University Textbooks; Research and Writting

University Textbooks; Research and Writting

From Reading to Teaching Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Book "Introduction to Contemporary Architecture" in Rereading and Teaching the Developments and Experiences of Contemporary Architecture

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Seyed Ali Seyedian 1
Sara Motevalli 2
1 Associate Professor, Department of Architecture, Faculty of Art and Architecture, University of Mazandaran, Mazandaran, Iran .
2 PhD Candidate of Architecture, College of Fine Arts, University of Tehran,Tehran.Iran.,
10.30487/rwab.2025.2031355.1616
Abstract
In the architectural education process, one of the key subjects is understanding the historical evolution of different styles. By examining the contexts of their emergence, the interaction of architects with philosophical-intellectual foundations, and their manifestation in the landmark projects of each period, a comprehensive analysis can be conducted. The significance of this topic is such that it has been established as a core course in undergraduate architecture programs. Therefore, this article aims to critically analyze the textbook "Introduction to Contemporary Architecture" published by Payam-e Noor University, as a university-level educational resource for this course. This analysis employs descriptive-analytical methods and utilizes formal and content criticism criteria to assess the book's structure and content alignment with the official syllabus approved by the Ministry of Science. In this regard, the breadth of the subject matter and the richness of the book's content are compared with four other highly cited Persian books in the same subject area. The research findings indicate that the book's content coverage of historical periods and styles is not comprehensive and does not address topics such as the CIAM Congress and the Athens Charter, Expressionism and Traditionalism, Late Rationalism and Neo-Constructivism, and the movements of the 1960s. However, these styles are significant and influential on the course of philosophical and intellectual trends in Western contemporary architecture and it can be said that this book covers approximately half of the topics emphasized in the approved syllabus of the Ministry of Science.
Keywords
Book Review
Contemporary Architecture
History of Architecture
Modern Architecture
Renaissance
Subjects
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