ARC 379-PRP
Construction V

Instructor: Kevin Alter

"Each material is only worth what we make of it. "
Mies van der Rohe, 1938

This course looks to the realm of material manifestation as a critical juncture in the formulation of architecture. In the concern for the materials of building and the manners of construction the architect commits speculation to action: attempts to convert intention into palpable reality. It is here that architecture is most fully and deliberately engaged with the world and here that architecture initiates the world's response in turn.

It seems clear, however, from even casual observation that while this subject matter may be vital it is oftentimes treated as a marginal concern. This course begins with the assumption that this denial of Architecture's material potential seriously undermines architecture's value in society and raises fundamental questions about the legitimacy of our profession more generally. Students will explore these concerns through a series of exercises collectively intended to provoke interest and delight in architecture's physical realization while developing their own finesse and technique.

Professional Report on Principals of Construction Employed by the Residency Firm

The professional report option for Construction V allows students to complete this coursework independently while on residency. Students register for an ARC379-PRP Independent Study with Kevin Alter, the supervising instructor. Students must register PRIOR to leaving for residency. Work must be completed prior to the start of the semester following residency.

I. Required Reading: (1/3 of grade)
For the following texts, you are to keep chapter notes as you read. Upon completion of your reading, submit a Xerox copy of your notes to instructor.

1. Ford, Details of Modern Architecture, Volume I
Read introduction and conclusion, and any six of the case studies (chapters)

2. Ford, Details of Modern Architecture, Volume 2
Read introduction and conclusion, and any six of the case studies (chapters)

3. Frampton, Studies in Techtonic Culture
Read introduction, postscript, epilogue, and any three chapters

II. Report: (2/3 of grade)
The format for the report, in scale, layout, and length, is a typical case study chapter from the Ford books. The intention is for you to explain the residency firms approach to construction and detailing, using a specific building as the primary means of explication, but referencing the firms other work as needed. Then to test and elaborate firms approach by doing drawings of your own.

The report should include:
1. Written description of design and detailing intentions, which frame these intentions in light of your reading of Ford and Frampton
2. Photographs of built work, completed and under construction, esp. critical details
3. Basic architectural representations of built work - partial elevations, sections and details
4. Axonometric drawings that analyze space, construction, and detailing with an emphasis on assembly
5. drawings of design alternatives in axonometric at large enough scale to engage issues of design, fabrication, integrity and construction.
6. Visual diagrams as necessary

Format: 12" x 12", bound, with careful layout of texts and images.

Submit one copy to supervising instructor (Alter).
The report will be graded 1/3 grasp, 1/3 ambition, 1/3 product.