Module Title:Evolution of Buildings & Technology I
Language of Instruction:English
Credits: 5
NFQ Level:6
Module Delivered In No Programmes
Teaching & Learning Strategies: Lectures Projects Private study
Module Aim: The aims are: 1. To introduce the language of architecture; begin with a working vocabulary. 2. To research the concept of shelter and early forms of architecture. 3. To examine early societies and their particular architecture/building-types beginning with Egypt, and following with Greece and the Roman Empire. 4. To investigate how structures and buildings can reflect their geographical location, the readily available materials, and the climate of the region. 5. To explore other factors that may influence structure and building-type e.g. religion, and societal structure
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner should be able to:
LO1 be able to record building development from the early shelters for simple gods to carved temples that accommodate mystical rituals, and where the timber origins are still evident.
LO2 be able to identify (i) the components that are critical to the building types within each style of architecture (ii) the function of a building from its form
LO3 recognise the important part materials play in the development of structures and the aesthetic of buildings.
LO4 have an awareness of the theory of proportion.
LO5 To explore other factors such as culture, custom, religious practice, and societal structure that may influence structure and building design.
Pre-requisite learning
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is recommended before enrolment in this module.

No recommendations listed
Incompatible Modules
These are modules which have learning outcomes that are too similar to the learning outcomes of this module.
No incompatible modules listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Requirements
This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is mandatory before enrolment in this module is allowed.
No requirements listed
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
The primitive hut & early shelters
• An exploration of ideas that are expressed in art and architecture in primitive and archaic cultures. • Symbolic references which run through all races, societies, and countries. • Investigation of architectural principles which builders all over the world could follow in order to achieve harmony between nature and culture. • Understanding materiality, the development of architectural forms and construction techniques and their influence on society.
Ancient Egypt
• The geographical location of Egypt and its affect on the evolution of Egyptian architecture; the role religion played • The Nile and its importance; the seasons: cultivation and construction • Available building materials and their affect on structural development • The building types: Mastabas; pyramids; rock-hewn tombs; temples
Greece
• The Minoan and the Greek civilisations • Hellenic architecture and the classical temple; the orders and proportion. • Hellenistic architecture outside Greece • The building types: Temples; theatres; the agora. Building services
Roman Empire
• Etruscan and Roman technology; skills and materials • The geographical spread of the Empire and resulting influences • Innovation and new structures e.g the arch, vault and dome. • Concrete technology (the discovery of pozzolana) and its use in the construction of vast buildings and engineering structures. • Building types Temple; basilica; forum; palace; ostia; theatre; thermae; amphitheatre; circus; aqueducts; viaducts. Services within the thermae and other buildings.
Assessment Breakdown%
Project40.00%
End of Module Formal Examination60.00%
No Continuous Assessment
Project
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Project Term 1.1 Essay. An investigation into early civilisation and early forms of shelter/ architecture. Consider the materiality and construction techniques. 1,2,3,5 10.00 Week 5
Project Term 1.2. Essay on the architecture of Egypt. The influence of religion, customs and technology. 1,2,3,4,5 10.00 Sem 1 End
Project Term 2.1. Essay on the architecture of ancient Greece. The influence of religion, customs and technology on the development of society and architecture. 1,2,3,4,5 10.00 Week 25
Project Term 2.2. Essay on the architecture of the Roman empire. The influence of religion, customs and technology on the development of society and architecture. 1,2,3,4,5 10.00 Sem 2 End
No Practical
End of Module Formal Examination
Assessment Type Assessment Description Outcome addressed % of total Assessment Date
Formal Exam Final Exam. The examination will be formed by a series of questions based on the learning outcomes 1,2,3 & 4. 1,2,3,4,5 60.00 End-of-Semester

SETU Carlow Campus reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture 30 Weeks per Stage 2.00
Estimated Learner Hours 30 Weeks per Stage 3.00
Total Hours 150.00