Scope of teaching

The Department of Theory, Architectural Design and History of Architecture (RAr3) delivers teaching aimed at building strong foundations for the architect’s professional skillset: understanding the history and theory of architecture, designing consciously within a cultural context, and critically analysing space. The courses combine a humanities-based and analytical perspective with design practice, enabling students to translate knowledge about the evolution of forms, ideas and technologies into well-grounded design decisions.

Theory and history as tools for design

Through the curriculum, students develop competencies in the history of architecture and urbanism, architectural theory, and methods for interpreting and evaluating buildings and spatial ensembles. The Department places emphasis on working with primary and secondary sources (literature, iconography, archives), reading and analysing context (place, time, style, social conditions), and formulating coherent arguments—skills that are essential both in design practice and in academic research.

Design studios and contextual thinking

Teaching also includes a design component: classes and studios in which students learn to conduct the design process from diagnosis and analysis, through concept development, to the justification of proposed solutions. Particular emphasis is placed on responsible design: respect for heritage, the ability to introduce interventions within existing fabric, and the conscious shaping of relationships between function, form and the user.

Contemporary methods, professional practice and academic skills

Depending on the subject area, the Department also develops competencies related to contemporary working methods: documenting and analysing buildings (including digital tools), architectural criticism, and the preparation of written reports and presentations. An important element of the teaching is support for students in seminar and diploma work—from selecting a topic and methods, through structuring the argument, to ensuring academic correctness and effective communication of results.