Examination arrangement

Course content

The subject of the course is architectural design of interventions on existing buildings from the 20th century.The use / function of the building may have changed or have ceased, but the building represents historical, technical and architectural values that justify that it can and should be reused and rebuilt. The course offers an introduction to current theory, methods and practical techniques for surveying, documenting and analyzing existing buildings from the 20th Century with respect to their physical and material properties, technical condition, architectural and cultural value and and potential for upgrading to a new or improved use. The aim is to establish a basis for decision making in planning of interventions in existing buildings. The course serves as a preparation for the design course AAR4553 Transformation.

When choosing the specialization area Transformation within AAR4690 Circular Studio - Materials, AAR4811 - Analysis of Built Structures is a mandatory knowledge topic.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE: Methods for survey and documentation of buildings with analogue and digital tools. Review and quality control of existing drawings. Physical properties of building materials for assessment of technical condition. Assessment of the building's layout and structure as a basis for mapping of possibilities for transformation for new or improved use. Searching for, and use of relevant records and documents in public archives. Basic knowledge of contemporary architectural history and conservation of cultural heritage. SKILLS: Systematic collecting of information in field work on case buildings. Documenting and assessing technical condition on a summary level. Ability to "read" and interpret buildings; their possibilities and limitations. Ability to synthesize large amounts of detailed information into a comprehensive understanding of the prerequisits, qualities and possibilities of a built environment. GENERAL COMPETENCE: A basic understanding of existing buildings as resources in a wide conception of the notion, and ability to identify values and potential qualities for use, as well as limitations. Ability to produce and convey a complex body of information in a concise written form. Cooperation in groups.

Learning methods and activities

The teaching is based on field studies of existing buildings or built environments, where instruction and guidance in the use of various methods is given on site. An exercise in searching for historic records and documents in public archives is included. Throughout the course, lectures and seminars will be given on topical themes and aspects.

The teacher will inform students at the start of the semester if there will be a voluntary excursion. Students who participate in voluntary excursions will be expected to pay an individual sum. Students who choose not to participate in the voluntary excursion will be offered an alternative teaching plan.

The students will work in groups, submitting a group work that will form the basis for examination grades. The work may take the form of a report, an exhibition etc and will be announced at the start of the term. The group work must be submitted both printed and digitally. The students are given the opportunity to present their work and receive feedback from the examiner. Assessment guidelines will be prepared and posted on Blackboard shortly after submission. Compulsory activities: The students are required to participate in the field work, seminars, workshops and group work to be assessed for grading.

Compulsory assignments

• seminar og group work

Further on evaluation

The students will work in groups, submitting a group work that will form the basis for examination grades. The work may take the form of a report, an exhibition etc and will be announced at the start of the term.

The students are required to participate in the field work, seminars, workshops and group work in order to be assessed for final grading.

Postponed exams are usually scheduled for the next regular exam period.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Interest for, but not necessarily experience with, reuse and transformation of existing buildings from the 20th century.

Required previous knowledge

Bachelor in architecture or equivalent. The course is based on a real situation where the students are working with collection of information from various oral and written sources. As most of the information will be in Norwegian, good knowledge in Norwegian / Scandinavian language, both oral and written, is required.

Course materials

Annouced at the start of term.