Critical Project Analysis & Contextual Argumentation
Course: History of Architecture III
Universidad San Francisco
Date: assigned to each group
Objective
Guide students in preparing an analytical presentation of a key architectural project,
using historical-critical methods to develop a strong argument about its significance in
relation to its time, context, and architectural discourse.
Learning Outcomes
- Situate an architectural work within its socio-political, technological, and cultural
context.
- Formulate a clear thesis or argument about the project’s role, intentions, and impact.
- Support their argument using architectural theory, historical sources, and visual
analysis.
- Present their findings in a structured, academic format with clarity and critical insight.
Assignment Instructions
Each pair of students will work on a modern or contemporary architectural project
(20th–21st century), assigned by the instructor from a curated list. The presentation has
a free format, it could include drawings, videos, interactive qualities, etc. It should be
presented in class digitally and in its corresponding folder on the D2L platform.
Formulate a Critical Argument
Write a 1–2 sentence thesis that takes a position on the project related to its context,
time, architectural position or impact. It should be supported by arguments, drawings,
images, and diagrams throughout the presentation.
Presentation Structure (15 mins)
- Introduction
- Context
- Project Analysis
- Critical Reflection
- Conclusion
Research
- Historical Context
- Architectural Discourse and Influences
- The Architect’s Position, Critical view / Theory behind the architectural concept
- Architectural analysis: context, geometry, form, function, structure
