After successful completion of the course, students are able to understand architecture, before the background of science and technology studies and cultural studies, as a place where a society's idea of itself and of the world expresses and manifests. Students have learnt to grasp the interdependency of theory, technics, knowledge, ability, and power in architecture critically, and to interrogate and reflect upon its various constellations. They have learnt to recognize analog issues across a variety of epochs throughout history as well as regions in contemporary discourse. They acquire a basic familiarity with how theoretical thought bears implications that impact architectural praxis, and they develop a consciousness for the broad social implications of architecture and discourse.

The focus of VO Architekturtheorie 1 (which is read in the winter semester) is on the complex theoretical and historical connections between architecture and mathematics, art, myth, technology, rhetoric, science, religion, politics and economics. VO AT 1 conveys architectural gestures in dealing with conceptual instruments and abstract distinctions, while VO Architekturtheorie 2 (read in SS) conveys a basic understanding of recent architectural theory discourses (20th-21st century). Both lectures proceed in an exemplary manner: VO AT 1 draws explicit gestures and conceptual instruments from the wealth of architectural and cultural history, and VO AT 2 proceeds, working closely with concrete texts of contemporary history, how the recognition of these gestures, instruments, and distinctions in one's own interaction helps to "speak" prominent architectural theoretical texts: that is, to learn to read them actively and critically – and to understand more than just a specific jargon (use of words). .

Written exam (students can choose between two different modes, see below).

The lecture contents are provided for individual learning on the ATTP YouTube Channel. The course contents also include the introduction text by Fritz Neumeyer: "Reflecting on Architecture, A Brief History of Their Theory", in source texts on architectural theory (München: Prestel 2002).

The course can be taken in the mode of self-study, with an online exam at the end of the semester (MODUS 1). Or it can be taken in the form of active participation in weekly lectures with individual work to be uploaded on TUWEL (MODUS 2). Guidance for the active participation and the expected written deliveries for the modus 2 will be presented in the Introduction Meeting on October 6, 2023.

You will need to register for the lecture in TISS (please check the deadline).

REGISTERATION FOR MODUS 2 IS IN TISS/TUWEL UNTIL WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11 2023. THE TOTAL OF PLACES FOR THIS MODUS IS 50.

Written exam

The contents of this course comprehend all the online lectures as well as the basic text for this lecture course: Fritz Neumeyer, "Reflecting on Architecture, a Brief History of Their Theory", in source texts on architectural theory (Munich: Prestel 2002), S. 9-72.

The students can choose between two different modi for this lecture course: either the Modus One, for self-study with the recorded online lectures, examined via single choice (online) or Modus Two, which takes place in a live format. The required course contents are the same for both groups. 

Mandatory for all is the Introduction Meeting, live in the auditorium, October 6, 2023, 12:00-14:00.

Choose between two Modi for taking this course:

Modus 1

(online and self-study): This mode will be examined at the end of the semester with a written online exam (single choice) on all the lectures and the basic literature. 

Modus 2 

(live format, group works, active participation throughout the semester): Expected will be your active participation in the weekly live meetings with Prof. Bühlmann (attendance will be checked), which you will actively prepare; furthermore you will be expected to submit your notes to the video lectures as well as a writen exercise (a "Still life" text) on the discussed topics, and to present your work in the Plenum sessions (7 uploads during the semester). 

The active participation will give an average of 7 grades - it will qualify to complete the course without further exam (instead of the Single Choice exam at the end of the semester).

PLACES TO TAKE THE COURSE IN THIS MODE ARE LIMITED TO 50. ENROLLMENT IN GROUPS FOR MODE 2 WILL TAKE PLACE AT TISS/TUWEL, NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 11, 2023. 

For questions: exams@attp.tuwien.ac.at

Basic Literature (which you are expected to read and understand in depth) is Fritz Neumeyer, Einleitung zu Quellentexte der Architekturtheorie.

The weekly readings which are topical to the themes of the sessions will be explained and transmitted in the lectures. If you participate actively in the weekly lectures, by taking notes, it will be sufficient to study from your notes in order to pass the exam.