ART1832: Architectural Design Studio

Abstract

►You will explore the process of architectural design through a series of increasingly complex discoveries of how spaces are made. The focus will be on the development of the visual and verbal skills needed to approach conceptual and three-dimensional problem solving intelligently. You will begin to understand basic design skills as well as develop a vocabulary for expressing their intentions.

►The course will employ a dual approach: analysis and synthesis. Beginning with the analysis of outdoor shelter, you will develop a prototype for a public transit shelter.

►The second segment of the dual approach will stimulate abstract visual imaging, and the scale of the space analyzed will increase. In a three-week sketch problem, you will first examine and describe the components of a public space. Then you will construct a three-dimensional interpretation of that space.

►The final two projects will ask you to apply the design concepts considered in the previous assignments to real settings with pragmatic constraints. Basic computer-aided design skills will be introduced at this point in the semester in conjunction with these projects: an electronic library for a school of social work and a campus master plan.

Class time will include the introduction of projects and the review of desk work. At the end of each project there will be a presentation.