FAR EASTERN UNIVERSITY

Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts

Bachelor of Science in Architecture Program

Course Code: THEOAR 111

Course Title:

Theory of Architecture 1

Course Prerequisite: None

Course Credit: 3 Units
Course Description:
Design theories with emphasis on perceptual and proximate sensitivities in organizing form and space.
General Course Objectives:
This course will enable the students to acquire sufficient knowledge of the principles of design by relating architecture to the other art forms. It will also
allow them to get acquainted with the broader issues of architectural design processes and assess proxemic requirements of space.
Course Content:
Week

Learning Objectives

Introduction to the course;

class requirements, decorum
and rules

2-3

Introduction to the concept of

architecture. What is

Focal
Points/Topics

To enable the
student to

Competencies

Lecture

Teaching
Strategies

Research, lecture
and class

Revised as of May 2009

Values

Appreciation

Evaluative
Measures

Quizzes

Week

Learning Objectives
architecture? What is its
essence? How is it both
science and art? Definition of
theory. Introduction to
architectural theory.

3-4

5-6

Role of theory in the

development of architecture.
Anthropometrics: as basis of
architectural design. What is
ergonomics? What is visual
acuity and perception?

User requirements; what is

space? Perception of
space/concept of territoriality.
Dimension, scale and
proportion.

Focal
Points/Topics
understand and
develop the concept
of architecture; its
relation to science
and art and its
importance to
humanity.

To allow the student

to understand
concept of theory as
it influence the
development of
architecture. It will
also extend his
knowledge of human
dimensions as basis
for design and
applications.
To understand the
concept of space,
the boundaries
established for users
to allow function in
that space.

Competencies
Research
Class Discussions
Group Reports

Lecture
Research
Class Discussions
Group Reports

Lecture
Research
Class Discussions
Group Reports

Teaching
Strategies
discussions
Recitations
Quizzes
Group reporting
Field trips
Audio-visual
presentations

Research, lecture
and class
discussions
Recitations
Quizzes
Group reporting
Field trips
Audio-visual
presentations

Research, lecture
and class
discussions
Recitations
Quizzes
Group reporting
Field trips
Audio-visual
presentations

Values
Confidence

Evaluative
Measures
Class Participation

Creativity

Reporting

Perceptiveness

Research Papers

Professionalism
Understanding
Appreciation

Quizzes

Confidence

Class Participation

Creativity

Reporting

Perceptiveness

Research Papers

Professionalism
Understanding
Appreciation

Quizzes

Confidence

Class Participation

Creativity

Reporting

Perceptiveness

Research Papers

Professionalism
Understanding

Revised as of May 2009

Week
7-9

Learning Objectives

Focal
Points/Topics

Space articulation and

kinesthetic qualities of space.
Light, color and texture.
Shape form and unity.

10-12

What is Design? How do we

derive design concepts and
develop them? What is the
Design process? What is
creativity and how to develop
it?

13-15

Building materials,
construction methods, and
structures as expression of
architectural design

16-18

Semiotics: Signs and

Symbols; the cultural basis of
architectural design; how does
culture affect space/space
affect culture? Behavioral
basis of design. How does
behavior affect architecture?
How does psychology affect
architecture?

Competencies

Teaching
Strategies

Lecture
Research
Class Discussions
Group Reports

To understand
design principles and
the design process
in architecture

Lecture
Research
Class Discussions
Group Reports

Research, lecture
and class
discussions
Recitations
Quizzes
Group reporting
Field trips
Audio-visual
presentations

Lecture
Research
Class Discussions
Group Reports

To understand how
signs and symbols
serves as expression
in architecture,
identify factors
affecting behavior
and relate the role of
architecture in
forming ones
behavior.

Lecture
Research
Class Discussions
Group Reports

Revised as of May 2009

Research, lecture
and class
discussions
Recitations
Quizzes
Group reporting
Field trips
Audio-visual
presentations

Values
Appreciation
Confidence
Creativity
Perceptiveness
Professionalism
Understanding
Appreciation
Confidence
Creativity
Perceptiveness
Professionalism
Understanding

Appreciation
Confidence
Creativity
Perceptiveness
Professionalism
Understanding
Appreciation
Confidence
Creativity
Perceptiveness
Professionalism
Understanding

Evaluative
Measures
Quizzes
Class Participation
Reporting
Research Papers

Quizzes
Class Participation
Reporting
Research Papers

Quizzes
Class Participation
Reporting
Research Papers

Quizzes
Class Participation
Reporting
Research Papers

References:
Book: Recommended but not required supplementary textbook(s) is/are:
Form, Space and Order by Francis D.K. Ching
The Hidden Dimension; The Silent Language by Edward T. Hall
Online/URL: www.4shared.com
Course Requirements: Reports, quizzes, class participation, research work
Computation of Grades:
The methods of evaluation and the criteria for grade assignment for this course are:
A. Methods
1. Traditional Assessment (e.g. Knowledge test, written report, oral presentation, etc.)
Recitations
Quizzes
Group/Oral presentation
Periodic examinations
2. Performance Assessment (e.g. teaching performance, model plan for client, case study, portfolio, etc.)
B. Grading Scale
Quantitative Subjects/IAS
Subjects
(Service and Professional)
60% Passing
95 100%
90 94%
86 89%

Grade Point System

1.00
1.25
1.50

Descriptive Equivalent

Superior
Very Good
Revised as of May 2009

Quantitative Subjects/IAS
Subjects
(Service and Professional)
82 85%
78 81%
74 77%
70 73%
65 69%
60 64%
Below 60%

Non - Quantitative
75% Passing
95 100%
92 94%
90 91%
88 89%
85 87%
82 84%
80 81%
78 79%
75 77%
Below 75%

Prepared by: Archt. Matilde S. Pineda

Grade Point System

Descriptive Equivalent

1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
5.00

Good
Fair
Barely Satisfactory
Failure

Grade Point System

Descriptive Equivalent

1.00
1.25
1.50
1.75
2.00
2.25
2.50
2.75
3.00
5.00

Superior
Very Good
Good
Fair
Barely Satisfactory
Failure

(Original document signed)

Reviewed by: Curriculum Committee

Noted by: Dean Lorelei DC De Viana
Revised as of May 2009