UTSOAThe University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture

fall 2006

ARC 560T:
Advanced Design Techcomm

Instructor:
Vincent Snyder

Course Description

TechComm Advanced Design is a comprehensive studio bridging many of the issues typically addressed in any advanced design studio--such as design methodologies and particular pedagogical intents as filtered through topical projects--with a strong focus on the integration of technical issues and to the nature of presentation documents at all phases. Pragmatically, the scheduling of production for course project begins with an intensive research component to generate discoveries and to posit linkages. A schematic design is produced in model and 2-d drawing formats, followed by design development with 3-d components, and a sampling of detail drawings that may be included in a construction documents set.

Naturally, issues of construction and assemblies are framed within a set of concerns that are present in any type of construction, such as expansion & contraction, moisture penetration and evacuation, ventilation, primary and secondary structure, logic of connections, differential settlement, etc. Although the most significant issues will be addressed, particular attention will be given to the nature of detail drawings and the final product produced by the students will result in a presentation package that may be defined as beyond design development phase but short a complete construction documents package.

Materials

General material and format considerations will be suggested by the instructor throughout the course, however, investigation and experimentation is strongly encouraged at all stages of production and design. Materials and equipment shall be acquired prior to scheduled studio time.

Sketchbooks

Sketchbooks will also serve as notebooks (for periodic lectures and readings in this course) are required and will be reviewed by the instructor intermittently.

Photography

Photography will be an essential tool that will be used for initial site analysis, final presentation and most importantly for daily documentation of your design progress.