11282 Advanced Building Systems

This elective explores the systems and component aspects of architecture, and examines how industrialisation, materials and assembly lines have influenced the building professions and materials used in 19th- and 20th-century architecture. The subject examines how the development of new building types during and after the industrial revolution also influenced the evolution of various architectural theories.

The subject specifically focuses on the architecture of Paxton's crystal palace, the case study houses, Buckminster Fuller, Team 4, as well as recent projects designed by Foster, Rogers, Piano, Murcutt and the like. There is also an investigation into the way in which the standardisation of components has impacted upon the production of everyday items like bicycles, the Citroën 2cv and yachts. At the end of the semester, students will be able to produce detailed, analytical, three-dimensional drawings of a selected contemporary building.

Typical availability

Spring semester, City campus