and types of CAD systems and digital building models ● Gaining knowledge of the basic principles of computational geometry ● Applying visualization techniques and creatively using various digital media ● Learning concepts and application of parametric design. ● Being able to integrate computer-aided analysis and optimization methods in design-process ● Understanding the principles of digital process chains from design to production ● Strategically using visual programming code ● Reading, understanding, and adapting programming code within CAD software. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Architecture is no longer conceivable without information technology. The planning, construction, operation, and ultimately the nature of buildings are increasingly influenced by digital technology. The digital is omnipresent both in the work of architects and in our built environment itself. The courses Computational Design 1 and 2 offer an introduction to the character, challenges, and possibilities of digital technology in architectural design. The lectures will discuss the topics of digital building models and data, computational geometry, digital fabrication, machine intelligence, and mixed reality. In this course, students will practice digital modeling processes and related techniques. The spectrum of exercises includes manual modeling, visual programming, and programming code within CAD software. Students learn to read, understand and adapt this code. In addition, the courses will provide insights into the nature and handling of different digital media formats, from real-time rendering to mixed reality. Topics discussed within the lectures: ● CAD - background, and developments ● On the nature of digital models and data ● Architectural geometry ● Computational geometry ● Parametric and generative creation of models ● Computer-aided analysis and optimization of models ● Artificial intelligence and architectural models ● Materialization of digital models ● Mixed reality Course Structure The course consists of theoretical lectures, practical tutorials introducing technical concepts, and exercises supported by tutors. Participants can find updated and detailed information on Moodle, which is the learning platform for the course. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0710-00L | Perspectives on Landscape and Urban Transformation II | O | 2 credits | 2V | F. Persyn, L. Fink, C. Schaeben | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This is the second semester of the course Perspectives on Landscape and Urban Transformation. We will collectively explore the different roles and professional practices that represent and collectively shape our environment. The course is collectively organized by the Institute of Landscape and Urban Studies (LUS), with the NEWROPE chair taking up the coordination. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Through the different Perspectives on Landscape and Urban Transformation, students will learn to understand the complexity of the (urban) landscape. The various perspectives, readings and key terms will enrich and expand the vocabulary and theoretical knowledge of students. Tools for observation and activation will give students agency to observe and intervene in processes of urban transformation. At the end of the course students will be able to perceive and identify a multitude of actors and professional roles and recognize how they are overlapping, entangled and ever-shifting. Students will practice to textually and visually illustrate complex processes, including the many different stakeholders involved and the notion of time. Students will learn to reflect about and formulate their possible personal positions in relation to others. The formulated learning goals are aligned with the teaching activities, the exercises, and the final evaluation. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The course is titled Perspectives on Landscape and Urban Transformation I+II. By bringing forward the term ‘landscape’ the course stresses the need to put the natural environment and the landscape at the core of urban thinking. Accordingly, every architect requires a basic knowledge of the landscape and nature. Also, to focus on ‘urban transformation’, instead of ‘urban design’ is a conscious choice. It comes out of the recognition that materials, energy and space are finite, which forces us to engage first with what is already there, instead of producing even more new things. This course presents designers as facilitators of complex urban transformation processes. This position requires both an understanding of a great diversity of perspectives and positions constituting a city, and of the different professional roles one can take up to detect and utilize this diversity of – specific and often conflicting – needs, wishes, ambitions and actions. In each lecture one of these perspectives is presented. The list of different perspectives presented in both semesters is deliberately left incomplete, leaving space for students to think of other perspectives, needs and desires that one could take into account when working on a design or (redevelopment) of a space. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Students will be provided with a reader at the first lecture. The reader for the course Perspectives on Landscape and Urban Transformation I+II is a container which holds together a collection of different hand-outs, brochures, and materials. All in all, it is a ‘bag’ and a personal organizer which invites students to fill over the course of the year. It allows them to individually structure and curate the content of the course. It is deliberately designed to be open-ended and to be individually extended and adapted. Towards the end of the semester, students will get a glossary where all key terms and concepts, presented in the various lectures, are combined. Each week students will receive a small leaflet that gives an overview of the individual lecture, as well as an additional reading. All documents can be downloaded via moodle. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Wöchentliches Handout von Lektüren. Alle Dokumente können über moodle heruntergeladen werden. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The course takes place at the Fokushalle, E7, ONA Building from 18:00h-19:30h. The course will be under the formal responsibility of Prof. Freek Persyn and collectively coordinated by a core team consisting of Freek Persyn , Michiel van Iersel, Lukas Fink and Charlotte Schaeben. Students can contact: Charlotte (schaeben@arch.ethz.ch) for organisational, technical and personal questions Lukas (fink@arch.ethz.ch) for questions regarding the reader, weekly exercises and the final exam Michiel (mvaniersel@arch.ethz.ch) for questions regarding guests and literature | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Subjects with Semester Grade | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0502-00L | Design and Construction II Project grading at semester end is based on the list of enrolments on 28.03.2025,24:00 h (valuation date) only. This is the ultimate deadline to enroll or unsubscribe from this course! | O | 8 credits | 6V + 10G + 2U | A. Deplazes, D. Mettler, D. Studer | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Designing and constructing will be understood to be a complementarily complementary offer. The content and methodical foundations of design and construction are taught and deepened through lectures and exercises. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Understanding and dominating the methodology of designing and constructing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Lectures and exercises to achieve the methodology and ability of designing and constructing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Andrea Deplazes (Hrsg.), Constructing Architecture, From Raw Materials to Building, A Handbook, Birkhäuser, Basel Boston Berlin, 2013 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Literature will be published in the lectures. Book recommendation BUK I - IV: "Construction"; A reference work on contemporary construction German or English 360 pages, 171 images, 20 color images, texts ISBN 978-3-0356-2225-6 Online reference source: https://www.hochparterre-buecher.ch/ Konstruktions.html | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | 100% of interest and engagement! Obligatory introductory course in model making: tba The dates of the "BUK II" exercises (whole day) will be communicated in due time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0504-00L | Art in Space and Time II  Project grading at semester end is based on the list of enrolments on 28.03.2025, 24:00 h (valuation date) only. This is the ultimate deadline to enroll or unsubscribe from this course! | O | 8 credits | 1V + 5G + 2U | R. Barba, H. E. Franzen, M. Narula | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Attendance in the course "Introduction to Free and Perspective Drawing" and the lecture "Art in Space and Time II". Participation in group work within praxis-modules, combined with the submission of an artistic exercise work. The grading results from attending the lecture "Art in Space and Time II" and from submitting an artistic exercise work. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | In FS24, students engage in Free and Perspective Drawing as well as experimental concepts in the arts. In addition to acquiring extended artistic research and practices, they each develop their own artistic exercise work. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | "Art in Space and Time" deals with a concept, in which time is not understood as linear but as a vertical line, in which the past, present and future move simultaneously through space. Through open discussions and research, artistic productions are tested by means of film, sound, texts and activations in indoor and outdoor spaces. Concrete, theoretical as well as speculative, practical procedures will be employed to open up new horizons of perception and to reflect on them. The range of practice courses to be completed in group work is composed as follows: "Artistic Gestures and Resonances" (Corinne Diserens) "Resonating with the Poetics of Space" (Nina Emge & Catherine Facerias) "Vibrating Skins and Aural Membranes: Approaches to Intermediary Spaces" (Eduardo Jorge de Oliveira) "Canopy" (Monica Narula) "Rehearsal Room: Resonances, Errors, Fictions and Frictions" (Nicole L'Huillier) "Transmitting, Together" (Sam Ghantous) "Skulptur und Raum" (Sara Masüger) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Examination Blocks | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Examination Block 1 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0608-00L | Structural Design IV | O | 2 credits | 3G | J. Pauli | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The lecture Structural Design IV applies the knowledge acquired in the lectures Structural Design I-III to existing structures | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | After successfully completing the course, students should be able to: 1. Recognize and classify the construction methods of typical Swiss townhouses from the 20th century. 2. Analyze the structural system of an existing building based on plans and identify missing information. 3. Know the main causes of renovations and their impacts on the structure. 4. Understand the aging processes of building materials and their maintenance as well as reinforcement. 5. Design structural modifications to typical townhouses in a structurally sound manner. 6. Understand the impacts of additional floors and arrange additional loads in a structurally sound manner. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The lecture focuses on the existing building stock of Swiss cities, primarily from the 20th century. It exemplifies various renovation measures based on the construction methods typical of this period, such as conversions, the insertion of new openings and shafts (elevators), the removal of load-bearing walls, as well as extensions and additional stories. These interventions are discussed using real exemplary buildings, and the design parameters are delineated. The lectures are accompanied by exercise units and colloquia that apply and illustrate the lecture material. A final lecture at the end of the semester is dedicated to the topic of structural design with regard to future modular dismantling (Design-to-Disassembly) and structural design using reused components (Re-Use). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | - "The art of structures, Introduction to the functioning of structures in architecture" (Aurelio Muttoni, EPFL Press, 2011, ISBN-13: 978-0415610292, ISBN-10: 041561029X) - "Faustformel Tragwerksentwurf" (Philippe Block, Christoph Gengangel, Stefan Peters, DVA Deutsche Verlags-Anstalt 2013, ISBN: 978-3-421-03904-0) - "Form and Forces: Designing Efficient, Expressive Structures" (Edward Allen, Waclaw Zalewski, October 2009, ISBN: 978-0-470-17465-4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | To take part in this course, it is recommended to first complete the courses Structural Design I, II and III. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0806-00L | History and Theory of Architecture IV | O | 2 credits | 2V | L. Stalder, A. Kalpakci | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This two-semester lecture course introduction on the history of architecture focuses on "things of modernity" -elements, buildings, and networks from the Second Industrial Revolution of the 1850s to the oil crisis of the 1970s in Europe that changed architecture. We will consider how the technical, scientific and cultural significance of these "Things" makes them key features of modernity. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | To introduce students to the history and theory of architecture, the course has three objectives. First, students will be able to identify the “things” that transformed architecture in modernity, and the crucial events, buildings, theories, and actors that characterize their history. Second, students will be able to describe how these “things” operated at different scales, focusing less on the formal level, and naming instead the different forms of expertise that constituted them historically, as well as the processes within which they were embedded. Third, students will be able to reflect on a series of apparatuses, devices, and building parts that are in fact micro-architectures which have often been neglected, despite their pivotal role in shaping the daily lives of modern societies. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The course proposes a new approach to the study of the history and theory of architecture in Europe during modernity. It focuses less on single architects or their buildings, and more on those “things” that have brought profound transformations in the built environment and daily life over the last 200 years, such as the revolving door, the clock, and the partition. The notion of “thing” includes both the concrete building parts and the concerns associated with them, such as material performance, social synchronization, and individual expression. To understand buildings as assemblages of “things,” therefore, does not mean to diminish their significance, but on the contrary to add reality to them, to understand them in terms of the complex, historically situated, and diverse concerns within which they were designed. Each lecture introduces one “thing” through a genealogy that shaped it, from patents and scientific discoveries and technological advancement, to cinema, the visual arts, and literature. A set of renowned projects as well as lesser-known buildings from all around Europe offer a variety of case studies to describe these “things,” to understand how they operated in relation with one another, and to identify the theories and tactics that architects mobilized to make sense of them. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0636-00L | Computational Design IV Title of this course before HS22: "Mathematical Thinkin and Programming IV". | O | 2 credits | 2V | F. Gramazio, H. Hassan, M. Kohler, L. Wiedemeier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This class builds on the digital literacy foundations taught in the previous year and expands the acquired competence in the use of computers in design. At the core stands the question of how to use digital architectural design methods in a creative, purposeful and self-confident manner. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The course consists of lectures and exercises. The lectures convey an insight into strategies for the implementation of algorithmic techniques in architectural design by presenting and discussing the research and the build work of the professorship. This pragmatic view on the computational design process helps demystifying algorithmic techniques and developing a critical understanding for their potentials in the architectural praxis. Programming is an extension of traditional design tools. While this powerful cultural technique allows us to handle complexity in a previously unknown way, the question of its meaning, relevance and potential needs to be negotiated on a context specific base for every single project. In order to be able to do this, we shall develop a conceptual understanding for the methods as well as familiarity with the practice of programming. While the works discussed in the lectures sharpen the conceptual understanding, the tutored exercises will train the programming practice. In these sessions, we will implement simplified yet powerful versions of the discussed projects by using Rhinoceros 3D as a modeler and Grasshopper as a visual programming interface, both environments that have been introduced in the previous semesters. Up-to-date and detailed information on the lectures and exercises is announced on MOODLE, which will serve as the teaching platform for this course. The specific learning goals are: • To develop a critical awareness for the potentials of algorithmic design methods. • Learn to deploy parametric design strategies. • Become familiar with the practice of visual programming. • Understand the concepts and potentials of digital fabrication. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Examination Block 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 151-8004-00L | Building Physics III: Building Energy Demand and Urban Physics | O | 2 credits | 2G | J. Carmeliet, A. Rubin, N. Vulic | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Basics and application of thermal comfort, building energy demand and urban physics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The students acquire basic knowledge in building energy demand and urban physics and apply the knowledge to the design of low energy buildings and mitigation of urban climate. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Topics of the course are: - climatic change & energy - thermal comfort and transparent envelopes - stationary energy demand - dynamic heat transport - urban physics: urban heat island, wind, rain - durability | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | The course lectures and material are available on the Website for download (MOODLE https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/auth/shibboleth/login.php). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0802-00L | Global History of Urban Design II | O | 2 credits | 2V | T. Avermaete | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This course focuses on the history of the city, as well as on the ideas, processes and actors that propel their development and transformation. This course approaches the history of urban design as a cross-cultural field of knowledge that integrates scientific, economic and technical innovation as well as social and cultural change. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The lectures in this course deal with the definition of urban design as an independent discipline that nevertheless maintains strong connections with other disciplines and fields that affect the transformation of the city (e.g. politics, sociology, geography, etc). The aim is to introduce students to the multiple theories, concepts and approaches of urban design that have been articulated from the turn of the 20th century to today, in a variety of cultural contexts. The course thus offers a historical and theoretical framework for students’ future design work. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | 20.02.2025 2.01: The Long 20th Century and Its Challenges 27.02.2025 2.02: Housing and the Industrial City 06.03.2025 2.03: Cities and Ideologies 13.03.2025 2.04: Envisioning Urban Utopias 20.03.2025 No Lecture (Seminar week) 27.04.2025 2.05: Reconstructing the City, Constructing New Towns 03.04.2025 2.06: New Capitals for New Democracies, New Institutions for Old Democracies (guest lecture) 10.04.2025 2.07: Rethinking Masterplanning 17.04.2025 2.08: Countercultural Experiments with Urbanity 24.04.2025 No Lecture (Easter break) 01.05.2025 No Lecture (Labour Day) 08.05.2025 2.09: Finding Meaning in the Postmodern City 15.05.2025 2.10: Open-Ended Strategies for Imploding Cities | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | Prior to each lecture a chapter of the reader (Skript) will be made available through the webpage of the Chair. These Skripts will introduce the lecture, as well as the basic visual references of each lecture, key dates and events, and references to further/additional readings. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | The book that will function as main reference literature throughout the course is: -Tom Avermaete, Janina Gosseye, Urban Design in the 20th Century: A History (Zürich: gta Verlag, 2021). Other books that provide background information for the course are: -Eric Mumford, Designing the Modern City: Urban Design Since 1850 (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2018) -Francis D. K. Ching, Mark Jarzombek and Vikramditya Prakash, A Global History of Architecture (Hoboken: Wiley & Sons, 2017) -David Grahame Shane, Urban Design Since 1945: A Global Perspective (Hoboken: Wiley & Sons, 2011) These books will be reserved for consultation in the ETH Baubibliothek, and will not be available for individual loans. A list of further recommended literature will be found within each chapter of the reader (Skript). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0708-00L | Urban Design IV | O | 2 credits | 2V | H. Klumpner, F. T. Salva Rocha Franco | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Students are introduced to a narrative of 'Urban Stories' through a series of three tools driven by social, governance, and environmental transformations in today's urbanization processes. Each lecture explores one city's spatial and organizational ingenuity born out of a particular place's realities, allowing students to transfer these inventions into a catalog of conceptual tools. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | How can students of architecture become active agents of change? What does it take to go beyond a building's scale, making design-relevant decisions to the city rather than a single client? How can we design in cities with a lack of land, tax base, risk, and resilience, understanding that Zurich is the exception and these other cities are the rule? How can we discover, set rather than follow trends and understand existing urban phenomena activating them in a design process? The lecture series produces a growing catalog of operational urban tools across the globe, considering Governance, Social, and Environmental realities. Instead of limited binary comparing of cities, we are building a catalog of change, analyzing what design solutions cities have been developing informally incrementally over time, why, and how. We look at the people, institutions, culture behind the design and make concepts behind these tools visible. Students get first-hand information from cities where the chair as a Team has researched, worked, or constructed projects over the last year, allowing competent, practical insight about the people and topics that make these places unique. Students will be able to use and expand an alternative repertoire of experiences and evidence-based design tools, go to the conceptual core of them, and understand how and to what extent they can be relevant in other places. Urban Stories is the basic practice of architecture and urban design. It introduces a repertoire of urban design instruments to the students to use, test, and start their designs. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Urban form cannot be reduced to physical space. Cities result from social construction, under the influence of technologies, ecology, culture, the impact of experts, and accidents. Urban un-concluded processes respond to political interests, economic pressure, cultural inclinations, along with the imagination of architects and urbanists and the informal powers at work in complex adaptive systems. Current urban phenomena are the result of urban evolution. The facts stored in urban environments include contributions from its entire lifecycle, visible in the physical environment, and non-physical aspects. This imaginary city exists along with its potentials and problems and with the conflicts that have evolved. Knowledge and understanding, along with a critical observation of the actions and policies, are necessary to understand the diversity and instability present in the contemporary city and understand how urban form evolved to its current state. How did cities develop into the cities we live in now? Urban plans, instruments, visions, political decisions, economic reasonings, cultural inputs, and social organization have been used to operate in urban settlements in specific moments of change. We have chosen cities that exemplify how these instruments have been implemented and how they have shaped urban environments. We transcribe these instruments into urban operational tools that we have recognized and collected within existing tested cases in contemporary cities across the globe. This lecture series will introduce urban knowledge and the way it has introduced urban models and operational modes within different concrete realities, therefore shaping cities. The lecture series translates urban knowledge into operational tools, extracted from cities where they have been tested and become exemplary samples, most relevant for understanding how the urban landscape has taken shape. The tools are clustered in twelve thematic clusters and three tool scales for better comparability and cross-reflection. The Tool case studies are compiled into a global urbanization toolbox, which we use as typological models to read the city and critically reflect upon it. The presented contents are meant to serve as inspiration for positioning in future professional life and provide instruments for future design decisions. In an interview with a local designer, we measure our insights against the most pressing design topics in cities today, including inclusion, affordable housing, provision of public spaces, and infrastructure for all. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | The learning material, available via https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/ is comprised of the following: - Toolbox 'Reader' with an introduction to the lecture course and tool summaries - Weekly exercise tasks - Infographics with basic information about each city - Quiz question for each tool - Additional reading material - Interviews with experts - Archive of lecture recordings For one-semester students, only a Research will be required. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | - Reading material will be provided throughout the semester. - Please see ‘Skript’, (a digital reader is available). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | "Semesterkurs" (semester course) students from other departments, students taking this lecture as GESS / Studium Generale course, and exchange students must submit a research paper, which will be subject to the performance assessment: "Bestanden" (pass) or "Nicht bestanden" (failed). The performance assessment type for "Urban Design IV: Urban Stories" taken as a semester course is categorized as "unbenotete Semesterleistung" (ungraded semester performance). | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Examination Block 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0808-00L | History and Theory of Architecture VI (Ursprung) | O | 2 credits | 2V | P. Ursprung | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | History of Art and Architecture since the 1970s | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Knowledge of the history of art and architecture since the 1970s. Sensibility for historical processes and for the concepts in the realm of visual culture. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The two-semester course offers an introduction to the history of modern and contemporary art and architecture since ca. 1970. Motivated by questions of the current discourse, central topics and exemplary works of art and architecture are discussed. Concepts such as "labor", "economy", "experience", "research", "nature", "diversity" or "surface" are used to focus on specific historical developments and connections. Art and architecture is considered as a field of cultural change as well as an indicator of social, economic, and political conflicts which in turn helps to understand historical dynamics. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | A video documentation of the lecture class is available. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | Required reading will be announced in the class and on the website of the chair. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0652-00L | Building Process II | O | 2 credits | 2V | S. Menz, A. Paulus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The building process is the main focus of this lecture series. The process is understood as a sequence of criteria in time. Topics: Building legislation, building economics, the people involved and their work, construction and planning organization and facility management. Process thinking, acquisition and a glance at our foreign neighbours complete the series. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Alongside a discussion of the basic principles, trends and terminologies, a closer look will be taken at each topic using case studies that investigate current structures as well as those relevant in terms of architecture and urban design. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The building process is the main focus of this lecture series. The process is understood as a sequence of criteria in time. These criteria are divided into building legislation, building economics, the people involved and their work, construction and planning organization and facility management. Process thinking, acquisition and a glance at our foreign neighbours complete the series. Alongside a discussion of the basic principles, trends and terminologies, a closer look will be taken at each topic using case studies that investigate current structures as well as those relevant in terms of architecture and urban design. Active participation as well as interdisciplinary and process-oriented thinking on the part of students is a prerequisite. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | https://map.arch.ethz.ch | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | The ungraded semester performance consist of participation in the two exercises and the feedback. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0706-00L | Landscape Architecture II | O | 2 credits | 2V | A. Bucher | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | Since the turn of the millennium, topics and contexts such as climate change, migration, digitalization, etc. have shaped humans' relation to nature. The lecture series gives an introduction to key topics in the field of contemporary landscape architecture, as well as their transdisciplinary approaches. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | Overview to contemporary and forthcoming tasks of landscape architecture. A critical reflection of the present design practice and discussion of new approaches in landscape architecture. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The lecture series "Theory and Design in Contemporary Landscape Architecture" (Landscape Architecure II) follows the lecture series "History and Theory of Garden Design and Landscape Architecture" (Landscape Architecure I). Rather than concentrating only on questions of style, the series will also tackle issues such as revitalisation, sustainability etc. The lectures review design approaches that critically reflect our inherited perception of nature. The themes of site, soil, water and vegetation provide some useful aspects for the design practice. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | No script. Handouts and learning material will be provided. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | A reading list will be provided for the exams. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | General Information for the final exam: Bachelor students: The content of the lectures as well as texts and exam-relevant literature provided by the Chair make up the basis for preparing for the exam. The lecture series is conceived as a yearlong course. Since the written session examination tests knowledge from both semesters. It is necessary to attend the lectures throughout the course of the year. The test themes will be announced at the end of the semester. The Chair will provide literature and texts available for download as pdfs. These allow a more in-depth understanding of the lecture material. Transfer students or students of other departments: Students attending one semester may opt to take only the oral end-of-semester examination. Test-relevant literature will also be made available for download for this purpose. The students are requested to get in touch by email with the Chair. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0610-00L | Energy and Climate Design II | O | 2 credits | 2G | I. Hischier | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | This annual course focuses on physical principles, concepts and methods for the efficient and sustainable heating, cooling and ventilation of buildings. Interactions of energy and climate with architectural and urban design will be investigated. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | At the end of this one-year course, students will be able to estimate the impact of energy and climate on a building. You will be able to independently apply the steps of an integrated design process to your own project and master selected tools from the A/S knowledge platform (https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=11917). Future own designs can be supplemented and enriched with potentials from energy and climate analyses. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | Students work independently in groups on a series of tasks. With the help of digital tools, the steps of an integrated design process are played through in a case study. The obligatory group tasks are supported with short input presentations, lecture notes and feedback sessions. The following topics are covered in the second semester of this annual course: 1. Local power generation 2. Storage 3. Environmental impact | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | The slides of the lecture serve as lecture notes and are available as download. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Literature | A list of relevant literature is available at the chair. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | This course can only be taken if Energy and Climate Design I was taken in the previous semester, as the group work is connected and extends throughout the year. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 052-0508-00L | Architectural Technology VI | O | 2 credits | 2G | C. Kerez | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Abstract | The lecture series explores the correlation among intentions of design, architectonic expression and construction premises. These critical areas or aspects of study, which are presented with selected projects, their respective theoretical backgrounds and historical development, are pluralistically associated and brought into relation with varying contemporary opinion. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Learning objective | The final part of the lecture series Konstruktion V/VI aims to analyse (structural) construction techniques and their formal appearance and expression in their interrelation. The different themed parts of structural design, building shell and knowledge of material get connected with architectural design in practice and reflected in the wider context of architectural theory. The intention is to consolidate the understanding of the connection between structure, process and formal appearance and expression in the architecture of the 20th century. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Content | The lecture series in the course entitled Architecture and Construction explores the correlation among intentions of design, architectonic expression and construction premises. Each lecture is focused on individual themes, as for example, the application of certain materials (glass, or natural stone), of particular construction systems (tectonic, hybrid) or design generators (grids, series) and alternatively the search for a definable, tangible architectural expression (vernacular architecture, readymades). These critical areas or aspects of study, which are presented with their respective theoretical backgrounds and historical development, are pluralistically associated and brought into relation with varying contemporary opinion. The yearlong lecture cycle is comprised of twenty individual lectures, in which the majority of projects being analyzed date from the last few decades. 24.02.25 John Lautner 03.03.25 Antoni Gaudi 24.03.25 Louis Kahn 07.04.25 Francesco Borromini 14.04.25 Der Raum der Malerei 05.05.25 Adolf Loos | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Lecture notes | The script is a comprehensive collection of material that allows students to form their own ideas about the case studies shown, independent of the lecture. Most of the photographs were taken on study trips and show the buildings under discussion with unpublished material. The extensive collection of photographs is supplemented with drawings, plans, site photographs, and historical photographs from books and archives. The script will be made available in digital form at the end of the semester to students enrolled in the lecture series. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | General remarks (on exam as well as exam preparation) The comprehensive topics of the lectures are the subject matter of the exam. The lectures are scheduled for a full year (Konstruktion V/VI) and therefore the knowledge of the subject matter of the running as well as of the preceding semester's lectures is required. To improve your chances to pass the examination at first try, we strongly recommend you to take the exam after having visited the lecture during two semesters. The lectures are not a mandatory prerequisite to pass the exam, but a clear introduction to the exam material, as well as a facilitation to understand and deepen the exam material. The structure of the exam material changes from one semester to another and from one year to the next. Exams can therefore only cover the lectures of a whole year. If you are an exchange student, or a student from a different department and wish to take a partial examination covering only the subject matter of the last semester (Konstruktion V or VI), you need to contact the chair in advance. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Competencies |
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Page
1
of
6
All