A short session summary will be posted here after each session. If you plan on missing a session it is encouraged to check this section to keep yourself up-to-date with the content.
Day 1 started with an introductory lecture on the course syllabus, vocabulary, and general concepts. We held a brief discussion on the qualitative aspects of Enzo Mari's Sedia Uno and its democratization of design. After fashioning our own iteration of the design through scaled cardboard construction, we discussed ownership and the adverse relationship it shares with architects and architecture. We established that ownership can undo architecture and can act as a balancing force to a characteristically egotistical viewpoint that architecture displays.
Day 2 targeted the site analysis portion of the architectural process. We examined Mill 19 together, discussing what made it unique in the field of architecture and some of the rationale behind the structure. We combined active and passive participation in site, aiming to establish rapport with the site through play and experience rather than direct observation. Through these methods we were able to discover the social aspects of site along with ecological and synthetic attributes.
Day 3 began our first look into the means of construction in relation to design. We began with a quick overview of cinderblock construction, dimensional lumber construction, and in-situ concrete. To enforce the ideas discussed, life-size demonstrations of lumber construction, cinderblock arrangement, and in-situ concrete took place. This demonstration was paired with the lecture to reenforce the content; however, also served the purpose of transitioning the course into a tactical representation of the subversion of the architect in defense of democracy, using regular materials found at the common home-improvement store. This was mirrored in the scaled production of cinderblock walls. Each student explored how this system worked, analyzing footing, rebar placement, block assembly, and creating plumb walls.
Day 4 initiated the design process through an active mirroring of grounded construction practices. Temporal spaces were developed through the mapping of mass via string lines and simulated stakes. This iterative process challenged students to envision mass at scale and situation. After discussion on concepts and material applications, students then once more mirrored construction processes through voiding mass in a foamboard base. From there temporary walls were framed quickly to develop a sketch of mass and material. This activity served as a dual exploration in mass and construction methods, serving as an introduction to the rest of the course.
Day 5 resumed the concepts and skills that Day 4 had established and aimed to offer students an opportunity to explore craft. Students were challenged to achieve construction goals relevant to the final model that would take place the following week. Student were self-guided in this exercise with some choosing to explore floor systems, other choosing to explore wall systems, and some exploring relation with landscape.
Day 6 began the process of finalization. Students were introduced to Quinta Monroy and P.R.E.V.I. as respective precedents for the final design. Site was proportionally halved to further the values enstilled in these projects. Students then used their explorations from Day 4 and Day 5 to serve as conceptual bases for their final design. Working in scale students were able to successfully identify the grandiose qualities and quantities of their designs and generate a form targeted towards modesty. Once envisioned through the lens of modesty and humility, material applications came into play to reenforce these ideas. Working in scale, students began to construct their visions through simulated cinder blocks and wood frames, focusing on the importance of craft and site interaction.
Day 7