ARCH900│Graduate Studio 01 Fall 2014
M│Th Noon – 6:00pm Annex North Upper Level Studio
Instructor│Elizabeth Ghiseline Office Hours by Appointment
Studio Syllabus
CATALOG DESCRIPTION This studio addresses graduate level design topics dedicated to students in the two year + three year Master of Architecture programs. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the two or three year Master of Architecture program. Please refer to the Design Studio Grade Requirement regarding the final grade for this course.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
All First Year Graduate Students will practice fundamental skill sets and architectural conventions through iterative methods of investigation and making.
Three year students will be introduced to basic skill sets and conventions and two year students will expand on incoming foundation + fundamental skill sets.
Studio exercises explore basic spatial, material, structural, and site concepts in the making of architecture. Students develop increasingly complex programmatic and circulatory solutions while considering site and context as factors in appropriate design responses. All students will increase their understanding of basic building systems, materials, structure, and connections.
All students will attend the Big Idea Lecture Series on Fridays Noon – 1:00pm in Blount Auditorium. Students are required to attend and to archive each lecture individually.
THE STUDIO DOCUMENTATION PROJECT
This is an ongoing archiving project mandatory for two year graduate students. It is optional for the three year graduate students.
Students are asked to record in a format of choice (blog, sketchbook, photos + writings, visual + sound recordings, etc.)a minimum of 13 entries (one per week) that document + articulate individual studio work methods, makings, thoughts, discoveries and insights. Students may expand on relevant themes from the Big Idea Lecture Series.
COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the completion of this course, the student should be able to satisfy the following:
• Explore and communicate increasingly complex ideas through multiple modes of representation
• Connect studio investigations to larger cultural and technical discourses as introduced in concurrent courses
• Analyze and explore introductory implications of site, use and context
• Analyze and explore introductory ordering principles of material and structure
NAAB 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:
The criteria encompass two levels of accomplishment:
• Understanding—means the assimilation and comprehension of information without necessarily being able to see its full implication.
• Ability—means the skill in using specific information to accomplish a task, in correctly selecting the appropriate information, and in applying it to the solution of a specific problem.
A.2Critical Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards.
A.3Graphics Skills Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process.
A.5Formal Ordering Systems Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design.
A.5Investigative Skills: Ability to gather, assess, record, apply, and comparatively evaluate relevant information within architectural coursework and design processes.
A.6Fundamental Design Skills Ability to use basic architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites.
C.1Collaboration: Ability to work in collaboration with others and in multidisciplinary teams to successfully complete design projects.
C.2Human Behavior: Understanding of the relationship between human behavior, the natural environment and the design of the built environment.
INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGIES
Pedagogy
This course is designed to employ traditional architectural studio methods that focus on designing and making. Building on the knowledge in structure, environment, and enclosure established in the second year curriculum, this term will have an emphasis on students exercising more autonomy as they seek to develop specific design methodologies.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
Work is evaluated by the instructors on the basis of interaction and products presented during desk critiques and project reviews. This evaluation includes consideration of the following:
Daily progress toward completing the assignments
Effectiveness of studio-based design development, habit, and process
Quality of work presented (content, craftsmanship, completeness)
Graphic and verbal explanation of the work
Response to criticism and suggestions
Participation and contribution to studio
Initiative and self-reliance
Comprehension of assignment intention
Demonstrated achievement in accomplishing intent
Evidence of completion and application of assigned readings
Improvement during the semester
COURSE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
PRINTING ALL WORK
When working digitally, students must print out all work prior to class for desk crits or reviews. Work will not be reviewed on the computer screen. Regular prints of digital drawings are necessary to confirm that the drawing will read well. Digital projections may be used as a complement to printed presentations, but may never substitute for printed drawings.
Students are encouraged to explore + develop various techniques in visualization and representation
Site analysis and precedent studies will inform student design proposals
Students participate in individual desk critiques, group and individual pin-ups, and formal reviews
Students are expected to seek out resources + informations critical to the enrichment of individual investigations
RECOMMENDED LEARNING MATERIALS
Students are required to purchase or acquire additional materials throughout the semester as prescribed by individual instructors.
GRADING POLICY
Student project work will be evaluated according to the following seven general criteria:
1. The originality, complexity, clarity and appropriateness of the conceptual ideas formulated.
2. The ability of the student to translate his/her concepts into architectural form and the project’s level of development.
3. The demonstration and communication of the architectural, cultural or technical relevance of the proposal.
4. The demonstration of the student’s working process.
5. Level of craftsmanship as seen in skills mastered such as drafting, model making and technical knowledge.
6. The degree of completeness of course presentations and requirements.
7. Attendance.
The graded work will be based upon the three projects, attendance, and class readings + recordings/ participation/engagement. Each project will be given a grade.
Grades will be weighted as follows:
Two Year Graduate Program
Assignment 1 = 20%
Assignment 2 = 20%
Assignment 3 = 40%
Studio Documentation Project + Big Idea Lecture Series Archive, Participation │ Effort │ CD = 20%
Three Year Graduate Program
Assignment 1 = 20%
Assignment 2 = 20%
Assignment 3 = 40%
Big Idea Lecture Series Archive + Participation │ Effort │ CD = 20%
Three Year Students may opt to generate the Studio Documentation Project.
DEPARTMENT PERFORMANCE CRITERIA
All students must maintain the minimum standards of performance to re- main enrolled in the department of architecture. These criteria are out- lined in Wentworth’s course manual on page B-10 through B-19. Please note especially that to continue in the program, a student’s ARCH900 “final grade must be ‘B’ or better.
MAKE-UP POLICY/LATE WORK
All work is due on the date scheduled. All unexcused late work will receive a failing grade. Work not submitted within seven calendar days of the scheduled deadline will receive a zero.
REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS/READINGS
There are no required textbooks for this studio. Assigned readings will be distributed periodically. This studio’s topic necessitates that you REGULARLY visit the library and research landscape ideation, build a precedent base, and examine the integration of environmental systems into your work.
STUDIO CULTURE
The studio environment is an essential component of learning to be an architect or designer, as it has been since the first schools of architecture in the United States were founded over a century ago. Only through respect and mutual investigation between faculty and students as well as students among themselves, can a healthy studio culture be fostered. Our department’s goal is to create a vibrant, inquisitive, safe, and respectful studio culture for the sophomore year and beyond. All students are expected to uphold high standards of behavior and academic discipline when in the studio. See the full Studio Culture Guidelines for more information.
WORKING IN STUDIO
It is expected that students will take advantage of the studio environment by working in studio outside normal class hours. The studio environment offers an essential experience to students and brings many major benefits to architectural education. The most important of these is working alongside one another. It is often the case that more can be learned from classmates during after-class hours than from faculty during class meeting times. In addition, third-year students are encouraged to make collegial connections with students in the other upper-year studios. Hours for the studio space will be posted. Class time is noted above, and should include as much additional time as possible given the requirements of other courses. Work in the design studio is advanced through independent investigation, discussion with your instructors and colleagues, desk critiques, and reviews. Students are expected to develop their projects during the studio class time, evenings and weekends. Students are to stay in attendance and use time effectively during the entire studio class period.
CLASS ATTENDANCE
• Three unexcused absences will result in a full letter grade penalty for the course
• (i.e. a B- becomes a C-).
• Five unexcused absences will constitute an automatic failure or withdrawal from the course.
• Missed reviews cannot be made up. Late pinups will not be permitted.
COURSE CALENDAR
See attached
Studio CDs Documentation Requirements
To follow is a list of requirements for the documentation of your projects this term. Each student is required
to submit a CD or DVD of work completed throughout the course of the semester – INCLUDING THE
WORK PRESENTED AT THE FINAL REVIEW.
DUE Monday 15 December by Noon
Grades be will distributed after the CD or DVD is received – Prints May Be Requested By Instructors
There will be boxes with your critic’s name placed in the Architecture Department for you to submit your CD.
The CD must include high quality documentation – including model photos + process work.
Organization of the CD / DVD:
Make sure you test your CD after burning it to be sure the files are working and not simply aliases.
Label the CD with the course number and your name (e.g. ARCH210-StudentName-F13)
Create separate folder for all four projects: (Project1_Mapping, Project2_Intervention, Project3_Portfolio,
Project4_Interpretation)
Organize the files on the CD in a clear, understandable way – use separate folders for each project, and
descriptive names for files (e.g. LastName_Proj1_Plan1.tif, LastName_Proj5_Materials.tif, etc.)
Include digital images of all presentation layouts and final drawings, saved as individual JPEG, TIFF, or
PDF files.
Include digital photographs of all models, including process models (label LastName_Proj3_process1.jpg)
Include important process information, digital models, etc., saved as described below:
Scanning Hand Drawings
Scan drawings so that they are 150 dpi at 11x17. If the image is in black and white, convert it to grayscale.
If in color, leave as RGB. Do not photograph your drawings with a digital camera, as this will not be high
enough quality. You may need to scan your drawing in pieces and stitch them together in Photoshop.
Please flatten layers.
Digital Files and Drawing Formats:
Submit all renderings as JPEGs or TIFFs. Please flatten layers. The image does not need to be any larger
than 10-12 megabytes.
Vector-based linework files (such as AutoCad or Revit) should be submitted as a PDF with lineweights.
Illustrator files may be left in AI format.
Do not submit DWG files or other formats.
Photographing Physical Models:
Models should be photographed using good lighting and a black backdrop. Use a good camera on a tripod if possible and the student resources room lighting equipment.
PLEASE KEEP ALL MODELS AND DRAWINGS FOR FINAL PROJECT ON YOUR DESKS FOR GRADING
ARCHITECTURE DEPARTMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Grade Requirements
Refer to the Wentworth catalog for Institute grading standards and policies. Please note the Department’s design studio special grade requirement.
Requirements for Documentation
Each student must submit documentation of the full semester’s work at the end of each term, in CD or DVD format. Materials should include research, writing, and design work, including important study models and sketches. Studio faculty will further define how this work should be organized and presented before the end of the semester. Failure to submit the required documentation in usable format will result in a grade reduction in the final grade of the semester. Documentation of the studio work is essential for the N.A.A.B accreditation process and assessment of the architecture program.
Department Policy on Social Equity and Diversity
Our mission is to provide an environment where people can learn, teach and work with a shared sense of purpose, core values and respect without bias towards individual beliefs, values and areas of difference. We do this in an effort to create a community that respects and values the full and equal inclusion of its members. Our goal is to provide an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of all.
Environmental Responsibility
Studio projects shall be designed in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. All projects should demonstrate the manner by which they reduce dependencies on non-renewable resources.
Email
Students are advised to meet with their instructors during posted office hours. Face-to-face communication in discussing and resolving problems is preferable to email exchanges. Additionally, meetings must be scheduled in advance using email correspondence. Email correspondence must be written in a respectful and professional manner.
Grievance Protocol
Students should use the following protocol for questions, grievances, or general concerns about coursework and the studio environment:
1. Health and safety concerns and emergencies should immediately be directed to the studio monitor and public safety officers (617-989-4444 for emergencies and 617-989-4400 for non-emergencies).
2. Academic concerns should be directed first to the student’s studio instructor or to the studio coordinator. If further consultation is required, the student is advised to meet with the Chair or Director responsible for their curriculum (Michael MacPhail for the undergraduate program or Jonathan Foote for the graduate program). The architecture department’s administrative staff and the Dean of the College should only be contacted as last resort.
Class Syllabus & Structure
While every effort will be made to follow the outline of the published syllabus, course structure and calendar may be changed at the instructor or coordinator’s discretion. Announcements will be made if such changes occur. Students who miss class are responsible for tracking any such announcements.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to take advantage of all scheduled course time through regular attendance at every class meeting. Faculty may choose to record attendance and include this as a factor in grading, as indicated in their course syllabi. Refer to the Wentworth catalog for the Institute’s full policy on attendance.
Make-up Policy
Any illness or emergency should be reported to your instructor, preferably before you miss the class, by leaving a message at the architectural office, (tel. 989-4450), or by emailing the instructor. Written documentation (doctor’s note etc.) is
required for an excused absence, and should be submitted to your instructor at the next class meeting. Extended absence due to medical issues, family issues, etc. should be reported to
the Dean of Students’ office for appropriate documentation. Students who anticipate absence due to religious observance or similar commitments should talk with their instructor at the start of the term to review all dates in question and develop a plan to meet all course requirements
Wentworth Grading System:
Grade Definition Weight Numerical
Definition
A Student learning and accomplishment far exceeds published objectives for the course/test/assignment and student work is distinguished consistently by is high level of
A- competency and/or innovation.
4.00 96-100
3.67 92-95
B+ Student learning and accomplishment goes beyond what is expected in the published objectives for the course/test/assignment and student work is frequently characterized by its
B special depth of understanding, development, and/or innovative experimentation.
B-
3.33 88-91
3.00 84-87
2.67 80-83
Students learning and accomplishment meets all published objectives for the
C+ course/test/assignment and the student work demonstrates the expected level of understanding, and application of concepts introduced.
2.33 76-79
C 2.00 72-75
C-
Student learning and accomplishment based on the published objectives for the
D+ course/test/assignment were met with minimum passing achievement.
1.67 68-71
1.33 64-67
D 1.00 60-63
Student learning and accomplishment based on the published objectives for the
course/test/assignment were not sufficiently addressed nor met. 0.00 <60
Add/Drop
The drop/add period for day students ends on Friday of the first week of classes. Dropping and/or adding courses is done online. Courses dropped in this period are removed from the student’s record. Courses to be added that require written permission, e.g. closed courses, must be done using a Drop/Add form that is available in the Student Service Center. Non-attendance does not constitute dropping a course. If a student has registered for a course and subsequently withdraws or receives a failing grade in its prerequisite, then the student must drop that course. In some cases, the student will be dropped from that course by the Registrar. However, it is the student’s responsibility to make sure that he or she meets the course prerequisites
and to drop a course if the student has not successfully
completed the prerequisite. The student must see his or her academic advisor or academic department head for schedule revision and to discuss the impact of the failed or withdrawn course on the student’s degree status.
Academic Support
The Learning Center (TLC) assists all Wentworth students with academic challenges in the areas of math, science, technical courses specific to majors, and writing. The Learning Center is a supportive and safe learning environment for students looking to improve or maintain their academic standing. In this student-based learning environment, students can receive individual help with their studies, meet and work in study groups, or find resources to assist them in meeting their goals for academic success. It includes tutors in many subjects, writing assistance and workshops. Make appointments at www.wit.edu/tlc
Academic Honesty Statement
“Students at Wentworth are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic endeavors. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, inventing false information or citations, plagiarism, tampering with computers, destroying other people’s studio property, or academic misconduct” (Academic Catalog). See catalogue for full explanation.
Student Accountability Statement: Studio Culture
The studio environment is an essential component in learning to become an architect. The goal of the department is to create a vibrant, exploratory, safe and respectful learning culture for students. Only through respect between faculty and students, as well as students among themselves, can a healthy educational studio culture be fostered. Students are required to uphold high standards of behavior and academic discipline while in the studio. See the full Studio Guidelines and Studio Culture Policy for more information.
Disability Services Statement
Any student who thinks s/he may require a disability- related accommodation for this course should contact Disability Services privately to discuss their specific needs. Disability Services coordinates reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities. They are located in Watson Hall 003 (the Counseling Center) and can be contacted at 617-989-4390 or counseling@wit.edu. For more information on acceptable documentation and the Disability Services process, visit
the Disability Services website at www.wit.edu/disabilityservices.
College of the Fenway Students
If you are enrolled in this course through COF Cross Registration, notify your course instructor. Please provide her/him with your email address to be sure that you receive course information in a timely way. You should also
discuss how to access online applications that might be used in the course. Please note that cross-registered students who wish to drop or withdraw from this course must complete the necessary paperwork according to the Wentworth calendar