rchitectural critics help people in understanding the nature of a project, a set of projects and even the design of a city. Their work helps people develop a critical judgement of the projects. In simple words, their explanation makes the picture clearer. Needless to say, architectural criticism requires a vast skill set, that includes open judgment, knowledge of many disciplines associated with architecture, years of experience, logical reasoning and delivery skills.
Criticism is very objective and must be inclusive of various viewpoints, representing the different users of the space. It also requires the critic to put themselves in the shoes of the architect to understand their viewpoint too.
The assessment may include the details of the project, the objective or the wider context, by incorporating planning or aesthetics or even the social and psychological aspects of the space.
There are many courses available in universities and colleges around the world that offer to teach explicit methodologies that help one to interpret architectural work explicitly and communicate their findings and views to the masses using various platforms. Here is a list of colleges and courses they offer in this distinct field, in no particular order of preference.
1. Harvard University
The Graduate School of Art and Science
Program: History of Art and Architecture (graduate program)
Duration: 2 years
This Graduate program offered by the well-known institute of Harvard University offers teachings in history and theory. The course offers instructions about periods that include African, Greek and Roman, East Asian, Islamic, Latin American, Medieval/Byzantine, Modern, Baroque and Renaissance and South Asian.
The curriculum is designed to ensure cross-disciplinary learning, in terms of both field distribution and methodology.
For more information visit: https://gsas.harvard.edu/programs-of-study/all/history-art-architecture
2. Cornell University
Program: History of Architecture and Urban Development (MA and PhD)
Duration: 2 years
Cornell university is working with Harvard University in the archaeological exploration of Sardis in Turkey. Students and faculty members get a unique experience of working here.
The program is available for both postgraduate and doctoral students.
For more information visit: https://gradschool.cornell.edu/academics/fields-of-study/field/architecture/
3. Boston University
Program: History of Art and Architecture (BA, MA, PhD)
The Department of History of Art and Architecture provides degrees in history of art and architecture on various levels, as well as certification in Museum Studies.
The focus is on understanding the historical and also the social, political and cultural contexts from various critical perspectives.
For more information visit: https://www.bu.edu/haa/
4. The University of Illinois at Chicago
Program: Masters of Architecture/ MA in Design Criticism Joint Program
Duration: 2 years
The course structure depends and varies on the choice of students and their previous level of preparation. This is decided at the time of admission.
The program offers exploration in the field of architectural technology, design and structure, along with theory and history and design criticism.
For more information visit: https://catalog.uic.edu/gcat/colleges-schools/architecture-design-arts/arch/march-ma-dcrit/
5. London Metropolitan University
Program: Architectural History, Research and Writing (MA)
Duration: 1 year (full-time), 2 years (part-time)
This course offers an exciting platform for approaching architecture through different stories and narratives. Also including styles, as well as methods of writing- academic essays, short journalists like reviews, reflections and creative writing.
This course is interdisciplinary and aims at creating a sense of openness. It includes a rich variety of lectures, workshops and research activities.
For more information visit: https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/architectural-history-research-and-writing—ma/?utm_source=postgraduatesearch&utm_medium=profile&utm_campaign=postgraduate2021&utm_content=profile
6. Savannah College of Art and Design, USA
The Savannah College of Art and Design is a private and non-profit institution. It has locations in Savannah, Atlanta, Hong Kong and Lacoste, France. It provides two degrees (bachelors and masters level) in the History of Architecture.
The curriculum of both degrees delves into medieval, premodern, modern and American contemporary architecture in varying degrees, as per the course requirement.
For more information visit: https://www.scad.edu/academics/programs/architectural-history#:~:text=SCAD%20is%20one%20of%20only,setting%20for%20exploring%20this%20craft.&text=The%20vast%20world%20of%20architectural%20history%20awaits.
7. University of London, Birkbeck, UK
University of London
Program: Masters of Arts- Architectural History
Duration: 1 year
Birkbeck, University of London’s history dates back to 200 years. Birkbeck is one of the world’s foremost research universities.
This MA History of Architecture course explores built and designed objects as well as their social, economic and political contexts, and their connections to culture and thought, and their urban and landscape settings.
For more information visit: https://www.bbk.ac.uk/prospective/postgraduate?utm_source=Postgraduatesearch&utm_medium=profile&utm_campaign=hl-q1-helm&utm_content=pg-web-click
8. University College London, UK
UCL
Program: Masters of Arts- Architectural History
Duration: 1 year
UCL (University College London) is a world-renowned university, situated in the heart of London. It is a place that encourages novel thinking and fosters an inclusive community.
The program available explores what history can do for architecture. It examines architecture, not just as buildings but as a whole, as a part of a system of city and society.
For more information visit: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate/change-your-life?utm_source=postgraduatesearch&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=113261_cam_pgt_home_2020&utm_content=profile_visitwebsite
9. Trinity College Dublin
The University of Dublin
Program: History of Art and Architecture (Bachelors 4 years); History of Art and Architecture (Joint Honors 4 years)
This undergraduate program offers students the opportunity to study architecture and art. And develop a deep knowledge of specific periods, geographical areas and themes of choice.
For more information visit: https://www.tcd.ie/History_of_Art/undergraduate/
10. University of Edinburgh
Program: MSc: Architectural History and Theory
Duration: 1 year (full time), 2 years (part-time)
This is a program for students who aim to train in the history and theory of architecture. Methodological and conceptual tools essential for contemporary research are provided. This allows the students the opportunity to study the topic in-depth.
For more information visit: https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/postgraduate/degrees/index.php?r=site/view&edition=2021&id=843
11. SOAS University of London
SOAS
Program: Masters of Arts: History, Architectural History, Comparative Linguistics of Middle East
Duration: 2 years
SOAS London is the home to a large postgraduate community. The university’s courses aim to provide courses with an understanding of complex contemporary issues and knowledge of non-western theories.
This department of the History of Art and Architecture contains some of the world’s best leading experts.
For more information visit: https://www.soas.ac.uk/admissions/pg/?utm_source=postgradsearch&utm_medium=profile&utm_campaign=HL_PG&utm_content=pgstudy
12. Architecture Association School of Architecture
AA School
Program: (MA) History and Critical Thinking in Architecture
Duration: 1 year
AA is a flexible and self-directed school, that aims to combine the independence and truly global nature of the institution.
The HCT (History and Critical Thinking) programme is a unique post-graduation platform. It looks into aspects like a critical and theoretical reflection on contemporaneity through systematic enquiry into history.
For more information visit: https://www.aaschool.ac.uk/academicprogrammes/postgraduate/history-and-critical-thinking
13. The Center for Environmental Planning and Technology, India
CEPT University
Program: Masters in Architectural History and Theory
Duration: 2 years
This program aims to train students to critically research, visualise and write about architecture; how it is produced, inhabited, symbolised and represented, both globally and in the South Asian context in particular.
For more information visit: https://cept.ac.in/faculty-of-architecture/master-s-in-conservation-and-regeneration
14. The University of Sydney, Australia
School of Architecture, Design and Planning
Program: Architectural History and Theory (Postgraduate Research)
This university is Australia’s top-ranked school in the field of architecture and the built environment and is more than 100 years old.
The University of Sydney offers students a Postgraduate Research Degree in five domains, from which Architectural History and Theory is one.
For more information visit: https://www.sydney.edu.au/architecture/our-research/architectural-history-and-theory-research.html
15. University of Oxford, England
University of Oxford
Program: Architectural History
Duration: 11 months
This one-year part-time course consists of three taught units and a dissertation. It covers the history of English architecture from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present day. The course is designed such that it offers a progression from supported learning, with regular essays and feedback.
For more information visit: https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions
