ARCHITECTURE 171 Design Fundamentals I: Space (3 credit hours)

The University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design

Instructors: D.Fox, R.French, H.Goeritz, W.Martella, D.Matthews, L.Mullikin,

Course Syllabus -- Fall Semester 2014 

Catalog Description

Fundamentals of spatial composition and design.  Two- and 3-dimensional compositions to explore ideas of form and space.  Introduction to architectural representation in drawings, sketches, and models.  Coreq:  101, 121. 

Course format    

First course in the design studio sequence, meeting three times per week in a studio/lab setting.  Design 

issues and theory are presented in lectures, readings, demonstrations, and class assignments.  Students 

work both in-class and out-of-class on individual design assignments.  The faculty coordinator establishes a course-wide outline of projects and schedule, while each faculty member develops individual assignments. 

Objectives    

The focus of the course is to develop visual thinking and the visualization of space.  Other objectives are:

  • To introduce students to basic architectural and design ideas, principles, and knowledge.
  • To introduce basic skills related to drawing and simple model building.
  • To develop thoughtfulness in the students' sense of observation and design.

Content / Typical Assignments    

The course is organized by successive assignments that serve to introduce basic principles and vocabulary of 

two- and three-dimensional composition:

  • unity and variety
  • rhythm and repetition
  • geometry and proportion
  • hierarchy and balance
  •  movement and stasis
  • rotation

Two- and three-dimensional design exercises dealing with abstract spatial issues                                                   

  • figure-ground
  • implied and explicit relationships
  • datum and axis
  • spatial sequence and scale
  • spatial manipulation
  • transformation
  • additive and subtractive strategies for making form and space

Drawing and architectural representation                                                                                                   

  • freehand drawing and diagramming will be emphasized
  • orthographic and paraline conventions should be understood
  • conventions of line weight are introduced
  • precision, accuracy, and consistency of drawings will be emphasized
  • exploration of different media and materials

Design process

  • sketching, drawing, diagramming
  • many tentative solutions and study of alternatives

Requirements    

Final project with a physical scale addressing issues of spatial definition, spatial sequence, and solar 

    orientation.

A variety of design projects, both abstract and architectural, addressing above information.

Reading and/or writing requirement, evaluated by faculty

Use of drafted orthographic and paraline drawings

Presentation requirements emphasizing craftsmanship in drawing and model building

Texts / Course Resources

All first year students receive a permanent desk in the A+A Building and are required to purchase the necessary studio equipment.  

The basic required texts are 

Architectural Graphics by Francis D.K. Ching.  

Architectural Form, Space and Order by Francis D.K. Ching 

2009 NAAB Criteria    

A.6    Fundamental Design Skills    Ability to effectively use basic architectural and environmental principles in design.

A.8    Ordering Systems Skills    Understanding of the fundamentals of both natural and formal ordering systems and the capacity of each to inform two- and three-dimensional design.

Academic Integrity Policy

An essential feature of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a commitment to maintaining an atmosphere of intellectual integrity and academic honesty. The UTK policy on academic integrity, from Hilltopics Student Handbook, 2014–2015, states: 

“Study, preparation and presentation should involve at all times the student’s own work, unless it has been clearly specified that work is to be a team effort. Academic honesty requires that the student present his or her own work in all academic projects, including tests, papers, homework, and class presentation. When incorporating the work of other scholars and writers into a project, the student must accurately cite the source of that work. (See Standards of Conduct Honor Statement. Additional resources are available at http://www.lib.utk.edu/instruction/plagiarism/)” 

Please note that the need for accurate citation is not limited to written work, but includes design work as well. Students are required to know their sources. Each student must be able to document, within reason, the principle sources for their work. 

Violations of academic honesty and integrity are not limited to citations and copying, but include vandalism, theft, intimidation, etc. 

Plagiarism is understood to be a serious offense, subject to disciplinary action that may include failure in a course and/or dismissal from the University.

Attendance 

Class attendance is required.  Working during class time and participation at all meetings, except when specifically exempted by individual faculty, is assumed to be prerequisite to successful completion of the course.  Course grades are subject to attendance and participation.  More than three unexcused absences will lower the final grade a student receives for the course.

Evaluation

Evaluation for drawing assignments will be determined by the quality of the work submitted, and the effort put into the submission.  Evaluation of design projects will consider originality and appropriateness of idea, completeness, and presentation quality.  The final grade for the course will consider evaluations from all assignments weighted according to the amount of time spent on the assignment.  The assignments will be evaluated on the face value of what is turned in and presented.  Students are expected to produce work of a consistent high quality.  Each student is to keep a portfolio (folder, 20" by 26" or larger) of drawings and other work you have accomplished through the term.  

Projects may be evaluated with two grades: one for content and the second for presentation.  Evaluation for content will be based on the quality of the design and those elements being emphasized in the particular assignment, general resolution of the design, conceptual clarity and development.  Evaluation of presentation will consider the quality of craft, accuracy, effort, and effectiveness of the formal presentation.  

In addition to the evaluation of the design projects each student will be evaluated on his or her process and class participation.  This evaluation will constitute 10% of the final course grade.  Among the process criteria are curiosity and inquiry, grasp of design ideas, ability to respond to criticism, capacity to make 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.

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 should be completed in the time allowed.  Late work will be penalized with a lower grade.

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)

Security

The College of Architecture and Design, and The University of Tennessee are not responsible for the protection of your equipment.  Put your name on all your equipment in a way that cannot be removed.  You should not leave your equipment lying around when you are not there.  Your desk is equipped with means to secure your equipment.

Work Load

Class time will be used for discussion of assigned readings, discussion of studio work assignments, instruction in drawing and model building techniques, review critiques of student work, as well as working on studio assignments.  As a studio class there will be time available during the regularly scheduled class time to work on current assignments.  Students should expect to spend at least an equal amount of time outside the scheduled class time working on assignments.  Take care to manage your time wisely.

Office Hours

My office hours are by appointment and I am usually available M-F afternoons.  You may stop by or make an appointment before hand.  I encourage you to meet with me about any problem you are having with the course.  My office is located in 2nd floor main office; e-mail matthej3@utk.edu; you may also leave a message with the Melody Wyatt, Admin. Assistant at 974-3243.

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, especially when projects are due, that it becomes messy, you should take the responsibility to maintain the space and keep it clean and orderly.  Please attend to everything you bring into the studio and put away or dispose of items when you are not working with them.  All personal items brought into the studio should be stored in your workstation storage drawer or on your desk, so that the floor is left clear.  No cutting is allowed directly on desks or counters; always use a “Cutting Surface” or sheet of heavy chipboard.  The use of aerosol materials anywhere within the building other than the spray booth in the woodshop is prohibited.  Phones and radios are not allowed in the studio during class sessions.  At other times radios are allowed only if listened to with headphones or earbuds.  Please be considerate of your classmates.  No visitors may be received in studio during scheduled class time.

Writing Assignment

The ability to write well is a basic skill for success in school and in professional practice.  For this course your instructor will evaluate the following writing assignment.

For two of the regularly scheduled guest lectures (at least one in September) submit a well-written one-page, typewritten synopsis of the lecture within one week after it was delivered.  Try to not exceed 400 words for each submittal.  Your name, this course number, the name of the lecturer, and the date of the lecture are to appear in the upper right corner of each submittal.  These writing assignments will be evaluated “excellent,” "acceptable" or "not acceptable".  You must achieve two “acceptable” submissions by the end of the term.  If you achieve one “excellent” you will be excused from subsequent submissions.

Students are encouraged to attend all lectures given by guest lecturers in the school lecture series.  Most lectures are scheduled for Monday afternoons at 5:30 P.M.  These events represent an enrichment to the program which you should take advantage of.

Equipment List

The following equipment will be used at some point during your first year in architectural design courses.  In addition you will be required to purchase paper, illustration board, and various other materials to accomplish your assigned work.  

You are responsible for having the equipment and material available in the classroom when an assignment calls for its use.  Equipment and drawing and model building materials may be purchased from the Vol Shop located in the Art and Architecture Building, from Jerry’s Artarama on Homberg Drive, or from one of the various "Architect's Supplies" stores.          

Below is a suggested list of supplies needed for first semester design studio. Although these materials are a substantial investment, they will last for as long as you need them if taken care of properly. In addition to these materials, paper, cardboard and model supplies will need to be purchased as needed throughout the semester. Some of these items may be available in ‘used’ condition throughout the year.

  • Wooden drawing board (24" x 36") with 36” parallel bar (Mayline Brand) and board cover (Borco or similar)
  • (2) Combination locks or padlocks
  • 30/60º triangle (10" minimum)
  • 45º adjustable triangle (8" minimum)
  • Green plastic circle template
  • Architectural scale (triangular 12" length) - not engineering or metric!
  • Lead holder with drafting leads (2H, H, HB)
  • Lead pointer
  • Erasers: vinyl (white), kneaded eraser (gray)
  • Wooden drawing pencils (6B, 4B, 2B, HB, F, carpenter’s)
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Various black felt tip pens - Sharpie, Pilot fine point, Pentel sign pen
  • Copic Multiliners, 4 piece Set A (item # MLSP4A)
  • Water Color Brush, size 14 (Neptune brand or equal)
  • 48-pack of water soluble pastel painting sticks, (Charvin brand)
  • 8-pack of drawing charcoal
  • 12” x 18” pad of drawing newsprint
  • Erasing shield
  • Drafting brush
  • Drafting tape (dots or roll)
  • Retractable utility knife (with blades)
  • Glue (white Sobo and rubber cement)
  • 18" - 24" metal ruler with cork back
  • Snap off knife (small) with replacement blades
  • X-acto knife handle - number 1, 5" length, aluminum
  • Small “X-acto” aluminum miter box with saw
  • Cutting surface, 18” x 24” recommended
  • #11 knife blades (minimum pack of 40)
  • Plastic or metal stick pins (box) - gray metal is best
  • Certified eye protection for shop
  • Carrying/storage case for drawing equipment and supplies (tackle box or similar)
  • Plastic drawing tube to store drawings
  • 12”-14” white or yellow trace rolls

Digital Equipment

  • Older laptop computer capable of running Adobe Creative Cloud - Interior Design majors may choose to use an older laptop or purchase a new program specified laptop. Architecture majors are to refrain from purchasing the required computer until a later date and are to use an existing older laptop computer older. 
  • Subscription to Adobe Cloud (As necessary the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription may be transferred to a new laptop in the future.) Go to the UT Technology store at the UC to purchase your subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • Subscription to Squarespace web hosting. (www.squarespace.com) 
  •  Lumix LX7 Camera or Equivalant (Interior Design majors only.) 

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.

 

ARCHITECTURE 171 Design Fundamentals I                                  Fall 2014

Student Background Information Questionnaire

 

Your name                                    

 

Hometown, State                                    

 

Degree program you are currently enrolled in                        

 

Previous college experience

    

    Program/Dates                                

 

    Name of School                                

 

Previous art courses?                                

 

Previous design courses?                                

 

Previous drafting courses?                                

 

Previous computer courses?                                

 

Have you had experience making measured drafted drawings?                

 

    When?                                    

 

    Extent?                                    

 

Have you visited/worked in an architectural or interior design office?            

 

Related experiences?                                

 

                                        

 

                                        

 

Travel experiences                                    

 

                                        

 

Other Information                                    

 

                                        

 

                                        

 

What books about design have you read?

 

                                        

 

                                        

 

Explain any special needs that you would like your instructor to know.