Module manager: Dr. May Newisar
Email: M.Newisar@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
The standard qualifications (or equivalent) set by the School of Civil Engineering for entry to any of its JBM accredited UG programmes.
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intersections between architecture, engineering, and art, while contextualising these disciplines within their cultural, societal, and technological frameworks. By examining both historical and contemporary examples, students will explore how architecture reflects and shapes societal values, responds to technological innovations, and fosters human interaction. This module not only equips students with the historical and theoretical knowledge necessary for understanding architectural evolution but also encourages the development of transferable skills such as research, critical analysis, and effective communication. By the end of the module, students will have gained the intellectual foundation to critically assess the relationship between architecture, society, and technology and to apply these insights to contemporary challenges in the built environment.
Students will gain insight into the relevance of cultural influence on building design and architectural design. An understanding of the influence that fine art and technology have on the development of architectural form and practice will give students a better awareness of cultural issues in design applications.
On successful completion of the module, students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject (contributing to the AHEP4 outcomes in brackets and ARB competences in square brackets):
1- How diverse global, cultural, social, technological, economic factors and building technology influence aspects of architecture and urban design [CK1 part]
2- Locate and evaluate evidence that may be incomplete or contradictory, critically evaluating the quality of knowledge sources, making judgements and drawing appropriate conclusions that can inform architectural practice [RE5 part]
3- Develop awareness of an inclusive approach to engineering practice and recognise the responsibilities, benefits and importance of supporting equality, diversity and inclusion (M11)
4- Communicate effectively on complex engineering matters with technical and non-technical audiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the methods used (M17)
Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:
a- Critically evaluate the interplay between architecture, engineering, and art to assess their collective impact on cultural, societal, and technological contexts.
b- Apply systematic methods to analyse and interpret historical and contemporary architectural case studies, drawing meaningful conclusions for practice.
c- Frame complex architectural and urban challenges by integrating global, cultural, and technological perspectives.
d- Communicate complex architectural concepts effectively through written reports, oral presentations, and visual mediums tailored to diverse audiences.
e- Collaborate in team settings to critically analyse and present nuanced perspectives on architectural history and theory, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue
Architecture, Engineering, and Society: Historical and Modern Perspectives.
- Architecture and Milieu: The Dynamic Interaction Between Buildings, Environment, and Technology.
- Art Movements and Architecture: From Arts and Crafts to Pop Art.
- Modernism and Architecture: Politics, Society, and Technology in the 20th Century.
- Architecture as Ideology: Soviet Constructivism and the Political Role of Buildings.
- Post-War Architecture: Rebuilding Society through Innovation and Modernity.
- Utopian Architecture and the City of Tomorrow
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 11 | 2 | 22 |
| Seminar | 8 | 2 | 16 |
| Private study hours | 62 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 38 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Seminar discussions(s) on examination-style questions at 2 stages within the semester.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Take home coursework | 80 |
| Essay | Investigative paper based on lecture content | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
100% take home coursework, resubmission to the original brief
The reading list is available from the Library website
Last updated: 30/04/2025
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team