ARC 530T
Design V: Sound Building

Instructor: Vincent Snyder
Time: MWF 1pm-6pm
Office Hours: MW 12-1 pm, Gol.4.108 Phone: 471-5157 (office)

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 buildingıs 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. Materials 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.

Grading:

Final grading will be weighted as follows:

Studio assignments/exercises (including notebook/sketchbook reviews 50%

Final design projects: 50%

Please Note: the course grade is issued by the instructor and is independent of portfolio evaluation determined by the School of Architecture.

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 Design V work in terms of inventiveness, appropriateness, graphic ability, precision, and personal advancement.

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

C: Average Work
Not all levels (concept, process, product, integration of building systems) are developed equally. 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 attention are missing, or basic skills in graphics, logic, and concentration are not developed enough for the Design V level. The design skill and knowledge expected of the Design V 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 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 of Assistant 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.

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. Students with three unexcused absences during the term, or two consecutive unexcused absences, will be dropped from the course without further notice.

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 the 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.

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.

Schedule:

This course is intended to be the most intense design course to date for your academic career. Much of your personal as well as team success will depend on your efficiency and ability to schedule and prioritize.