Venice Biennale: Contemporary Architectural Issues since 1980

The Venice Biennale 12th International Architecture Exhibition will serve as inspiration and structure for a course that addresses contemporary issues in architecture.  Part history, part theory, the course will engage the debate generated by the exhibition.  Since its inception in 1980, the Biennale has provided a forum to address major architectural themes.  Under the direction of such noted figures as Paolo Portoghesi, Massimiliano Fuksas and Kurt Forster, the exhibition has taken on issues ranging from postmodernism to the contemporary city and new technologies. Specific themes and topics presented at this year¹s Biennale will serve as a source of inquiry and in class discussion.  As determined by this year¹s Director, 2010 Pritzer Prize Winner, Kazuyo Sejima, the theme of this year¹s Biennale is ³People Meet in Architecture.²

Primary course objectives include: 1) To become knowledgeable about the Venice Biennale Architecture Exhibition, its history and themes as well as the 2010 exhibition; 2) To understand how the ideas presented at the Biennale fit within the context of architectural thought / debate; 3) To acquire in-depth knowledge about a specific topic presented at this year¹s
Biennale.  The course will include a required trip to Venice to attend the Biennale over mid-semester break (there will be an additional cost of $1750.00 per student to enroll in this course, covering travel, housing, and admission.  Food expenses will be  additional).  The class will consist of weekly discussions presented in seminar format. Work for the course involves weekly readings,  an in class presentation / discussion and a research / analysis project.

The course is open to 4th and 5th year students and 3rd years with special permission of the Head.