ARTH 355 A 2244 (Winter 2025)

ARTH 355/A (Winter 2025): STUDIES IN ARCHITECTURE: "Histories of the (Architectural) Profession"

“Histories of the Architectural Profession” is a history of architecture through the lens of the work of architects, examining themes of professionalisation, architectural firms, and actors in the building industry. We consider various social, economic, cultural, and technological factors that affected the conception and role of the architect. In the course, we explore what it has meant to be an architect in several time periods and regions in the Western world, considering the kinds of work architects do, and with whom – and how these have changed over time. The course especially focuses on the modern period in Europe and North America. Further, this course engages in historiography, where we will consider how scholars have addressed these topics, asking about their approaches, questions, and contexts to inform and develop your course papers.