Newcastle University

European Architecture and Landscape

• Programme runs: Monday 19 July to Sunday 8 August 2010
• Facilitated by the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape

Programme Outline

Are you interested in studying the history of English and European architecture in the splendid location of the North East of England, with its rich industrial heritage, romantic scenery and matchless array of historic and modern buildings? If so, then we believe you will find this course interesting and rewarding.

Many of the North East’s major buildings, like Durham Cathedral, Bamburgh Castle, Newcastle Moot Hall and The Sage Gateshead, for instance, provide excellent representative examples of major European architectural styles and in our studies we will draw on these to the full via fieldtrips and guided tours.

At the same time, architecture in continental Europe will be far from neglected, with thorough coverage being given thanks to the use of extensively illustrated lectures and discussion seminars. Another theme we consistently examine is the relevance to urban development of the western planning tradition.

Thus, drawing on research and examples from many countries, this course aims to give you an understanding of European architecture from the Middle Ages to the present day. It explores the major architectural movements (with additional reference to relevant examples of painting, sculpture and design where appropriate) and addresses issues of style, patronage, and national identity. Course notes and booklists will be provided.

The course introduces students to:

• Romanesque and Gothic in Europe;
• The Renaissance in Italy and elsewhere;
• Mannerism, Baroque and Rococo;
• Georgian Style;
• Architecture in Central and Eastern Europe;
• Local Traditions in Architecture;
• The Nineteenth Century: Historicism, Eclecticism and the ‘Functional Tradition’;
• The Arts and Crafts Movement, Art Nouveau and National Romanticism;
• The Modern Movement in Europe;
• Contemporary Architectural Trends.

Methods of teaching and assessment
The course is delivered through a mixture of illustrated lectures (illustrations utilise both colour slides and PowerPoint presentations), discussions, visits and self-directed study leading to student seminars on topics from countries of your choice.

Assessment is through illustrated presentations and/or written assignment.

Pre-requisite knowledge
This module is suitable for all those with an interest in architecture and planning, and more specifically for students studying art and design, art history, town planning, urban design, architecture, landscape architecture, and other subjects related to the built environment, as well as historical subjects generally. However, it demands no formal prior knowledge of the subject.

Facilitated by the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape