Architecture in History and Theory

Overview

Key facts

Although general faculty interests are in nineteenth and twentieth century architecture, the program is broadly conceived to encompass the architectural, cultural and political forces that have shaped the continuing discourse of modernity in architecture, including all of its contemporary manifestations.

Particular areas of faculty research include the many forms of modernity in architecture and urbanism in the traditional theatres of the West as well as the rest of the world. Subsets of these interests are: modern architecture and the decorative arts; the history and theory of preservation; architectural representation; the arts and crafts movement; and vernacular and domestic architecture. Faculty expertise also includes issues in regional and global modernity— an area of research that addresses the current demand to re-conceptualize the local-global duality and ensuing conversations of dialectical identity. Modernity in architecture is studied in both micro and macro environments. Examples of specific locations of interest include Pacific Northwest regionalism as well as colonial and postcolonial architecture in South Asia, Japan, Africa and the Middle East.

The Architecture in History and Theory program from University of Washington faculty share a dedication to providing a rigorous curriculum of historical and critical inquiry. During the first year, the students will take a core curriculum of three required classes that are intended to build their research skills and prepare them to do an advanced research project on a topic of their choice. The students will also take a variety of seminars in order to strengthen their background and refine their skills in research, historical interpretation and critical analysis. Throughout this process students work with their advisors to select the courses and seminars that best suit their research interests and to prepare a clear and focused thesis topic.