fall 2005
ARC 320K:
Design III
Description:
This studio will be divided into three assignments. The first assignment will be small, discrete in concept and ambition, and will seek to investigate certain aspects of the larger, final project laying out a series of themes that will be investigated throughout the semester. The second assignment will emphasize a particular technique of architectural analysis that will be tied to a specific aspect of the project. The final assignment will be the design of a small building. The goal of this assignment is to address and interrogate the multiple and complex issues that inform building. These issues include site (context), program (occupation), technology (craft), experience (phenomenon).
Reading material will be introduced throughout the semester. Limited writing assignments, and the associated conceptual nature of those assignments will supplement the more intensive sensual explorations of drawing and model making.
Ambition:
In general the goal of the studio is to build upon the principles and skill sets acquired in Design I and II, while introducing alternative ideas and methods of architectural analysis and thought. The course content from history and construction will inform the discussions throughout the semester, but for the most part a larger emphasis will be placed on how the authentic lessons from the largest classroom (LIFE, not GOL 3.120), can inform the thinking and development of a young architect.
From a practical point of view a great degree of focus will be directed towards making, and the importance of making as a vehicle for understanding architecture. In this respect students must be very cognizant of shedding any reservations they may have about building models and producing drawings.
As an aside please note that the above comment comes under the rubric of 'ambition' - and in this regard a model or drawing that does not push the limits of your skills in one way or another is probably not worth doing. A great deal of the work in this semester will revolve around the ability to thoroughly understand and represent architectural space and the supporting technical conditions. The tools of architectural representation are fundamental to that understanding, and exploiting the interrelationship of those tools will be a core goal of the studio.Culture of architectural thought:
This is one of a series of studios that culminates in the third year sound building studio. Taken as a whole this series represents a highly structured attempt to inculcate the lessons of architecture in a way that builds upon previous lessons. The meta-goal is for students to be able to analyze the forces that shape our shared landscape, and to synthesize and in turn contribute to the built environment in an informed manner.
Resources:
Students should make full use of School of Architecture resources, including the Library, Wood Shop, Material Library, Audio-Visual and Computer Labs.
Attendance and Evaluation:
Punctual and regular attendance is mandatory. Participation in class discussions is expected. Students are required to work during studio hours. Students with three unexcused absences will be dropped from the course without further notice. Please contact your instructor prior to the beginning of class if you expect to be late or absent.
Course grades will be based on the quality of the design, the completeness of the investigation (drawings, models, etc.), the integrity of the intellectual energy that supports the design process and sustained production, effort and energy throughout the semester. (note: production refers to creating representations of architectural ideas in the form of models, drawings and thoughts, both written and spoken; sub note: a picture is worth a 1000 words)
A: Exceptional design quality, innovative solution, depth of understanding, thorough and elegant production and significant contribution of knowledge to the studio
B: Complete and thorough production with above average understanding and limited contribution of knowledge to the studio
C: Minimum production requirements have been met, without a contribution of knowledge to the studio
D: Unacceptable due to limited understanding and/or effort
F: Will be assigned when a student misses more than three classes
Incompletes (grade symbol X) will not be assigned except in cases of serious illness or family emergency. Consultations with both the instructor and the Assistant Dean are required in order to determine a new completion date.
Students must prepare a CD with digital images of their work from the entire semester. This CD must be turned in on the last class day. Grades will not be released without this submission.