This series of seminars is designed to introduce students to philosophical reflections on contemporary architecture, design, and the built environment. Rather than constructing a critique or a theoretical framework for design and architecture, the course aims to address key themes such as ‘function’, ‘virtual experience’, ‘creativity’, ‘sense of place’, ‘ethical attitude’, and ‘postmodern life’ as they pertain to modern architectural and design practices. Philosophy here serves as a lens to illuminate specific issues within design processes, as well as within architectural and environmental experiences. Among the questions we will explore are: What constitutes the essence of design? To what extent can the design object be interpreted as a sign to be deciphered? What does creation mean in the context of design and architecture? How is postmodernity reflected in the built environment? Does architecture always impart a sense of place? Is it significant for contemporary architecture or the built environment to encourage us to become available to the spaces it shapes? Should our architectural experiences embody a sense of authenticity, or ought we to consider the environments in which we live as inherently virtual?

Lectures

1. The Essence of Design (Peter Dormer)

2. Sign and Design (Ferdinand de Saussure)

3. Creation and Function in Design and Architecture (Immanuel Kant)

4. Emptiness and Postmodern Design (built environment)

5. Contemporary Constructions, Place and Ethics (architecture) 

6. Design and Postmodernity (Chris Jenks)

7. The Experience of Virtual Reality (Michael Heim)