Course Number & Name                         ARCH 110 Studio 01 Field Studies

Semester                                                  Fall 2014

Meeting times & Locations

Wednesday Workshop all sections 12:00-12:50, Assigned Classrooms (see below)

Wednesdays & Fridays Studios, all sections 1:00-4:50, Assigned Classrooms (see below)

Friday Lecture all sections 12:00-12:50, Blount Auditorium Annex Central

Faculty                                

Lora Kim, kiml1@wit..edu  (co-coordinator)                         

Lindsay Fortunato, fortunatol@                                               

Sia Herr, herrs@                     

August Ventimiglia, ventimigliaa@           

Jay Weber, weberj@                   

Yuna Kim, kimy4@                   

Krists Karklins, karklinsk@        

Soo Jin Yoo, yoos@                     

Mark Klopfer, klopferm@     (co-coordinator)              

Catalog Description

This foundation studio focuses on techniques of visualization and representation (freehand drawing skills and model making) as they pertain to beginning design. Students develop fundamental design skills through orthographic drawing (plan, section & elevation), perspective drawing, model making and diagramming.  In addition, there is a field studies component that focuses on experiential learning through documentation and analysis of existing urban landscapes and built form. Students are introduced to both historic and contemporary buildings in an effort to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of architecture in an urban context.  

Prerequisites: none Corequisites: none

Course Description                                 

Students begin the study of architecture through documenting and analyzing site information, phenomena and space in the city. Using Boston as the learning laboratory, students root their architectural investigations in real space, time and place.

Students will also explore basic spatial and conceptual issues through the act of making drawings and models, using manual and digital visualization, while developing a solid foundation in fundamental design skills and design thinking.

The course has a studio component that offers opportunities for design and criticism, on site investigations, representation workshops in and outside of the classroom where students can learn various manual and digital techniques in 2d and 3d visualization, and a lecture given by professors and professionals who will introduce different theoretical topics in architecture.

Course Learning Outcomes & Department Learning Objectives

The Department of Architecture has established numerous learning outcomes that it expects its curriculum to reach.  At the completion of this course, the student should be able to satisfy the following:

1. Employ freehand drawing to record what is seen
2. Employ standard visualization and representational methods to document architecture
3. Uncover the hidden forces in a site in order to actualize their potential
4. Recognize and articulate purposeful spatial relationships in architecture
5. Design simple spaces and structures through 2d and 3d drawings and models
6. Verbally and graphically present ideas to classmates
7. Demonstrate the ways architectural history manifests in the city through visual notes

NAAB Student Performance Criteria

The National Architectural Accrediting Board accredits Wentworth’s architecture program.  The NAAB has 35 criteria that must be covered by any architectural curriculum to attain their approval.  This course satisfies (all or in part) the following criteria:

A.3 Visual Communication Skills

A.9 Historical Traditions & Global Culture

WIT Student Learning Outcomes

1.  Information Literacy

2.  Effective Communication

6.  Ethical Behavior

8.  Societal & Global Issues

Instructional Methodologies               

Instructional methodologies will include the following:

1. Students do periodic pin ups and reviews of their work throughout the semester
2. Students are instructed on various techniques of visualization and representation
3. Students are instructed on how to test their drawings through an iterative process
4. The format for the class time will vary between individual desk critiques, group pin-ups, and formal reviews
5. Students perform numerous on-site visual explorations of the built environment
6. Students work on direct observational drawing and analysis
7. Students present their work in written and graphic form to both their colleagues and visiting critics

Design Studio

Through a series of drawing assignments and design exercises and skills based workshop assignments, students will learn to accurately construct traditional types of two- and three-dimensional drawings, models and sketches both by hand and digitally—and understand the value of each—so that they may then be used and mastered in the studio design process. Exercises will include both “freehand” work and constructed “hardline” drawing.  Your instructors will inform you of the expectations at the start of each assignment. Drawings should demonstrate;

• Accuracy:  The drawing depicts the subject without distortion or misinformation.
• Line Quality:  Lines are well defined, consistent, and straight. 
• Line Weight:  Line thickness/darkness is varied and used consistently and appropriately for the drawing type.  Line weights are clearly distinguished from each other, allowing the drawing to be understood at a distance of several feet.
• Use of the Page:  The drawing is presented on the paper in a thoughtful manner that allows both a proper relationship between views and promotes a clearer understanding of the subject.

In addition to drawing students will be asked to generate 3 dimensional models both by

hand and digitally, works should demonstrate

• Spatial Development:  Required spaces are clearly expressed, but not fully constructed, through the manipulation of point, line, plane, and/or volume.
• Diagram Development:  Original object has dissolved to reveal structure.  Intention is clearly represented. Hierarchy is used effectively and appropriately. 
• Craft:  Cuts are crisp and straight.  Assembly is precise; there are no gaps at corners.   There is no excess glue or other marks on the model.

Students will gain an understanding of sketching over the course of the semester and process and drawing as thinking will be emphasized. Sketches should be considered the visual manifestation of and fully integral with design process.

Lectures

Attendance at all lectures is mandatory for all students.  Students are expected to read the assigned readings prior to the scheduled lecture.  Detailed and thorough note taking during lectures is expected for success in the course. See the course calendar for the schedule of lecture times, topics and assigned readings. There will be journal assignments associated with each lecture and reading.

Workshops

Weekly workshops will be conducted with the purpose of introducing specific techniques and methodologies of drawing and model making both physical and digital. Students are expected to actively participate in the workshops and to complete the assigned work.

Sketchbook

As part of the work requirements for Arch 110 students will be required to maintain a sketchbook.  Drawing and writing in the sketchbook will happen on a regular basis during the studio, lecture and workshops.

Participation / effort

The study of architecture requires your full effort and participation.  Self-motivated efforts to challenge yourself, to work with your classmates, to contribute to class discussions, and to work beyond the expectations of the class will be rewarded.

Grading Policy                                             Semester Grade

Final semester grading will determined by the following distribution:

Project 1: Fieldwork                                35%

Project 2: Design Project                         40%

Project 3: Portfolio                                  10%

Weekly Posts on Website                        10%

Attendance, Participation, Effort               5%

Course Calendar                                        

Week       Design Studio Topic                                Representation Workshop 

1               P1 Field Documentation                         Sketching on-site

2                                                                                 Perspectives                 

3                                                                                 Measuring with your body, Plan

4                                                                                 Orthographic Projections: Sections

5                                                                                 Orthographic Projections: Elevations                    

6                P1 Final, P2 Design Project                  Final Review & Site Models                                         

7                                                                                Models

8                                                                                Models                       

9                                                                               Digital Perspectives

10                                                                              Digital Perspectives

11                                                                              Presentation      

12            P2 Final Review                                      Thanksgiving Holiday, No Class on Friday

13            P3 Portfolio                                             Digital Portfolio Presentation

14            Submit Portfolio