COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: HOUSING ISSUES IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
ARCH 526	D	8	3	0	0	3	6

Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Elective
Classroom and Meeting Time:
Course Description:	Course is designed in order to make students familiar with the specific concepts in the design of residential structures of 20 century. The theoretical overview starts from Walter Gropius and German utopian approaches towards mass housing, continues with the concepts of prefabricating, which were character for the post-war America. The concepts of self-built housing and participatory planning represent the popular ideas of the end of 20 century.
Course Objectives:	Course is designed in order to make students familiar with the specific concepts in the design of residential structures of 20 century. The theoretical overview starts from Walter Gropius and German utopian approaches towards mass housing, continues with the concepts of prefabricating, which were character for the post-war America. The concepts of self-built housing and participatory planning represent the popular ideas of the end of 20 century. Within the course the post evaluation of some projects, which supposed to represent the key theories of the 20 century will be studied and the possible concepts for future will be explained.

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	Introduction to the course
2	Case studies selection
3	Modernism, technology and utopian hopes for mass housing
4	Mass housing as single-family dwelling.
5	Participatory planning and design. Initiatives in self-help housing, renovation, and interior decoration
6	Twentieth-century apartment dwelling. Ideals and realities
7	Analysis of case studies
8	Mid-term
9	Analysis of case studies (continue)
10	Discussion on “Principles of Vernacular Design”
11	Discussion on “Shearing Layers”
12	Discussion on “The Uses Of Levels”
13	Review of the draft of paper
14	Final presentation and submission of the final paper

Prerequisite(s):	No
Textbook:	Program for the founding of a general housing-construction company following artistically uniform principles by Walter Gropius The dream of the factory-made house, Walter Gropius and Konrad Wachsmann by Gilbert Herbert Picture window paradise by Curtis Miner Making the modified modern by David Smiley Do it yourself. Home improvement in 20th century America by Carolyn M. Goldstein The aesthetics of social aspiration by Alison J. Clarke High-rise living. What tenants say by J. S. Fuerst Vällingby by David Popenoe How cohousing works. The Trudeslund community by Kathryn McCamant and Charles Durrett, with Ellen Hertzman Residential conversionsby Norbert Schoenauer
Other References:
Laboratory Work:
Computer Usage:	Yes
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Understand the basics of the typologies of the residential buildings and individual dwellings
2	Demonstrate an understanding of factors influencing the spatial and functional organization of dwelling
3	Demonstrate the ability to recognize housing solutions that are well adapted to people's needs
4	Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the quality of the spatial structure of dwelling and to offer an alternative design solutions
5	Understand the tendencies of the spatial development of the residential architecture in Albania

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years) Program
1	Speaking and Writing Skills Ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively	5
2	Critical Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards	5
3	Graphics Skills Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process	2
4	Research Skills Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information in architectural course work	5
5	Formal Ordering Systems Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design
6	Fundamental Design Skills Ability to use basic architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites	3
7	Collaborative Skills Ability to recognize the varied talent found in interdisciplinary design project teams in professional practice and work in collaboration with other students as members of a design team	2
8	International Traditions Understanding of the International architectural canons and traditions in architecture, landscape and urban design, as well as the climatic, technological, culture-economic, and other cultural factors that have shaped and sustained them	3
9	National and Regional Traditions Understanding of national traditions and the local regional heritage in architecture, landscape design and urban design, including the vernacular tradition	3
10	Use of Precedents Ability to incorporate relevant precedents into architecture and urban design projects	2
11	Conservation and Restoration of Historical Districts Knowledge on historical districts and the gain of conservation consciousness documentation of historical buildings and the understanding the techniques which are needed to prepare restoration projects.
12	Human Behavior Understanding of the theories and methods of inquiry that seek to clarify the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment
13	Human Diversity Understanding of the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical ability, and social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals and the implication of this diversity for the societal roles and responsibilities of architects

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Midterm Exam(s)	1	25
Presentation	2	10
Case Study	1	5
Final Exam	1	40
Attendance		10
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	3	48
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	6	96
Mid-terms	1	3	3
Assignments			0
Final examination	1	3	3
Other			0
Total Work Load:			150
Total Work Load/25(h):			6
ECTS Credit of the Course:			6