History of Portuguese Architecture

Instance: 2019/2020 - A

Cycles of Study/Courses

Last updated on 2020-05-19.

Fields changed: Eligibility for exams, Fórmula de cálculo da classificação final

Teaching language

Objectives

The course aims at the acquisition of knowledge of Portuguese architecture, including with reference to architectures from other Iberian, European and Mediterranean spaces (and other parts of the world), so as to understand the encounter of cultures and interpret signs of specificity and identity of Portuguese architecture.

Learning outcomes and competences

The curricular unit integrates a theoretical component (T) and a tutorial component (OT). The component T includes the exposition of matter in theoretical classes and the realization of a Travel Notebook; the tutorial component (OT) contemplates the development of a group work.

In the theoretical component, the outline of the program follows a temporal sequence, in thematic lines considering the organization of the Portuguese territory and space; aspects of the formation of the nation, by opposition and composition; short times with outstanding achievements in experimentation and innovation, and long times that settle culture, architectural forms, modes and languages.

The exercise Travel Sketchbook, which is a form of study in the theoretical component, and the experience of a case study, done under tutorial supervision, point to the development of a capacity of observation and rigor of thought, supported by a focused and consequent study.

Within the tutorial component, the study of a particular case of building and/or urban structure - a less known circumstance, with blended forms difficult to read in stylistic and aesthetic generic terms - comprises three phases: (1) review of bibliography and information about the object of study; (2) research, fieldwork, interpretation and problem identification; (3) final composition of the work integrating data and synthesis of the research.

The pursuit of these works requires autonomy in the development of an appropriate system of observation and identification of the particular study object. The experience of the practical work acts as a 'laboratory' space to experiment ways of seeing and investigating facts and memories kept in built forms. It helps learn to discern problems in the newly built as well as in pre-existent contexts, and to assess the merit of possible solutions.

The knowledge autonomously formed is the source for an assimilated knowledge: the approach to a sense of form and ancient ways of doing leads to the instruction of a critical and consequent judgment, involved in project decisions and in intervention of contemporary architectural design.

The course benefits from a research dynamic driven by questioning and finding by students. The long time invested in group work, developed over two semesters with intermediate instances of review and evaluation, enables the consolidation of the research experience. The dedication to a cause opens the possibility of a new valorization of built forms and urban structures.

Working method

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

The curricular unit is inscribed in the curriculum of the course in continuity with the programs of history of Architecture taught in previous years, whose contents are considered acquired. It is of interest to include some references to Portuguese cities, in line with the work done in this field, in the tutorial component of History of Portuguese Architecture, and also to aspects of the debate on Portuguese architecture in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

Program

1 In the Iberian Peninsula prior to the formation of Portugal
1.1 The culture of the ‘Castros’ in the Iberian NW;
1.2 The Romanization of the Iberian Peninsula. Romanized Portugal;
1.3 Early Christian architecture;
1.4 Architecture in Suevic and Visigothic context (centuries V-VIII, year 711);
1.5 The epoch of Reconquista: Asturian pre-Romanesque (centuries VIII-X); 
1.6 The epoch of Reconquista: Mozarabic architecture (centuries VIII-XI);
1.7 In Iberian Peninsula prior to the formation of Portugal. Themes and questions.

2 Portugal in the Middle Age
2.1 Romanesque architecture (centuries XI-XIII);
2.2 Gothic architecture (centuries XIII-XIV);
2.3 Late-Gothic architecture (centuries XIV-XV).

3 Portugal at the threshold of Modern Age
3.1 Architecture at the time of D. João II and Manueline (Mudéjar);
3.2 Manueline architecture.

4 Portugal in Modern Age
4.1 Manueline, renaissance;
4.2 Renaissance, plain architecture;
4.3 Mannerism, plain style;
4.4 (Architecture in the threshold of) the Baroque (includes cultural encounters, Portuguese architecture in the world);
4.5 Pombaline, pombalism, aspects of the organization of the territory and Portuguese cities.

5 Portugal at the end of the ancient regime
5.1 From Enlightenment to romanticism, classical system and tradition.

Mandatory literature

Teaching methods and learning activities

The course comprises two components: (1) a theoretical part – theoretical lectures and Travel Sketchbook; (2) a part of Tutorial Supervision– theoretic-practical group work.

The two components of the course combine various learning methods. The lectures promote the systematic exposure of contents, intercalated by an overview of themes considered over a long time. The exercise of Travel Sketchbook, with drawings of visited buildings considered in the program, is an experience of studying by travelling, seizing territories and architectural places: the land, materials, landscape, form and space, and light seized by the senses.

The component of Tutorial Supervision aims at the development of group work, as an approach to a theoretical-practical first research experience, in two semesters. The supervision of each work group follows a biweekly rhythm.

Evaluation Type

Assessment Components

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Eligibility for exams

The content of the theoretical part has two evaluation components, referring to the theoretical and theoretic-practical sessions of the tutorial supervision.

1 The theoretical component

The acquisition of knowledge regarding the content of the theoretical part is individually assessed in two written tests. The attainment of a positive classification, in the theoretical part of the course (a classification greater than or equal to 9.5/20 marks) is determined by calculating the applicable formula. The classification obtained in the tests assessing the knowledge regarding the content of the theoretical part can be recovered and improved in an appeal exam. 

The exercise Travel Sketchbook is part of the theoretical course; it was a mandatory component until March 12, 2020. The evaluation decisions made based on the exercise of the travel sketchbook up to that date remain valid. 

With the beginning of the confinement, on March 12, the exercise of the travel sketchbook is no longer possible, so there will be no delivery of the travel sketchbook in the 2nd semester, nor will the travel sketchbook be subject to evaluation and bonus , for the purpose of calculating the final classification of the course.

2 The theoretical-practical component tutorial 

The frequency of the discipline is achieved with a positive classification in the theoretic-practical group work, carried out under tutorial supervision. Throughout the school year there are two moments of evaluation. The final classification of the group work recognizes it as a collaborative space, combining competences and debate.

3 The appeal exam

The appeal exam is held, in classroom situation, at the appropriate time defined for this purpose in the school calendar. It consists of a written test. Access to the appeal exam has as requisite a minimum of 6,5/20 marks obtained in the average of the test 1 and assessment test 2 realized during the academic year.

The mark obtained in the appeal exam replaces the average of the classifications obtained in the test 1 and assessment test 2. The calculation of final classification is processed with the recovery of the classification of the theoretic-practical group work. 

Calculation formula of final grade

1 Formula of the final classification (FC), if the marks of the theoretical component and the theoretic-practical component have a difference less than or equal to 4 marks

FC = 0,5 x [(Test 1 + Assessment Test 2):2 + 0,5 x TP

TP Theoretic-practical group work

2 Formula of the final classification (FC), if the marks of the theoretical component and the theoretic-practical component have a difference more than 4 marks

FC = 0,6 x [(Test 1 + Assessment Test 2):2 + 0,4 x TP

TP Theoretic-practical group work

3 Conditions for applying the formula of final classification

The theoretical and practical group work must be rated >/= 9.5/20;
The average of the Test 1 and Assessment Test 2 must be rated >/= 9.5/20.

In case these conditions are not met in the normal period of evaluation, the positive mark obtained in the theoretic-practical group work will be saved for the calculation of the final grade, in the case of a positive mark obtained in the appeal exam.

Examinations or Special Assignments

-

Internship work/project

-

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

The Special evaluation is conducted in accordance with applicable legislation.

Classification improvement

The grade improvement can be done in the appeal exam, by means of an oral and written exam. The mark obtained in the appeal exam replaces the average of the classifications obtained in both tests. The calculation of final classification is processed with the recovery of the bonus obtained in the Travel Sketchbook and the classification of the theoretic-practical group work.

Observations

Additional information for Students in Mobility In

The contents of the theoretical part are supported mostly by Portuguese bibliography. There are texts published in foreign language, some as part of international exhibition catalogues on Portugal and Portuguese culture. In the case of contents corresponding to point 1 of the Program, concerning the time prior to the formation of Portugal, and the Iberian Peninsula, there is literature in foreign language.

During the school year, extra lectures, corresponding to a synthesis and review of the contents of the theoretical part of the program, can be given in English to foreign students attending the course.
Written tests can be carried out in English, French, Spanish, Italian and German. 

A second language (English) can be used in the tutorial supervision sessions.