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ISMAT 7999

Theory of Architecture II

Architecture
  • ApresentaçãoPresentation
    In etymological terms, theory, from the Greek the¿ria or the¿ros, means to look at, see, contemplate, but also, consider, speculate. It is a point of view, a perspective on things, their description and, of course, an attempt to understand them, to give them meaning. In general terms, theory can be defined as a way of seeing, understanding, explaining and clarifying events or objects. Theory is also a way of questioning assumptions, present realities and the way in which discourse is formed and maintained. Its task is to make sense of the world and form intelligible narratives, orienting from the particular to the universal through abstraction. It is through the articulation between the abstract and the concrete that theory has the capacity to act, in contrast, for example, with philosophy. This is the capacity that allows theory to be an instrument of intervention, and of change, in a rapidly changing world. Theory is a way of thinking and acting.
  • ProgramaProgramme
    The course is divided into different themes that characterize and interrogate contemporary disciplinary debates. For each theme, several works and projects are presented that highlight its architectural manifestation. To support the discussion, there is a set of content and authors who, privileging different geographies, genres, cultures, and disciplines, will serve as starting points for reflection.   S1: Knowledge - and the conditions of its construction; S2: Digital - and the technologies that transforms life; S3: Work - and the precariousness of immaterial labor; S4: Human - and its redefinitions, transformations, and expansions; S5: Planet - and the means of extractive production; S6: Economy - and the supposed imperative of the neoliberal market; S7: Politics - and the place of emancipation of citizens.
  • ObjectivosObjectives
    For architectural theory to maintain its relevance, it must retain its historical significance as observation (the¿ria) and theatre (theã). While the former grants the observer a certain agency over the object seen, the latter transfers agency to the means (or medium) of framing, performance, and/or visualization. More than simply reviewing theories more or less established by disciplinary tradition, the aim is to understand the major debates of today. Therefore, the student is expected to be able to:   O1: Identify - perceive problems and characterize them, analyze and interpret contemporary debates and their implications and contributions to and from architecture; O2: Reflect - construct a thoughtful position on these debates through justified and coherent argumentation; O3: Communicate - develop a discourse with clarity and precision in the instruction and organization of oral, written, and visual records.
  • BibliografiaBibliography
    Aureli, P. V. (2008). The Project of Autonomy: Politics and Architecture within and against Capitalism. Princeton Architectural Press Berardi, F. (2009). "The Soul at Work", in The Soul at Work: From Alienation to Autonomy. Semiotext(e) Braidotti, R. (2013). The Posthuman. Polity Crawford, K. (2022). Atlas of AI: Power, Politics, and the Planetary Costs of Artificial Intelligence. Yale University Press Han, B. (2022). Infocracia. Relógio D'Água Haraway, D. (2022). O Manifesto Cyborgue. Orfeu Negro Jappe, A. (2022). Betão. A Arma de Construção Maciça do Capitalismo. Antígona Leach, N. (2025). Architecture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence. An Introduction do AI for Architects. Bloomsbury Platão (2017). "Alegoria da Caverna", in A República, Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Varoufakis, Y. (2025). Tecnofeudalismo. Ou o Fim do Capitalismo. Objectiva  
  • MetodologiaMethodology
    In accordance with the reflective and exploratory nature of this course unit, students are expected to experiment with different tools and working methods. The aim is to diversify the modes of reflection.   M1: Expository lectures; M2: Text analysis groups; M3: Collective discussion; M4: Individual written reflections; M5: Guided group work; M6: Public presentations.  
  • LínguaLanguage
    Português
  • TipoType
    Semestral
  • ECTS
    4
  • NaturezaNature
    Mandatory
  • EstágioInternship
    Não