The History and Theory of Engineering and Architecture (H&T/E&A) in the built environment will be introduced via a series of lectures, combined with seminars and site visits. The H&T/E&A will set out the historical, political, technical, cultural and socio-economic context of architecture and engineering. It will introduce key theoreticians, makers and scientists who have shaped the lives of humankind. Exploring the nature and processes of design, including collaboration and the multidisciplinary nature of design teams in the built environment, the role of the professional institution, and the development of material culture through time. The course emphasises the direct experience of architecture and infrastructure, developed by analysis, background reading, drawing and measurement of both quantifiable and indeterminate entities. H&T/E&A will be focused on London as a proving ground, yet embraces architecture and engineering on a global basis.

The aims of the module are:

 To provide a broad contextual overview of the key historical, theoretical, technical, material, cultural, socio-political and professional ideas in architecture and engineering and their impact on the built environment;

 To enable students to be able to make an informed connection between the disciplines of architecture, structural engineering and environmental design, and to gain basic knowledge of the remit and progression of each perspective;

 To support the learning outcomes outlined below.

On successful completion of the course, each student will have achieved the following learning outcomes:

 Knowledge of key historical and theoretical ideas that underpin the profession and scholastic pursuit of architecture and engineering;

 Develop a critical understanding of building design from the multiple perspectives of the client, architect, structural and environmental engineers;

 Gain understanding of the importance of quality design in the built environment and how the design team works to achieve various goals;

 Understand how to describe and critically evaluate buildings in the form of an illustrated essay;

 Ability to design an illustrated essay at a publishable standard;

 Gain understanding through testing and inquiry of architecture and engineering theory with the guidance of specialists.