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CODE 106509
ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026
CREDITS
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR ICAR/17
LANGUAGE English
TEACHING LOCATION
  • GENOVA
SEMESTER 1° Semester
MODULES Questo insegnamento è un modulo di:

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is the analysis and typological study implemented through drawing, understood here as useful tools to understand the city in its historical evolution and the logic of urban phenomena.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to analyze and study urban typologies through drawing, understood as a useful tool for understanding the city in its historical evolution and the logic of urban phenomena.

Students will undertake a theoretical and practical path aimed at understanding the concepts of urban morphology and typological analysis. They will be able to interpret urban settlements and architectures according to these principles in order to carry out a conscious design process. The tools provided by the course are not merely notions, but—through group work, practical exercises, and interdisciplinary contributions—constitute a set of knowledge and experiences that are fundamental in the contemporary international architectural landscape.

Furthermore, the course aims to develop transversal skills by encouraging creativity, critical reflection on learning methods, and the ability to manage social interactions in group work.

TEACHING METHODS

The course consists of lectures, participatory lessons, site visits, and graphic exercises.

Active engagement is required in a teaching approach that fosters the development of transversal skills outlined in the learning objectives. This approach involves group work, peer discussion, and feedback exchange.

Optional activities are planned, aimed at producing a personal project that synthesizes what has been learned during the course.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

FIRST PART: The history of Genoese architecture as a case study aimed at reading the urban fabric in relation to territory and society.

  • The city in terms of territorial variables. Urban morphology and building typology as the organization of space, time, communication, and meaning
  • The city in terms of social and cultural variables. Subjective urban morphology and the perceived environment
  • Architecture and urban space in Genoa (1st part). The ancient layout and medieval development
  • Architecture and urban space in Genoa (2nd part). New building types for a modern society
  • Architecture and urban space in Genoa (3rd part). The vibrant 20th century
  • Typological analysis

SECOND PART: Layout, presentation, and communication of the architectural project

  • The visual communication of the project
  • The project, the designer, and the observer. A neuroscientific approach

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, Murray Silverstein (1978), A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction. OUP, USA.

Salat Serge, (2011), Cities and Forms: On Sustainable Urbanism. Hermann.

Richard Sennett, (2018), BUILDING AND DWELLING ETHICS FO THE CITY. PENGUIN UK.

Kevin Lynch, (1960). The image of the city. MIT Press

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Classes will begin in October, according to the UNIGE schedule.

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The final exam consists of submitting the assignments required during the course and an oral examination.

The oral examination will take place at the same time as that of Architecture Studio 1 and involves a discussion of the design work and specific assignments required in the Typological Analysis course.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The final evaluation takes into account:

  • participation in lectures and course activities

  • submissions and reviews

  • average assessment of exercises

  • evaluation of the two assignments

  • evaluation of the oral discussion

  • relational skills and attitude towards teamwork

  • presentation of the work

The ability to develop an effective graphic language consistent with the cultural premises of the project will also be evaluated.

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals

Agenda 2030 - Sustainable Development Goals
Quality education
Quality education
Reduce inequality
Reduce inequality