par·a·site n.

1. a person who exploits the hospitality of the rich and earns welcome by flattery
2. an organism living in, with, or on another organism in parasitism
3. something that resembles a biological parasite in dependence on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return

The redevelopment and re-vitalization of the downtowns of our cities play an important role in the promotion of more sustainable living habits. In an effort to increase urban density, infill construction, additions, and remodeling projects can intensify the existing city, inject it with new vitality, and break through the monotony of building prototypes.

This studio will investigate the utilization of under-used urban sites and will explore the connection and extension of space. We will look at adding new elements to the existing fabric and will develop concepts for 'parasitic' architecture that take advantage of the existing infrastructure. The inhabitable objects to be designed will be relatively compact in scale, with an emphasis on form, context, and the efficiency of space, and will encourage the exploration of technology, assembly and materiality. Smaller buildings often possess a more tactile quality, resulting in architecture of a human scale with which we can react more readily. These reduced scale studies will allow the pursuit and development of an idea from early concept to the construction detail. By investigating the application of architectural concepts, technologies, and materials, design principles will be derived that can be applied to both the micro- and macro-scale.

The studio will consist of three projects - two shorter explorations and a main project - which will address the different contexts found in the urban environment:

Project 1: On the Ground

Project 2: In Between

Project 3: Roof Top

Bibliography

The studio should maintain a library of books that are used for research during the semester. These books should be shared with classmates and you are encouraged to look at and discuss new books that other students are bringing to the studio.

Grading Policy

Establishing grades for projects of a creative nature is a more complex matter than grading in other academic areas. While each project contains certain quantifiable elements by which it may be evaluated, a significant portion of each grade is derived from a broader, more subjective set of issues.

Grading for studio courses is broken into three components for each given mark:

1/3 grasp (the ideas and understanding of the project at hand, combined with an appropriate process of inquiry),
1/3 process (the consistent and rigorous development and testing of ideas) and
1/3 resolution (the demonstration of competence, completeness, and finesse through representation).

Your work will be evaluated on its rigor and evolution over the semester.

Grading Criteria

A : excellent work
Project surpasses expectations in terms of inventiveness, appropriateness, verbal and visual ability, conceptual rigor, craft, and personal development. Student pursues concepts and techniques above and beyond what is discussed in class. Project is complete on all levels.

B : good work
Project is thorough, well researched, diligently pursued, and successfully completed. Student pursues ideas and suggestions presented in class and puts in effort to resolve required projects. Project is complete on all levels and demonstrates potential for excellence.

C : required work
Project meets the minimum requirements. Suggestions made in class are not pursued with dedication or rigor. Project is incomplete in one or more areas.

D : poor work
Project is incomplete. Basic skills including graphic skills, model-making skills, verbal clarity or logic of presentation are not level-appropriate. Student does not demonstrate the required design skill and knowledge base.

F : unacceptable work
Project is unresolved. Minimum objectives are not met. Performance is not acceptable. Note that this grade will be assigned when you have excessive unexcused absences.

X : (excused incomplete)
Can be given only for legitimate reasons of illness or family emergency. Simply not completing work on time is not an adequate cause for assigning this evaluation. It may only be used after consultation with the Associate Deans' offices and with an agreement as to a new completion date. Studio work must be completed before the second week of the next design semester in which you are enrolling, according to School of Architecture policy.

ALL GRADES ARE SUBJECT TO DEDUCTIONS for absences, late work and late arrivals.

Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory. Participation is expected. Students with three (3) unexcused absences may be dropped from the course without further notice. The minimum penalty for more than three unexcused absences is a full letter drop in your final grade for the course. Please contact the instructor prior to class if you expect to be late or miss class. A student who misses classes or other required activities for the observance of a religious holy day should inform the instructor as far in advance of the absence as possible, so that arrangements can be made to complete an assignment within a reasonable time after the absence. A student who fails to complete missed work within the time allowed will be subject to the normal academic penalties.

Students with Disabilities

Please notify your instructor of any adaptation you may require to accommodate a specific physical need. You will be requested to provide documentation to the Dean of Students' Office, in order that the most appropriate accommodations can be determined. Specialized services are available on campus through the Services for Students with Disabilities, also found via the web at deanofstudents.utexas.edu/ssd/.

Studio Safety and Security

The studio is an exceptional learning environment. Since it is a place for all, it necessitates the careful attention to the needs of everyone in it. Please see your instructor if there are any problems (music, visual pollution) that you are unable to resolve on your own. All spraying of fixative, spray paint or any other substance should be done in the shop. Security is a necessary component for a studio that is accessible to you and your colleagues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please be mindful not to admit any uninvited visitors and keep all exterior doors locked after hours. Be smart. Be safe.