Domestic Space

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/L_AABAMKD221

Course Objective

After completing this course successfully, students should be able to: 1. Problematise the complex and culturally layered phenomenon of dwelling in relation to architecture, (interior) design, ritual, usage and custom; 2. Understand the culture of ‘home’ and dwelling within design historical developments and in socio-cultural and historical contexts; 3. Read plans, elevations, sections, etc.; 4. Reproduce in writing the most important interpretations and definitions within the study of domestic space and related concepts, by studying and synthesizing relevant academic literature. The student acquires knowledge and insight into dwelling as a cultural practice and domestic space as a layered form of cultural expression and how these are defined in various contexts. The student develops the ability to understand domestic space as an ambiguous concept and studies to be able to place it within a historical as well as a contemporary setting.

Course Content

The way in which people live is prominent in today’s popular media. From celebrities profiles in Architectural Digest, to Instagram: ‘home’, domestic spaces, interior design and dwelling are instantly connected to the development of a particular lifestyle and to personal choices made within current trends. However, dwelling is much more than the popular media would suggest. It is a complex and layered activity of cultural significance. This course highlights several components of the study of the domestic, dwelling and housing culture, such as domestic and interior architecture, concepts of ‘home’ and dwelling, policy versus practices, the impact of changing technology and the concept of domesticity. Throughout the course these components are connected to the choices that designers and residents make or made in the designing, building and furnishing of their homes. The course pays attention to both contemporary and historical interpretations of domestic space.

Teaching Methods

Lectures, seminars, practical and excursions. The lectures of this course are offered in English. Students following the Dutch (i.e. bilingual) track can submit all written assignments in either English or Dutch. Exceptions are multiple-choice tests, assignments with peer reviewers across language tracks, and group assignments (across language tracks)

Method of Assessment

Matching of assignments and course objective: All learning goals will be addressed during the weekly meetings and will be practiced through practical and written exercises and a smaller midterm assignment (assignment 2), a substantial paper (assignment 1), and a written exam (assignment 3) at the end. Assignments 1 and 3 will be graded, assignment 2 only has to be completed (graded as pass/fail). In order for the final grade to be published, assignment 2 has to be graded with a ‘pass.' Assignments 1 and 3 each count for 50% of the final grade, but to pass the course they both need to have been graded with at least 5.5 (sufficient). Connection between learning objectives and assessment: Learning objective 1 and 4: assignment 1 (paper) Learning objective 1-4: assignment 2 Learning objectives 2 and 3: assignment 3 (exam)

Literature

Digital reader provided by your tutor in advance.

Target Audience

This course is compulsory for all BA MKDA students in their second year who chose Design or Architecture as their specialization. It is open as an elective to other MKDA students.

Custom Course Registration

For exchange approval of the coordinator is requested to be admitted to the course.

Additional Information

For attendance rules, see Teaching and Examination Regulations. Students should be aware that regular attendance is necessary to pass the course.

Entry Requirements

See the Onderwijs
- en Examenregeling (OER), c.q. Teaching and ExamRegulations (TER) for MKDA.