AR172     DESIGN FUNDAMENTALS | Space 

University of Tennessee College of Architecture + Design

Spring 2013     Martella | K Ambroziak | Pace | Wall | Matthews | LD Fox

meeting times         

Monday and Friday, 9:05-12:05, Wednesday, 9:05-11:00  | January 7-April 24, 2015

catalog description:

Fundamentals of architectural design and analysis. Diagramming to communicate analysis of design ideas and principles. Design projects with site implications, scale and spatial sequence. Development of architectural representation.

  • (RE) Prerequisite(s): 171.
  • (RE) Corequisite(s): 102 or Interior Design 200; and 122.
  • Registration Restriction(s): Architecture major or interior design major.
  • 4.000 Credit hours

course format

This is the second course in the design studio sequence and meets three times per week in a studio/lab setting. Design issues and theory are presented in lectures, readings, demonstrations, and design exercises. Expectations are to work both in and out of class on individual and team-based design assignments. The course is required for undergraduate architecture and interior design students (enrolled in ARC172). 

objectives    

The primary objective will be to understand how the pencil, computer, and fabrication tools each poetically contribute to the craft of architecture and design. The course introduces or reinforces basic design ideas and principles, including: order, experience, sequence, human scale, behavior, detail, tectonics, light/time, pattern/color, and texture. Each student will learn how to develop an iterative approach to problem solving by exploring several types of media—including: model-making, sketching, drafting and full scale construction. Other objectives include:

  • To develop spatial thinking: the ability to think visually while balancing complex 3D compositions.
  • To develop an emerging visual and critical agenda. 
  • To instill ability and confidence in craft and process. 
  • To understand the cultural implications of the built environment, natural phenomena in urban contexts. 
  • To investigate the human condition, as it relates to variations in architectural scale and to understand the way the human body interacts with the built environment.
  • To introduce the importance of context to design as a primary condition to be read, individually understood, and responded to. Understanding the physical environment may derive from individuals’ experiences and how these affect interpretation of place.
  • To develop skills of collaboration and teamwork. To strengthen cohesion among and respect for all design disciplines.

requirements    

Students must complete a variety of design projects, both abstract and tectonic, addressing the objectives described above. Specific assignments will delineate each phase of the work as they develop. Minimal reading assignments may be assigned. All work must demonstrate the following aspects of the design process:

-understanding and application of issues addressing spatial design

-ideas are explored through sketching, drawing, diagramming, assemblage, and model building

-many tentative solutions are created, and alternatives are studied

-creative interpretations of presentation requirements, emphasizing craft and skill development. 

-decision making that reveals the student’s emerging visual and critical agenda

attendance     

Class attendance, working during class time, and participation at all meetings is assumed to be prerequisite to successful completion of the course. Attendance is therefore mandatory. More than three class absences will cause a student to automatically lose one letter grade from their final grade. Four or more absences constitutes automatic failure or withdrawal of this course. Excused absences for serious accidents, major health problems, or death of a loved one are acceptable. Each student is asked to communicate with the faculty and administration their particular issue as it develops. Absences for social engagements or work schedules are typically unaccepatble. 

Leaving class early or arriving late by more than 15 minutes will count as an absence, as will not working on course activities during open class time. Any absence or late arrival / early departure is assumed to be unexcused. For an absence to be considered as possibly excused, students must present the reason for missing class in advance directly to the course instructors. It is not acceptable to leave word through a classmate or to notify instructors after the absence has occurred. A doctor’s note is required for absences related to health issues.

work load    

Class meetings will include discussion of studio work assignments, instruction in drawing and model building techniques, site visits, reviews of student work, as well as working on studio assignments. There will frequently be time available during the regularly scheduled class to work on current assignments. Students should expect to spend a significant amount of time outside the scheduled class time working on assignments. Take care to manage your time wisely. Class time may not be used for other class work, and respectfully, studio work should not be done during other classes.

desk crits    

A substantial amount of instruction will occur during studio in the form of desk critiques, one-on-one instruction where student work is reviewed and discussed and where alternates are put forward for the purpose of advancing the design. In the interest of time and communication clarity, students are expected to (1) be at their desks and ready for the meeting, (2) have organized their thoughts as well as their drawings and model studies, and (3) be able to describe what issues have been investigated, how the issues have been studied, and the alternatives that have been investigated. Students who come to class without producing new work forfeit the opportunity for faculty input during that class or in subsequent office hours. 

design reviews     

Design reviews are a critical component of design education: each student presents the results of their design investigations to members of the faculty, student colleagues, and invited guests. It is essential that each student comes to the review prepared to present the results of their investigations clearly and succinctly. Students are expected to be able to discuss the issues raised in the assigned readings and project handouts in a knowledgeable way. As well, it is expected that all students will attend and be engaged in the presentations of all their studio classmates during design reviews.

consistency and late work policy    

Design reviews are essential to receiving information and are an integral part of studio culture. For that reason, students are expected to have complete work for these public reviews, whether final or preliminary. In addition, students must demonstrate day-to-day development and improvement to glean the most from studio desk critiques. Except in instances of a medical or personal emergency, reviews will not be rescheduled. As these are integral components of the verbal and graphic presentation requirements, late or incomplete work will affect the final grade. 

evaluation    

In accordance with the University Academic Policies, the following grade standards will prevail:

Grade:        Performance Level:    Quality Points:

  •     A        Superior             (4.00)
  •     A-       Intermediate Grade         (3.70)
  •     B+      Very Good         (3.30)
  •     B        Good             (3.00)
  •     B-       Intermediate Grade        (2.70)
  •     C+      Fair             (2.30)
  •     C        Satisfactory         (2.00)
  •     C-       Unsatisfactory        (1.70)
  •     D+      Unsatisfactory        (1.30)
  •     D        Unsatisfactory        (1.00)
  •     D-       Unsatisfactory        (0.70)
  •     F        Failure             (0.00)

Students are expected to produce work of consistently high quality. Evaluation of each student’s work considers clarity of intention, resolution of design issues, design development, design quality, the response to problem’s specific issues and objectives, and the quality, clarity, completeness, and craftsmanship of the final presentation. 

 The grading policy for this studio course affirms the importance of three primary components of a design investigation:  

    concept. 

Criteria for evaluation include the critical and creative thinking demonstrated by each student’s architectural design work and its internal consistency as a complex set of ideas. The work is both analytic and synthetic; it is demonstrated verbally as well as visually. 

    process. 

Among the process criteria are curiosity and inquiry, grasp of design ideas, ability to respond to criticism, ability to investigate design alternatives, capacity to make design decisions, ability to generate ideas, ability to assess ideas, ability to develop ideas, work habits, standards of self-performance, ability to communicate ideas graphically and verbally, and willingness to assume responsibility.

    product. 

Criteria for evaluation include the completeness of the presentation as well as the quality, accuracy, legibility, effectiveness, and craftsmanship of the individual products. Finally, the evaluation considers the clarity, completeness, and effectiveness of each student’s verbal presentation.    

The final grade for the course reflects performance on the studio assignments (weighted based on project duration), the level of engagement in the studio, improvement and effort over the course of the semester, and participation in the studio activities.

A    4.0    Superior performance    

Work is outstanding. It displays a mastery of the subject matter, it is complete, and it demonstrates superior understanding and application of the issues and skills presented in the project. The individual/team consistently participates in class activities. 

B    3.0    Good performance

    Work is good or inconsistent. Some aspects might be superior, others might be satisfactory. The quality is above average, but lacks the thorough rigor of excellent work. There are minor problems in the project’s presentation or content. There may be problems with inconsistent performance or participation. 

C    2.0    Satisfactory

The work is average. It does not exceed any of the expectations of the project and does not display a mastery of the subject matter.     

D    1.0    ‘Unsatisfactory performance

The basic requirements for the project have not been met. The work has obvious shortcomings. There is little effort put forth in the project, and there is no demonstrated mastery of the subject matter. 

F    0.0     ‘Failure’         

Almost no effort has been put forth by the student as demonstrated by process and product. 

    Intermediate grades may also be assigned.

 Incomplete or “I” grades will only be assigned when students are absent from class with a University approved absence and are unable to make up the work by the end of the term. Projects are expected to be completed in the time allowed with work terminated by the coordinated deadlines. Late work will be penalized with a lower grade.

academic integrity    

An essential feature of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is a commitment to maintaining an atmosphere of intellectual integrity and academic honesty. Plagiarism and cheating will not be tolerated. For information regarding the punitive measures that may be taken by the instructors, the College, and the University, refer to the student handbook.

use of computer

All ID students are to have a laptop computer, and a computer is strongly recommended for Arch students. All students who do not have a laptop are to meet with the instructor individually to discuss on campus resources for completing assignments. Students are to use mice and the large studio monitors when completing design projects in studio. The backup and security of digital files is the responsibility of the student. Lost or accidental deletion of files does not constitute an acceptable accuse for late work.

required text    

All students are required to purchase a copy the new edition of Francis Ching's  Architectural Graphics (Fifth Edition, New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons, 2009). This text should be in your workspace at all times, and must be available for reference during studio.

Additional text may be required. 

required materials

Projects will require the use of computer, software, and drawing tools

  •     Drawing, sketching and drafting tools.
  • Laptop computer highly recommended (required for Interior Design students), must run the software below:
    • adobe illustrator/adobe photoshop - adobe creative suite (most current version)
    • sketchup (free version) most current version
    • rhino (most current version) 
    • squarespace account
  • Model building tools
  • Sketchbook (dedicated for studio)
  • Tape measure, 25’ 
  • Digital Camera (recommended) 

 

studio classroom    

The studio classroom is a professional environment. This place and the equipment and furnishings in it should be treated with respect. While it is expected that there will be times that it becomes messy, students are responsible for maintaining the space and keeping it clean and orderly. Students must attend to everything they bring into the studio and put away or dispose of items when not in use. All personal items brought into the studio should be stored in workstation storage drawer or on one’s desk, so that the floor is left clear. No cutting is allowed directly on desks or tables; always use a cutting mat. The use of aerosol materials anywhere within the building other than the paint booth in the woodshop is prohibited. Texting, talking on the phone, listening to music out loud, and watching videos is not allowed in the studio during class sessions. At other times music or videos are allowed only if listened to with headphones. Students may not use University a/v equipment without prior approval. Please be considerate of your classmates. No visitors may be received in studio during scheduled class time. Review the guidelines set forth in the Student Handbook on the care and use of studio equipment and other policies of the school.

Studio Culture Policy http://archdesign.utk.edu/about/studioculture/ 

The College of Architecture and Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is an academic and professional community, committed to promoting an environment of respect and academic excellence. As educators and students, we share a dual responsibility and opportunity to provide and pursue the best education possible. We strive to provide and promote a culture founded on the belief in diversity, respect, critique, collaboration, conflict resolution, academic integrity, balance, and growth among the members of our community. This Studio Culture Policy represents the ongoing collaboration among the administration, faculty, and students, defines the essential qualities for a healthy, productive, and investigative studio environment that the members of our community uphold. 

The Studio Culture Policy was developed through the Deans’ Student Advisory Council (DSAC) in collaboration with the college faculty. 

STUDIO:

The term “studio” refers to courses as well as a physical place founded on the belief in an environment that fosters critical thinking.

RESPECT:

We uphold a mutual attitude of respect among faculty and students; we stand for a culture of respect within our college by allowing ideas, processes, and products to develop freely.

DIVERSITY:

We believe each member of our design community possesses a variety of educational and life experience that produce diverse opinions and are valuable to the dialogue and collaboration within our studio culture.

CONFLICT:

We agree to respect the process and products of others’ work, we handle all issues in a constructive manner, we address all issues with respect, discretion, and humility, and we respond to all conflict in an open-minded manner in order to sustain a studio culture defined by respect.

PLACE:

The Art and Architecture building allows each member of the community access to a cross-section of design education; interaction within the studio spaces follows that of a professional environment and we treat our studio spaces, equipment, and furnishings with respect.

BALANCE:

It is the instructor’s responsibility to distribute a reasonable workload throughout the semester while it is the student’s responsibility to develop time-management skills that meet responsibilities in and beyond the classroom – studio culture is not influenced by a broad spectrum of academia, life experience, and professional practice.

CRITIQUE:

We encourage active dialogue among our critics, professors, and students with the common goal of discovery and invention through desk critiques, group discussions, and reviews.

GROWTH:

Each member of our studio culture fosters an environment of inquiry, dialogue, professionalism, and personal growth, which adds to our community growth as we continually evolve while maintaining our core values and ensuring a studio culture that embraces the development of individual and collaborative learning.

security    

The College of Architecture and Design and The University of Tennessee are not responsible for the protection of student equipment. Students should label all equipment with their name in a way that cannot be removed. Personal equipment should not be left unattended. Do not borrow equipment or use classmates’ desks without prior approval. 

    Take care to ensure your safety when working in the building and when coming and going to campus. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not work alone in the building. Do not walk alone on campus or in neighboring areas late at night. Do not drive if you are too fatigued or otherwise impaired to do so safely. Call 911 in the case of an emergency. Call UT Police, 865-974-3114/865-974-3111, if you see suspicious activity or unknown people in places where they don’t belong. 

 student concerns    

A hallmark of the collaborative aspects of the design studio is the desire to address student concerns directly and resolve disagreements quickly. Occasionally members of the studio may have concerns regarding the course schedule, expectations, project evaluations, and related issues. In those instances, students should bring their concerns to the attention of the instructors. In the event that the response from the instructor is unsatisfactory, present the concerns to Prof. George Dodds and Prof. David Matthews, the Summer Program Coordinators. In the event that this response is unsatisfactory, concerns should be presented to your program director: Prof. Scott Wall (architecture), Prof. David Matthews (interior design), and Prof. Brad Collett (landscape architecture). 

accommodation    

Any student in this course who has a disability that may prevent him/her from fully demonstrating his/her abilities should contact the instructor personally within five days of the beginning of the semester to discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and to facilitate educational opportunity in this class.