ARC 530T
Design V
Sound Building
Vincent Snyder


MWF 1pm-6pm
Gol. 4.108 tel. 471-5157

Course Description

This course constitutes not only the preliminary design rigors required to construct a intermediate scaled project within a semi- urban context but also emphasizes a commensurate creative development of building technologies to be considered for the actual construction of the building. Therefore the synthetic requirements of the architect are extended by necessity to achieve the integration of the primary building systems - structural, mechanical, electrical and hvac - with the aesthetical and informational content of the architectural artifact.

To that end, this course will consider an examination of a common yet readily identifiable and culturally significant typology situated within a contemporary landscape of economic opportunity. The consumptive experiential components of this program type will be investigated for explicit and latent overlaps to architectural operatives and expression.

Technically, the building typology will avail itself to the conceptual compartmentalization of constructional assemblies thereby providing the opportunity to investigate a variety of technical methods and issues within a single building complex.

For the purposes of identifying viable design mediums and their representational constructive qualities, we will research typical building systems to establish a collection of tectonic orders to be subsequently manipulated with the intention of generating architectural possibilities not conventionally anticipated or conceived.

Precision of thought is understood through the precision of craft, therefore, the studentıs individual investigations will be fueled by intense model/drawing studies and presentations. Variety and experimentation will strongly be encouraged with the expectation that the student has already acquired the standard skills necessary to represent their ideas in a thorough and complete manner. Research of materials and systems by the student will also require a significant time investment.

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.

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. Material and equipment shall be acquired prior to scheduled studio time.

Sketchbooks:

Sketchbooks which 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.