Course

Module 1: Self and the Ancestry

Introduction to the idea of personal identity in design; how ancestry, culture, and geography shape design thinking; overview of regional architecture: influences of climate, materials, and history;  guide to researching family history and genealogy; identification of regional design styles; reflection on how personal history and ancestry have shaped one’s perception of design.

Module 2: Origins of Design Thinking

Introduction to human evolution and its relevance to design thinking; cognitive revolution; agricultural revolution; early human settlements and their evolution.

Module 3: Relationship between Human and Nature

Evolving relationship between human beings and nature through architecture; early sustainable design principles inspired by nature; exploration of ancient buildings designed with natural elements.

Module 4: Chronology of Architecture

Evolution of architecture across civilizations; influence of religion, politics, and cultural synthesis on Indian architecture; exploration of key architectural periods in India and rest of the world

Course Objectives

•  To develop an understanding of culture as a critical driver in shaping the built environment
•  To provide a comprehensive understanding of the key knowledge systems, cultural movements, and sociological changes that have influenced design styles across different civilizations.
• To understand the relationship between human beings and nature throughout history and how it has shaped design practices.
•  To introduce students to the historical evolution of architecture and interior spaces across civilizations

Course Outcomes

After completing this course, students will be able to:

CO1 : Demonstrate an understanding of how worldviews, rituals, traditions, crafts and cultural practices manifest in architecture, spatial organization and interior environments.

CO2 : Identify and interpret key knowledge systems, philosophical ideas, cultural movements and sociological shifts that have shaped design expressions, styles and construction practices across civilizations.

CO3 : Demonstrate an understanding of the evolving relationship between human societies and nature, and how this interplay has influenced design features.

CO4 : Describe the major architectural and interior design developments across global civilizations, recognizing stylistic features, construction techniques, spatial typologies, and the socio-political contexts in which they emerged.

Evaluation Pattern

Reading Material

1. Yuval Noah Harari, Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, Harper, 2014
2. Spiro Kostof, A History of Architecture: Settings and Rituals, Oxford University Press, 1985
3. Patrick Nuttgens, The Story of Architecture, Phaidon Press Ltd., 1983
4. Takeo Kamiya, The Guide to the Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent, Architecture Autonomous, 2003
5. Christopher Alexander, The Timeless Way of Building, Oxford University Press, 1979
6. Francis D.K. Ching, Mark Jarzombek, and Vikramaditya Prakash, A Global History of Architecture, John Wiley & Sons, 2007