Course Description

This course will examine, define, reconsider, and apply a variety of precise geometrical techniques to analyze, describe, generate and refine three dimensional architectural form. Therefore, we will consider the theoretical and practical applications of numerous historically definitive techniques of constructed representation--both manual and digital-- in conjunction with algebraic and trigonometric mathematical analyses. It is important to highlight that the student will have the option of performing the "manual" techniques by conventional graphite and/ or a translation into a drafting program and/or a translation into a 3-d modeling program but strictly limited to point/ line operations in two dimensional formats. Additionally, the software program Rhino is preferred, however, the techniques examined may be equally achieved with any 3-d modeling program such as Viz, Form-Z, 3-d AutoCad,etc. (Note: This is not a 3-d Modeling course)

While students are required to have had instruction to the pre-calculus mathematical fundamentals, any primary material will be re-introduced by the instructor with an emphasis on the development of complexity through base principles rather than many current graphically expedient techniques which tend to alleviate the designer of definitive formal and descriptive responsibility. In fact, the examination of the selective techniques from various architects and artists will illustrate the multi-faceted relationships in which specific, exacting mathematical and geometrical applications have historically engaged the constructional, scientific, artistic, cosmological and religious influences of their time.

The mathematical level of investigation will be determined by the students' level of interest and successful progression. (While topological geometries embedded within the current modeling programs involving such operations as Bezier curves, parametric design, algorithms, non-uniform rational b-splines, etc. will be briefly discussed, their comprehensive application is not anticipated. However, the extensive material that is covered in this course is specifically intended to provide a natural extension into such topics of advanced manipulations).

Format:

Initially, reading and graphic/physical 2-d and 3/d problem assignments will be issued weekly or bi-weekly as preparatory work towards the culmination of geometrically precise, complex ,3-dimensional architectonic model designed and manipulated by the student.

Recommend Texts:

Technical Descriptive Geometry, B. Leighton Wellmann
The Projective Cast, Robin Evans
The Science of Art, Martin Kemp

Additional Readings and Texts (partial):
Architectural Principles in the Age of Humanism, R. Wittkower
The Modulor 1 & 2, Le Corbusier
Mathematics of an Ideal Villa, Colin Rowe

NO INCOMPLETES WILL BE ALLOWED