spring 2006
ARC 560R:
Advanced Design: Competition Studio
Architectural competitions play a key role in Europe for young architecture offices who are trying to establish themselves. The Norwegian office Snohetta is a classic example this phenomenon. Snøhetta has built it's reputation and renown based almost entirely on competition wins in international and national competitions. In the 17 years since it's first big win with the Alexandria Library in Alexandria, Egypt, the office has grown from it's 6 original partners to more than 60 employees, and it is still growing. Studio Instructor Jim Dodson has been with Snøhetta since 1995 and has worked on the winning teams of a number of competitions, several of which he has followed from contract to completion.
This advanced design studio will focus on all aspects of entering (and winning) competitions through student entry in relevant open student competitions or open international competitions. Together with their instructor the students will choose a relevant competition (or competitions) to enter for submission during the semester.
The following aspects of design related to competition entry will be focused upon: 1) Choosing the right competition, 2) Understanding the competition brief, 3) Choosing and working as a team, 4) Site design, 5) Building programming, 6) Architectural design, 7) Working with consultants (structural engineers, etc), 8) Presentation, 9) Presentation, 10) Presentation
Students will be encouraged to use new technologies to develop their designs, but this is not mandatory.