Architectural history and theory

Architecture is a fundamental cultural technique. Cultural values and social practices are manifested in the built structures of a society, while at the same time, the buildings that have been handed down shape the lives of every individual in the present. Architectural history is rarely ‘just’ history.
The history of architecture is dedicated to the transformation of aesthetic forms and construction techniques, as well as the development of different building types. The subject of research includes both concrete architectural structures and architecture in its conceptual content. We go beyond the consideration of monumental architecture and also include everyday and functional buildings. The scale ranges from furniture to urban planning, with the professorship's research focusing on the 19th to 21st centuries.
This perspective is complemented by systematic reflection on architecture. In contrast to architectural history, architectural theory is normative. Since architectural theory has its roots in art theory, its main focus has traditionally been on aesthetics. However, reflecting on values is also relevant from an ethical point of view, because construction is resource-intensive and permanently changes the environment. We reflect on the preconditions for construction, actors and production processes, as well as questions of use and the ecological impact of built structures.
The Chair of Architectural History and Theory conducts fundamental research. Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we conceptualise architectural phenomena within cultural, social, technical and economic discourses. In doing so, we lay the foundations for critical reflection on architectural practice and for the preservation and responsible development of architectural heritage.

(Sonja Hnilica, in November 2025)