Course Overview

  • Explore interdisciplinary connections with architecture

  • Learn the Contemporary approaches to architecture theory and design

  • Interpret architecture through fiction and vice-versa

  • Analyse history to generate meaning in today’s world

  • Utilize history and theory as research methods for design

  • Develop an open-mindedness about spatial and social justice

Course Brief

"Architecture must not be 'un art chimerique' (a fanciful art). It must be able to 'speak' while reflecting profound cultural values." — E. L. Boullee


Architecture is not only restricted to user experience but also encompasses the power structure of our society, economics, physical boundaries and other characteristics inherent to civilisation. As we move on, one generation to another - what stays back are buildings, as a memory of the past.Even in the world of fiction or entertainment the craze and obsession subdues, but artifacts remain. Even today people relive Harry Potter by going to the Universal Studio where the set pieces are intact to recapture the world.We could look at these ruins and buildings as events of the past that can be admired. They can also be appropriated with contemporary habits and practices by analysing and understanding history and fiction in a way that adds meaning to the world. 


This course aims at appropriating such relevant meanings in today’s architecture by looking at a piece of history which is fictional yet realistic. Modelled closely round the Design-based Theory and Research Studio courses taught in North American universities, this course focuses on the history, theory, and design of architecture through Game of Thrones.

Who should take this course?

The course aims at exploring architecture as a discipline of social sciences. Even though it covers a vast range of - philosophy, sociology and even psychology, the goal is to generate architectural end products that can be understood by people from every discipline.   

  • Individuals intrigued by Game of Thrones

  • Teachers who wish to explore open-minded pedagogy

  • Students of Architecture, Film Studies, Sociology, Philosophy, History and Comparative Literature

Course Benefits

  • Set your own pace and start learning any time, from anywhere in the world.

  • Earn a certificate upon completion.

  • Course Videos, Readings and Graded Assignments with feedback.

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Course Curriculum

The entire course is divided into 7 modules. Every module is divided into multiple short lectures of 7-15 minutes. Modules consist of assignments, MCQs, additional resources and an interactive interface that will enrich the student’s learning experience.

Every lecture relate to incidents from Game of Thrones to establish anecdotes as modes of communication. The assignments are designed in a way that people having respective inclinations towards history, theory and design.


  • Module 1: Understanding Military Architecture
  • Module 2: Institutionalising through Discipline and Punish
  • Module 3: Semiotics and Magic in Architecture
  • Module 4: Politics of Architecture
  • Module 5: History and Theory as Research in Design
  • Module 6: Variation and Needs of Domesticity
  • Module 7: Gendered Spaces and Queer Spaces


Course Mentor

Kaustav Ghosh

Architectural Historian and Theorist | M. Arch, McGill University, Canada

Kaustav Ghosh is an architectural historian and theorist. Having obtained a B. Arch with honours from Jadavpur University, Kolkata, he pursued a post-professional M. Arch degree in Architectural History and Theory from McGill University, Canada. Currently based in Montréal, his academic interests are quite diverse that range from phenomenology and hermeneutics to spatial justice and gender-queer theory in architecture.

Under the supervision of the noted historian and theorist Prof. Alberto Pérez-Gómez, he has authored fictions like Building Upon Love and The New Day. His current academic works include an extensive research on Queer Spaces in Laboratory Work Environments. His latest professional works in India include collaborations with Article 25 headed by Norman Foster In the professional world of having been involved in almost 30 ongoing and finished projects, Kaustav Ghosh has collaborated with architects Ernesto Bedmar and Patti Shi while working for TKNRK Associates in Dhaka, Bangladesh also. 

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FAQ

  • Is this a course on history and theory?

    Yes and no. The course certainly takes a lot of references from history and theory, but it will always valorise the fact that architecture is ultimately about the art of making— design, and above all, construction.

  • Game of Thrones— are we talking about the series of books or TV series?

    We focus on the ‘world’ of Game of Thrones. There might be differences between the fiction and TV adaptation. We shall leave them open to interpretations and focus on relating them with the scheduled themes. The anecdotes of the lecture will try to follow the TV adaptation given the case of a visual reference.

  • I have no idea about Game of Thrones. Is the course, then, not for me?

    Game of Thrones is just an imaginary world we would refer to in order to understand the significance of architecture in shaping humanity. Even if you have no idea about this world of fantasy, you can definitely find similar patterns with the real world.

  • What is the course schedule?

    The course is scheduled to run through live sessions on Sundays, 11am through live Webinars. More details will be shared when you join the course.

  • There is a lot of pressure at school/college/university. Can not find suitable time to think or work. What should I do?

    The aim of the course is to offer something beyond the curriculum of mainstream architecture education. Through this course we aim at being not only architects, but more importantly, architects with a deep sense of humanity. We hope we all can spare a little bit of time in the name of humanity.