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A first course in architectural design will present topics that are basic and fundamental to understanding the building industry,Lessons are presented through lectures, discussions, drawing, writing and making physical objects. This approach can engage students' visual, auditory, and tactile senses to reinforce concepts and knowledge so that it becomes enduring. Units address an overview of the industry, construction methods and materials, design theory, and building function.
The course presents these topics in the context of design projects of scale and scope that are manageable for the sophomore student, who is expected to have some knowledge and skill at drawing, drafting, model-building, graphic design, abstract design, spatial design, formal design, and architectural function.
The course incorporates writing assignments to encourage students to reflect upon their experiences.
The course is comprised of four units. The units are intended to give an overview and foundation for further studies in architecture.
Unit 1 is focused on the building industry so that students can begin to understand their career options and the various paths to fulfill their ambitions. It presents and overview of the roles and responsibilities by using a design and construction of a furniture piece.
Unit 2 explores materials, construction, and building systems. The associated project involves design and construction of a complex expressive surface.
Unit 3 turns attention to topics in architectural theory. It presents competing languages of architecture so that students can begin to understand coherent systems of aesthetics and expression.
Unit 4 focuses on function and performance. Basic and universal functional issues of human needs, cost, structure, functional space, enclosure, and thermal performance are introduced.
Because Building information Modeling (BIM) is the workhorse tool for architects for designing, analyzing, and documenting buildings, this course makes heavy use of BIM. Students receive instruction in how to use BIM software within the context of design projects and general knowledge of architecture.
Studio 21 is a new way of architectural practice that can achieve higher performance design in less time by leveraging computer power to be evidence-based.
The notion of Studio 21 is that the attitude and method presented in this course are attuned to the needs, technologies, and methods of the 21st century. The computer has changed dramatically the methods and practice of building. Furthermore, global drivers of dwindling resources, climate change, exploding populations, precarious health services, and metamorphosing political forms present society with unprecedented challenges to an urban and architectural form. How we taught architecture in the 20th century is inadequate for the 21st century.
Copyright © 2015 Mark J. Clayton
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