This course will consider both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional design exercises with emphasis on re-evaluative and representational methods of production. The primary project is intended to engage the primary design experiences and requirements of a design professional at a variety of scales where the architect is involved in a variety of design activities some of which may be described as generating/refining, researching/producing, and creating/replicating.

Project

This course will consist of only one architectural project the entire semester but as stated above, other exercises directly related to the development of the project will also be issued within the design studio and will be weighted commensurate with their duration.

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.

Grading

Final grading will be weighted as follows:

Studio assignments/exercises (including notebook/sketchbook reviews) 25%

Effort in pursuit of intellectual ideas 25%

Material Production 25%

Final design projects: 25%

Basis of Evaluation: Grading Criteria

Establishing grades for projects of a creative nature is a more complex matter than grading in other academic areas. While each project contains certain quantifiable elements by which it may be evaluated, a significant portion of each grade is derived from broader, more subjective sets of issues. The criteria for establishing a grade for each project are as follows:

A: Outstanding Work
Project must be complete at all levels - i.e., concept, process, product, and integration of building systems. Each of these levels must surpass expectations for Vertical Design work in terms of inventiveness, appropriateness, graphic ability, precision, thoughtfulness, and personal advancement. This grade is reserved for work of impeccable quality.

B: Good Work
Project must be complete at all levels. Each level is done thoroughly, is well researched, and diligently pursued with high levels of production and successfully completed. This is expected performance for Vertical Design work.

C: Average Work
Not all levels are developed equally (research, concept, process, production, final product. For example, a brilliant concept and a casual product, or weak idea, an indifferent development, or unsuccessful systems integration and a good end result will get a C grade.

D: Not Very Good Work
Not all levels are present, some of the requested components of the projects are missing. Either care and/or attention are missing, or basic skills in graphics, logic, and concentration are not developed enough for the Vertical Design level. The design skill and knowledge expected of the Vertical Design level has not been demonstrated nor has there been an appropriate transfer of skill and knowledge from previous courses to the work of the studio.

F: Unacceptable Work
Note that this grade will be assigned when you have performed at a level that exhibits disinterest and/or lack of the absolute minimum product necessary to represent the base intentions of your design or if you have missed an extended amount of class time (over one week) without notifying the School of Architecture, (512) 471-1922, as to your situation.

X: (Excused Incomplete)
Can be given only for legitimate reasons of illness or family emergency. Simply not completing the work on time is not an adequate cause for assigning this symbol. It may be used only after consultation with the instructor or the Associate Dean, and with an agreement as to a new completion date. Studio work has to be completed before the second week of the next deign semester in which you wish to enroll, according to School of Architecture policy.

Other items that may affect grades, and are at the discretion of individual instructors include: attendance in the studio and at reviews (see below), and non-acceptance of late work and penalties for the same.

Note
Graduate Students grades are subject to plus (+) and minus (-) grading which is representative of "1/3" postitions, B+ is a B plus 1/3 towards an A or 3.33 on a 4.0 scale (also, as an exception, no score above a 4.0 is possible, therefore if an A+ is given, it is numerically equal to an A).

Attendance

Punctual and regular attendance is essential and mandatory. Students are expected to work on projects in the studio during the entire scheduled time slot. It is also required that your work for this course during non-studio hours take place in the studio rather than at home. Please inform the instructor if you are completing work elsewhere for the instructor's approval, e.g. in the computer lab, shop, library, etc.

At the discretion of the instructor, students with more than 2 unexcused absences, or with 2 consecutive absences may be dropped from the course without further notice or as a minimum will have their final course grade lowered one full letter grade for each unexcused absence beyond the 2 alloted. Please note, any absences are frowned upon by the faculty and that this policy is not intended as the number of "free passes" to which the student is entitled. It merely states the minimum consequences of missed classes.

Excused absences are only for illness or family emergencies

Materials

Class time will not be used for the acquisition of materials and equipment.

Late Work

Deadlines will be established for all assignments, exercises and projects. Late work will not be accepted and will constitute a failing grade for that aspect of the course.

Student Work

All of the work is to be completed only be the student. No person who is not a member of the class roster will be permitted to work in the studio at anytime.

Studio Rules (partial)

No smoking at any time. No eating during studio hours in the studio or in reviews but we will take a mid-studio break everyday when these rules are relaxed. Beverages, however, are allowed.

Alcohol or drugs are not be permitted at any time and possession or use warrants immediate expulsion from the course and almost certainly from the School of Architecture.

No radios without earphones permitted at any time. Please be respectful of others. Not everyone enjoys the same music as you at any given time. They may often feel intimidated or excluded if the voice their opinions or preferences.

Schedule

This course is intended to as an intense architectural design course. Much of your personal as well as team success will depend on your efficiency and ability to schedule and prioritize.