German 697G: Architectural Aesthetics

Building Beauty: German Architectural Aesthetics in Context

How do we perceive a building? What makes a building beautiful? Is beauty important when building? And if we do have a notion of beauty with respect to architecture, how is it represented and transformed by literature and art? This course will focus on modern and postmodern German architectural aesthetics beginning with Goethe's essays on architecture from the late 18th century. Architectural theories of the body and ornament, the role of visuality and power will be explored in texts by authors such as Vischer, Benjamin, Adorno, Loos, and Leach and will form the core of the course readings. Theory will be paired with architects and architectural movements and/or a literary representation of architecture.

All readings are available in English and German. Conducted in English. Thursdays 2.30-5

Instructor: Dr. Sarah McGaughey
Email: smcgaughey@german.umass.edu