ARCH 8311 Architectural Theory Assessment

Research Project title

The project title is not the research question. It can be short, catchy – but equally serious, something that represents your project well. The subtitle can be more descriptive.

Abstract 

The abstract should contain c. 200 words. Abstracts usually do not contain quotes or footnotes. There are four items in a good abstract (but do not subdivide the abstract into subheadings).

Background: introduction why this project is relevant.

Question or aim: What are you asking about and are trying to achieve?

What do we know ? What is the state of knowledge in the field?

How ? How is the project addressing the question? What techniques, methods or theories may you apply?

Background: introduction why this project is relevant

This section introduces to the reader the reason why the project is necessary or desirable.

Describe the context which has generated the research question. You can give a short précis of the historical development of the field, of the political or social context etc. – in short, introduce the field to the reader so that they know what the project will deal with.

Research question

This is a very short section , but an essential one.

Formulate a research question that asks not a yes/no-question but a “how” or “what” question. The question should be as short as possible. It should be an “enabling question” – one that enables you to start researching and designing your architectural response.

Aims and objectives 

Formulate what the project is aiming to achieve architecturally, through which objectives.

This section: c. 500 words

Key theory topics and arguments in the field of research (literature)

This section is a guide for the reader to understand, what the current positions or arguments in the field of research are, what the latest insights or discoveries in the field and possibly the gaps for further research are.

Key precedents – and reasons for including them 

You will identify relevant precedents and highlight specific qualities useful for your intended project.

Placing of project and the role of the site 

Identify the intended site for the project, and/or define what characteristics the site needs to fulfil.

Methods and approaches to literature and design research 

Identify approaches to research and design. What methods, theories or concepts do you intend to use as a starting point? What will the design be driven by? Is it topography, typology, tectonics, is it a concept, is it a method of thinking, of analysis?

This section is not meant to write down: “writing, drawing, modelling”. We all do this in design. But what is the specific approach to this project that distinguishes it from others?

If you do not yet know the precise site or architectural typology you wish to work with, describe the qualities that they need to have.

Assignment 1 consists of two parts: discussion and essay.

First part of the Assignment 1 – Discussion with Argumentative Poster Presentation

You will be invited to respond to one of the four architectural theory debates presented during the class sessions. Each of the four debates investigates a particular dialectic topic in architectural theory. You will be provided with a dialectic set of readings for each of the four debates, so that you can follow where architectural theory originated, how it has transformed, and evolved. They will cover a broad span of architectural history, and will include primarily architectural treatises written by significant historical architects, such as Alberti and Palladio, who established basic theoretical propositions and made them evident in their built works; some texts by 20 ^th and 21 ^st century authors whose writings on the same propositions were critical will also be included. You will become aware of significant questions that still have relevance to our discipline today. Te Ao Māori will be part of our work.

Your task in the discussion will be to analyse, synthesise, and self-reflect on the arguments and counter- arguments (different attitudes of proponents and opponents) made in the texts provided for each of the debates (pay attention to the contradictions and inconsistencies in theoretical views you read).

For that purpose, prepare one A3 poster to be your ‘visual reminder’ for the verbal discussion; include only the most important information from the texts, key words, key notions and ideas, key arguments and counter-arguments, and their relations; you can also include images of buildings that, according to your opinion, illustrate those ideas.

The discussion part of the assignment will be incorporated in the essay assessment; the poster presentation in Week 6 of Semester 2 will help you in finalising your essay.

The first part of the Assignment 1 submission is always organised as a Discussion session in Week 6 of Semester 2. During the mid-semester break, 'Essay Meetings' (tutorials) are organised. In 2025, these meetings will be online. Numerous books that the students need for the essays are accessible in our library space at 180 – Te Puna Building, and we will consult them together on the spot during the semester. Essay Meetings will be organised with a schedule that follows debate topics, so that the students can discuss their different/similar findings further. The students will share their notes (discussion poster - developed, essay structure with main subheadings/keywords, list of references - relevant bibliography) so that we can confirm together that they are making good progress with the assignment.

Second part of the Assignment 1 – Essay 

The essay should be developed from your discussion, comprising approx. 3000 words. It should dominantly concentrate on arguments used in the debate. You will be expected to present, evaluate and critically analyse the statements of the proponents and opponents of the theoretical debate you choose.

The contradictions and inconsistencies in theoretical views that you paid attention to in your discussion should be developed further in your essay. Evaluate their impact, and concentrate on the wider theoretical perspective. Finally, analyse what you consider to be theoretical weaknesses in the views of proponents and opponents, and show their contradictions and inconsistencies.

While working on the essay, you may try to historically contextualise the texts provided for you: how many years, decades, centuries separate the texts and what can we learn from that? What happened in the meantime? Make sure to reflect on relevance of selected texts, debate topics, and theoretical positions for the architectural practice today. Connect architectural theory and architectural practice.

Over and above the texts provided, you will be expected to undertake your own research and find other relevant sources. It is important to show that you have the ability to find sources and use library resources, such as JSTOR. It is also very important to show that you have the ability to develop your own argument and your own perspective on the topic.

Brief Summary of Assessment Requirements

The assessment is a Research Project and Essay in architectural theory, consisting of two parts: a discussion with a poster presentation and a subsequent essay of approximately 3,000 words. It covers research, critical evaluation, and theoretical analysis of architectural debates, including historical and contemporary perspectives, with attention to Te Ao Māori viewpoints.

Key pointers to be covered include:

• Research Project Components:

  • Title and subtitle that capture the essence of the project

  • Abstract (~200 words) summarising background, research question, current knowledge, and approach

  • Background: explaining relevance and context

  • Research question: concise “how” or “what” enabling question

  • Aims and objectives (~500 words) detailing architectural goals

  • Key theory topics, arguments, and literature review

  • Key precedents and their relevance to the project

  • Placing of the project and role of the site

  • Methods and approaches to literature and design research

• Discussion and Poster Presentation:

  • Respond to one of four architectural theory debates

  • Analyse, synthesise, and self-reflect on arguments and counter-arguments

  • Prepare an A3 poster summarising key ideas, keywords, and illustrative images

  • Poster aids in discussion and forms basis for the essay

• Essay (~3,000 words):

  • Develop arguments from the discussion

  • Critically analyse proponents’ and opponents’ statements

  • Explore contradictions, inconsistencies, and theoretical weaknesses

  • Contextualise historically and evaluate relevance for contemporary architectural practice

  • Conduct independent research beyond provided texts

Step-by-Step Approach Guided by the Academic Mentor

Step 1: Understanding the Assessment Brief

The mentor first ensured the student clearly understood the assessment structure, objectives, and expectations, highlighting:

• Importance of a strong, concise project title and descriptive subtitle

• The abstract as a summary tool with four key elements

• The distinction between discussion/poster and essay development

This step helped the student plan their research and workflow effectively.

Step 2: Developing the Research Project

The mentor guided the student to:

• Craft a relevant and enabling research question that allows for exploration rather than a yes/no answer

• Define aims and objectives to clarify the architectural goals of the project

• Conduct background research on historical, social, and political context to justify the project’s relevance

• Identify key literature, debates, and precedents, highlighting gaps and potential contributions

This stage trained the student in contextualising their project and situating it within existing theoretical discourse.

Step 3: Preparing the Discussion and Poster

The mentor assisted the student in:

• Selecting a debate topic aligned with their interests and research question

• Analysing provided texts to identify key arguments and counter-arguments

• Synthesising information into a concise A3 poster, including keywords, critical points, and relevant imagery

• Practicing verbal discussion to articulate understanding and reflections

This step helped the student critically engage with theory and visually summarise complex ideas.

Step 4: Developing the Essay

The mentor guided the student through:

• Expanding insights from the poster discussion into a structured essay

• Critically analysing contradictions and inconsistencies in theoretical positions

• Incorporating historical context and tracing evolution of ideas

• Conducting additional research using JSTOR and library resources to support arguments

• Linking theoretical analysis to practical architectural considerations

This ensured the essay demonstrated independent thought, critical reasoning, and academic rigour.

Step 5: Final Review and Refinement

The mentor emphasized:

• Logical structure and coherence of the essay

• Consistency in referencing and citation of sources

• Alignment with word limits and academic standards

• Clear articulation of student’s own perspective and argumentation

This step ensured that the final submission met assessment expectations and reflected high-quality academic work.

Outcome Achieved

By following this structured approach:

• The student produced a research project and essay aligned with assessment requirements

• The poster and discussion helped synthesise ideas and prepare for essay development

• The essay demonstrated critical analysis, theoretical understanding, and independent research

• Arguments were clearly linked to both historical context and contemporary architectural practice

Learning Objectives Covered

The assessment process addressed:

1. Development of a research question and project rationale

2. Critical engagement with architectural theory and debates

3. Ability to synthesise, analyse, and evaluate multiple sources

4. Skills in academic writing, structuring, and referencing

5. Linking theory to architectural practice, considering both historical and contemporary perspectives

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