The studio focuses on different elements that are involved on the generation of form. Form is not viewed as an entity on its own but as a result of a systematic process. Some of the main actors of this process will be materials, performance, structure, geometry, information and constructability. The studio will not focus on the particulars of each of these elements but more on the systematic integration of them.

• Materials will bring a set of properties and restrains that are key to the generation of form.
• Performance will define the parameters to be met by the final object.
• Structure will collect from both materials and performance to inform the final form.
• Geometry or descriptive geometry will be a medium for achieving constructability.
• Information will be the "gene pool" from which the students can draw historical examples to guide their work.
• Construction will be the proof of the integration of the above.

The studio will have a seminar portion that will engage the theory of each of these subjects. Case studies will be presented to explore the shaping of form. Case studies will focus on smaller scale objects such as; the evolution and process that the Eames' used to design molded plywood furniture, and the evolution of the high performance bicycle frame.

The students will have one main project throughout the semester; this project will be on the scale of furniture or an architectural element. The final product will be documentations (drawings, technical data, mock-ups, renderings, etc.) of the research involved in the shaping process. The studio will have a strong emphasis on research, again focusing more on the process than on the end product.

DESIGN FIVE

DESIGN FIVE is an intermediate-level design studio with an emphasis on theory and research. The D5 studio challenges each student to develop clear working methodologies, formulate a design thesis or hypothesis, and test intention through iterative making. Each student will generate a body of work resulting from a fifteen week interrogation. The content of the work is spatial, experiential, temporal, and structural. D5 will open up the potential for architectural invention.

D5 includes a studio component and a seminar component. The seminar is topic-based, and introduced with a question and working methodologies. The studio supports the topic and theoretical content of the seminar. The seminar sessions will be held every Friday 1-3pm at SUT 2.110.

The required reading for this studio is available in the Readings in "Shaping Form" packet and will be available for purchase at Speedway Copying & Printing at Dobie Mall.

Attendance Policy

Studio meets MW 1:00 - 6:00, F3:00 - 6:00
Seminar meets F 1:00 - 3:00

Attendance is mandatory. Participation in both studio and seminar is expected. Students with two unexcused absences may be dropped from the course without further notice. The minimum penalty for two unexcused absences is a full grade letter drop in your final grade for the course. Please contact me prior to the beginning of class if you expect to be late or will not be attending class.

Absences are excused only for medical conditions and personal or family emergencies. I may require written documentation for any excused absence.

A student who is absent from a class or examination for the observance of a religious holy day may complete the work missed within a reasonable time after the absence, if proper notice has been given. Notice must be given at least fourteen days prior to the classes scheduled on dates the student will be absent. For religious holy days that fall within the first two weeks of the semester, notice should be given on the first day of the semester. It must be personally delivered to the instructor and signed and dated by the instructor, or sent certified mail, return receipt requested. A student who fails to complete missed work within the time allowed will be subject to the normal academic penalties.

Grading

This is a research studio. Design work is iterative. You are responsible for generating a well articulated thesis or hypothesis and body of work which tests your intentions. This body of work must be informed by both studio making and seminar thinking. Your studio and seminar work is evaluated on its rigor and evolution over sixteen weeks. Equal weight is given to all assignments.

Grading is broken into four components for each assignment:

1/4 thesis participation in seminar discourse and the incorporation of seminar concepts into a studio thesis

1/4 grasp the ideas and understanding of the studio project at hand, combined with an appropriate process of inquiry

1/4 process the consistent and rigorous development and testing of ideas

1/4 resolution the demonstration of competence, completeness, and finesse through representation

Grading Descriptions

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

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.

IF YOU ARE EARNING A C, D, OR F AT MID SEMESTER I MAY ISSUE AN ABSENCE/FAILING REPORT.

Disabilities

Please notify me 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 http://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 me 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.