Architecture

The city of Paris is a constantly evolving structure, shaped by 2,000 years of history. Its urban layout and buildings reflect and stand on a substrate resulting from a balance between political, religious, social, demographic, heritage, and environmental aspects. This course provides an understanding of the city and its architecture during key periods through the analysis of notable buildings and neighborhoods. More specifically, it investigates constructions composed over a long period of time (on the scale of a building or site where different architectural styles coexist). Structures, materials, aesthetics, and ornamentation: the art of building reflects technical skill and thinking of an era. Thus, it is proposed to study this question of palimpsest architecture through a historical, cultural, and stylistic approach, through the transmission of essential urban and architectural vocabulary, as well as through bibliographical references. Furthermore, by focusing on strategic points in the city, this study connects to the history of architectural history and urban history, as well as themes that, beyond Paris, are linked to French and European history. Theoretical instruction is supplemented by field trips where students train their observation skills, making sketches that help them memorize and become familiar with architectures from ancient times to the present day.
 

This course provides a deeper understanding of the integrated project organization and execution models with a focus on integrated project delivery methods like partnering, IPD, or Alliancing. Students learn how the tools and techniques provided enrich options to consult clients and to set up planning and constructions projects in a more efficient and suitable way. The course is a blend of theoretical basic information combined with the application in specific case study situations. Students examine how an increasing complexity of building projects requires new skill sets and a deeper understanding of the relationships of the project participants on various levels in the construction industry. Topics include the traditional contractual project execution models like design and built or design-bid-built suffer on various levels in terms of time, cost, and quality (user requirements and satisfaction) for large scale and complex construction projects and how integrated project organization and execution models have become more prominent in Germany in recent years.