Commonality
Course: CAE, Arch SS3, Summer 24, M/T/W/H/F 9:00 A.M. - 1:30 P.M., CFA 200
Course Website: https://sites.google.com/andrew.cmu.edu/commonality
Prof. Owen Petrucci (he/him)
Email: opetrucc@andrew.cmu.edu
Summer 2024
Commonality is a course grounded in understanding that each individual in existence presently is unwillingly and perhaps unknowingly an architect. Commonality explores this phenomenon through developing a conversation across peers that emulates the instigating force of the Architect and the reactionary force of the unwilling architect. In this course we will individually explore both sides of this relationship to better understand our unique place in this world.
With the intention of this class centering itself in conversation and relationships it will be crucial to the success of this course on the individual and group level that each participant is following along with the material to the best of their ability. Each individual should make an effort to come prepared to discuss, develop, and share ideas based on their unique insight and experiences. Additionally, each participant should be attentive to their peers when they are sharing. These discussions should be transmitted and interpreted into design processes. Each individual should be critical of their designs and how they relate to the course and their peers. Staying present and active throughout the course will be crucial to each participant’s success.
Architecture is oftentimes projected as a guarded field, with exclusionary tactics to minimize alternative perspectives and methodologies. This serves to provide some organization; however, drastically limits the impact of architecture on a multiplicity of scales. Architecture is a field with little to no real organization. In this course we want to challenge this assumption that architecture is only for a select, organized group and instead open it up to everyone, allowing chaos to bring results. The power of the architect limits itself, let us instead break beyond and capture a more human architecture.
I believe teacher and student to be equals. There are no separations between the two apart from those we have set up. I wish to disintegrate these separations and allow growth for both parties through an exchange of ideas and discussions over time. There are no right or wrong answers to architecture so long as we are doing our best to learn with and from each other. I am not perfect, I do not know more (some may say anything at all) about architecture than anyone else. Learning is an experience.
· Understand the position of the user in Architecture
· Understand the position of the designer in Architecture
· Understand the relationship between user and designer in Architecture
· Be able to conduct site analysis
· Be able to describe the importance of site and context
· Be able to describe circulation on site
· Understand concrete masonry unit construction
· Understand dimensional lumber construction
· Understand glass block construction
· Provide rudimentary construction documents
· Work in scale
· Demonstrate proficiency in Sketchup
· Demonstrate proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
· Explain design verbally
· Explain design through text
Lectures in this course aim to provide an opportunity for discussion. In contrast to the typical power-dynamic, lectures are a targeted group discussion across students and lecturer. Lectures are an opportunity for the instructor to start a discussion and are always open to interpretation, questioning, and future reference. Lectures are an “open-field” discussion with intent to provoke new thought-processes and perceptions regarding architecture and the world. The larger this discussion becomes, the more successful it will ultimately be.
Taking notes throughout this course is recommended but not required. What is most important is to stay present within the time we spend together. The discussions we will have will be important and will build upon each other. It is important to follow the pace of the course and to be attentive at all times as conversation can move quickly. Sharing notes is allowed and encouraged.
There are no readings associated with participation in this course. While this course is backed by the books “Architecture of Defeat," “Occupying Architecture," and "Architecture of the Commons," reading these specific works is not essential to the success of a participant in the course.
Content:
Syllabus Review, Introductory Discussion-Based Lecture
Location:
College of Fine Arts, Jill Watson Studio (CFA 200)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
Sketches, Digital Collage, Models
Content:
Site Visit Discussion-Based Lecture, Site Visit, Site Discussion,
Location:
CFA 200 & Mill 19 (Site)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
Sketches, Digital Collage, Photographs, Documentation, Literary Analysis
Content:
Material study, Material Composition and Systems Analysis, Detailed Material Surveying
Location:
College of Fine Arts, Jill Watson Studio (CFA 200)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
Sketches, Digital Collage, Charcoal Impressions, Collage, Study Models
Content:
Massing study
Location:
College of Fine Arts, Jill Watson Studio (CFA 200)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
Sketches, Digital Collage, Massing Models, Massing Diagrams, Parti Diagrams
Content:
Secondary Systems Survey, Programming Space, Iteration
Location:
College of Fine Arts, Jill Watson Studio (CFA 200)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
Sketches, Digital Collage, Draft Plans, Circulation Diagrams
Content:
Document Generation
Location:
College of Fine Arts, Jill Watson Studio (CFA 200)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
Sketches, Digital Collage, Physical Model Developments
Content:
Document Generation
Location:
College of Fine Arts, Jill Watson Studio (CFA 200)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
Sketches, Digital Collage, Physical Model Development
Content:
Contextualization of Place and Systems
Location:
College of Fine Arts, Jill Watson Studio (CFA 200)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
Sketches, Digital Collage, Physical Model Development
Content:
Review
Location:
College of Fine Arts, Jill Watson Studio (CFA 200)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
None
Content:
Ideogram Models
Location:
College of Fine Arts, Jill Watson Studio (CFA 200)
Time:
9:00 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Work:
Ideograms and Proposal Models
As both instructor and student are learning together, it is important for feedback to flow in both directions. Any feedback regarding the quality of material, difficulty of the course, workload, schedule, or any matter relating to this course is openly invited to the course website, open discussion, or one-on-one conversation. As stated before, I am not perfect.
Carnegie Mellon University stands on land that is part of the Haudenosaunee, Lenape, Osage, and Shawnee peoples. While this Acknowledgement cannot in its own undo the irreversible damage done to these groups, it is in enduring conversation of these people that we hope mends can emerge overtime. Let this be a reminder that these groups can be recognized and the conversation can be started at any moment.
While attendance in this class is up to the participant, it is highly encouraged for each individual to attend all classes whenever possible. Attending class allows for the discussion to grow and generate a move comprehensive discourse on the relations we will be exploring. Letting the instructor know of a planned absenteeism ahead of the scheduled course timeslot is appreciated and will open the door for opportunities to stay engaged in the course while absent. Though, this is optional and very much up to the participant.
There are no official grades assigned to this course. Take advantage of this. Do something meaningful and productive with this freedom. This is meant to encourage creative expression, promote discussion, and generate a more comprehensive learning environment. I suggest finding your balance between treating this course as both graded in productivity and ungraded in meaning.
Each individual is responsible for adequately preparing themselves for course time however they see fit. We should aim to be conducive to the environment we want to foster and the cultures we wish to establish.
As this course aims to address complex relations on a personal basis, cheating and/or plagiarism will not be helpful. Should you encounter an issue with workload, comprehension, or pace; it is best to open yourself to support. Should one resort to cheating there will be discussions on how to redirect and ameliorate the situation.
As an individual with a disability I understand that self-advocacy offers itself as a challenge. Understand that I will provide accommodations as needed without questions asked. I strive to make this a comfortable and comprehensive learning environment for all.
It is up to the individual participant to take care and responsibility for their own health. Being in a healthy state will not only allow one to experience more of what this course has to offer in rapport-building and skills, but also contributes towards the enjoyment of the course. If you are having difficulty by any means adjustments will be made. This is all part of the process of making a comfortable learning environment for all.
I intend that students from all backgrounds and perspectives be well-served by this course and the discourse it aims to establish been diverse groups. I acknowledge that each student brings a unique background to the class. I see this diversity as a resource, strength, and benefit to all. I seek to present materials and activities that are respectful of all your diversities: gender identity, sexuality, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, nationality, geographic origin, religion, culture, and more. I very much look forward to not only engaging with, but promoting each of your own unique identities in this course. I hope that we all can grow together.
CMU’s Freedom of Expression policy states that CMU “values the freedoms of speech, thought, expression, and assembly, in themselves and as part of our core educational and intellectual mission… The university must be a place where all ideas may be expressed freely and where no alternative is withheld from consideration. The only limits on these freedoms are those dictated by law and those necessary to protect the rights [and safety] of other members of the University community and to ensure the normal functioning of the University.”
If any class time conflicts with religious or personal events amendments can be made.