Florida International University
Architecture and the Performing Arts
ARC 3380 & 5381
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:30-10:45, PCA 150
Professor Gray Read, readg@fiu.edu (Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-4, PCA376)
Website: http://www.fiu.edu/~readg
A scene, whether in real life or on the stage, involves
people, place, and a story. Most dramas
focus on the relationship of people (characters) and a story with less emphasis
on articulating a place. This
third element, architecture, is ready for creative innovation.
Description of Course: This seminar will consider the role of
architecture performance - ranging from staged plays to the informal actions of
the city. We will define
architecture as a performing art, and will look at traditions of set and
theatre design in relationship to architecture and urbanism. Using theatrical space as a guide, we
will observe the performance of existing urban spaces as sets for social
events. The course will draw on
faculty in the Theatre Department for discussions of how space affects action.
Course Purpose: This
seminar draws on historical research, direct observation and experimentation to
explore human behavior in relation to architectural design. It also examines design traditions that
have addressed human behavior by engaging the other arts. The course is designed for students of
architecture, landscape architecture and interiors, and draws on faculty from
the Department of Theatre.
Goals: Students will develop hypotheses based on research then test
them by direct observation or experimentation. They will also develop writing and graphic documentation
skills.
Structure of Course: Seminar discussion. Students will discuss readings, present research and participate in experimental group projects. Required readings must be completed for each class, the quality of discussion depends on participation.
Graduate students are required to read additional texts
listed as ÒgradÓ in schedule
Text: Readings are downloadable on course website. Several of the texts are based on my
own research. They give structure
to the course.
In-Class Presentations: Each student will present their research on
a topic and will lead the class in discussion.
Quizzes: Some classes will center on discussion questions. Students will discuss, then write their
answers to be handed in.
Projects : Each
student will develop a question based on the topics of the course and a set of
experimental or observational techniques to answer the question. They will do the project and do a
presentation on the results that will be handed in as a term project. Assignments over the term will lead
students through the process of research, experimentation, analysis, and
presentation. The group will also
devise a performance that demonstrates some of the ideas developed in the
course.
Absences: University policy states if you have three absences, you
fail the course
Tips:
Keep up. Do the
reading, Do the reading, Do the reading
Take notes. Keep a
dedicated notebook for this course.
Take notes on both the reading and discussion. Sketches help.
Come to lectures; You
are required to attend all departmental lectures.
Grading Scheme: Class Participation/Quizzes 40
Presentations 20
Term Project 40
Total 100 points
Schedule
January 11: Occupation, Inhabitation, and Appropriation: Urban spaces
January 13:
In-class exercise
Reading: Richard Sennett, excerpt from The Conscience of the Eye: The design and social life of cities, Faber and Faber (1991)
Grad:
Tschumi, ÒSpaces and EventsÓ
January 18: Bring in powerpoint slide
January
20: Five types of
urban event
Reading: Read, Introduction to Quintessential theatre
Grad: Tschumi,
ÒSequencesÓ
Assignment:
January 25: Creative research through experimentation
Reading: Each group read the chapter that
pertains to their topic
Chapter 1: Choral Theatre: Sacred Space (ask and I will email it to you)
Chapter 2: Theatre of Public Space
Chapter 3: Theatre of the Book: Display and Commentary (ask and I will email it to you)
Chapter 4: Chamber Theatre: Media Space, alone together (ask and I will email it to you)
Chapter 5: University Theatre: Civic Space (ask and I will email it to you)
Conclusion (ask and I will email it to you
January 27: Discussion
February 1: Discussion of projects
February 3: In-class exercise
Due Research Proposal (2 pages) and
Bibliography (1 page)
February 8: Edward Gordon Craig: Modern Theatre: Experimental Theatres of Art and Action: the streets of Paris
Reading:
February 10: In-Class Exercise
February 15: Art, Display and Discussion
Reading: Ann Bogart, The Viewpoints
February 17: No class
February 22: Architecture turns the trick
Reading: Bernard Tschumi, ÒEvents, The Turning PointÓ
ÒTschumi, ÒViolence of ArchitectureÓ
February 24: Discussion
March 1: Discussion: Lessons from Paris
March 3: Film: Alfred Hitchcock, ÒVertigoÓ (I will be out of town) email sketches from film.
(March 4 Last day to drop with DR grade)
March 8: Viewpoints Exercise - Michael Yawney
March 10: Discussion
March 15: Spring Break, Enjoy
March 17: Spring Break, Enjoy
March 21: Student Presentations
March 23: Student Presentations
March 29:
Happenings and the Appropriation of Space
Reading: Michael Kirby, Happenings
March 31: Discussion
Due: Paper
April 5: Domestic Drama and the Doll's House: Adolf Loos
Reading: excerpt from: Beatrix Colomina, Òthe
Split Wall and Domestic VoyeurismÓ In Sexuality and Space (Princeton Architectural
Press, 1996)
April 7: Discussion
April 12: The Event: Tschumi, Koolhaas,
April 14: Review
April 19: Jury Week,
No Class
April 21
April 26: Exam week
May 4: Grades Due