Introduction to Architecture
Online course
6 lessons
NL
N.B. This course is taught in Dutch.
In this introductory architecture course, we discuss the main architectural styles and movements of Western art. We discuss twenty centuries of architectural history. Architecture, sometimes even more than painting, reflects the zeitgeist of a period. The way it was built tells something about the goals of the time. Was architecture primarily religious? Did it have to seduce and impress? Or did it mainly have to be practical and functional? In this basic course Introduction to Architecture, architectural historian Yvonne Hilgenkamp provides a clear overview of the development of architectural history. The most important periods and most iconic buildings of Western architectural history are thus covered. From Greek temples we go via Romanesque churches, Gothic cathedrals and dazzling Baroque, to Art Nouveau and Art Deco. The course concludes with the 'starchitects' of modern and contemporary architecture such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Berlage, Le Corbusier and Mies van der Rohe, Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid.
By the end of this course, you will have learned to recognise the main architectural styles and place them in time. This knowledge will be immediately applicable whether you are walking the streets of a city, visiting a foreign destination, or standing in a museum. You will be able to look at architecture with new eyes and better understand the stories behind the buildings.
How does that work online?
You take this course online from your own computer or tablet. All you need is a good internet connection and sound. Teacher and images will appear on your screen automatically. If you cannot attend 'live', you can watch the replay afterwards. Registration is therefore still possible until after lesson 2 of the course.
Free trial lesson
Want to know if this course and taking it online is for you? You can take lesson 1 of this course as a free trial lesson without any obligations. You can register for this free trial lesson directly via the button below.
Course details
New start dates?
Keep me abreast Of new start dates.
Lecturer of this course
Yvonne Hilgenkamp
Yvonne Hilgenkamp is an art historian as well as an architectural historian, and has many years of experience in presenting the rich history of Western architecture, urban planning and art. She clearly makes art history accessible to a diverse audience. Her interests are broad and range from the Romans to Rembrandt, from De Pijp to Paris and from Art Déco to Dubai's skyscrapers. About all these subjects she likes to talk and enthusiastically!
Recommended literature
Should you wish to delve further into the subject of this course, we recommend the following books. This is not compulsory literature for the course.
Frequently asked questions
What will I learn on the Introduction to Architecture course?
In KLU’s ‘Introduction to Architecture’ course, you will learn to recognise the main architectural styles and movements in Western art and place them in their historical context.
You’ll take a journey through twenty centuries of architectural history: from Greek temples and Gothic cathedrals to Art Nouveau, Art Deco and the great names of modern architecture such as Le Corbusier, Rem Koolhaas and Zaha Hadid. By the end, you’ll see buildings in a whole new light – whether on the street, whilst travelling or in a museum.
Do I need any prior knowledge for the Introduction to Architecture course?
No prior knowledge is required for KLU’s Introduction to Architecture course. The course is designed as an introduction to the history of architecture and starts from the basics.
It’s an advantage if you’ve already Introduction to Art History has taken the course at KLU, but it is certainly not a prerequisite. The course is entirely self-contained.
Is a trial lesson really free and without obligation?
The trial lesson at KLU is completely free and without obligation. You follow lesson 1 of a course at no cost and without any obligation.
During the taster lesson, you’ll get a feel for how a lesson is structured: the teacher, the visual material and the handout. Afterwards, you’ll receive a recording so you can watch it again at your leisure before making a decision. There’s no obligation. View all current taster lessons at klu.nl/gratisproefles.
If I’m unable to attend one or more of the class dates, can I still take the course?
Yes, even if you miss a live class, you can watch it later on KLU. After each class, you’ll automatically receive a link to the recording by email. It’s valid for 14 days, and you can watch the recording as often as you like.
Many students even complete the entire course via the recording. This means you don’t need to be present on the scheduled date to complete the full course.
Which periods and styles are covered in the Introduction to Architecture course?
KLU’s ‘Introduction to Architecture’ course covers twenty centuries of Western architectural history, spread across several lessons. Each lesson focuses on a particular period or style.
Topics covered include classical antiquity, Romanesque churches, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, as well as modern and contemporary architecture.
Which course would be the best next step after the Introduction to Architecture course?
Following the KLU’s ‘Introduction to Architecture’ course, the Course in Modern Architecture a logical next step. This course builds directly on the knowledge covered in ‘Introduction to Architecture’ and is best understood if you have completed this foundation course first.
For an overview of all the options for further study, please scroll down to the ‘Further Courses’ section at the bottom of this page, or click on ‘Further Courses’ in the menu at the top.
Dutch 
English