fall 2007
ARC 560T:
Advanced Design Techcomm
Instructor:
Vincent Snyder
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.
Project
This course will consist of only one project the entire semester. However, in addition to the integration of the assignments from core courses with the design project, numerous exercises directly related to the development of the project will also be issued within the design studio.
Project Description
Design for a Spa with limited offerings set in the Hill Country of Central Texas on a challenging site with significant grade variation. The primary design consideration will be to challenge our innate understanding of the acquisition, usage, behavior, transmutations, and release into the immediate environment of the Hill Country's most valuable resource-water.
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.