Three Weeks to Go!
Here's what we should be focusing on:
Feb. 4 Complete revised building design & concept statement/diagrams.
Integrate all major material choices
Post final base design: site, plans, elevations, sections & 3D views.
Comment & revise.
Feb. 8 Study envelope & structure.
Develop wall sections.
Post final envelope & structure (plans, sections, elevations) & wall sections.
Comment & revise.
Feb. 15 Refine green & MEP strategies
Post final site, plans, elevations & sections with integrated green & MEP strategies.
Pollish drawings, add text, format & finalize all concept & project diagrams.
Comment & revise.
Production of final documents for presentation.
Feb. 22 Final Presentation
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Assignment 4
Hope you've all had a nice rest after our busy week. I was, in general, impressed with the level of development during the week. That said, we have a long way to go and the next five weeks will fly by. Please jump on the next assignment which was emailed to you yesterday.
Also, remember to comment on your cohorts postings.
Also, remember to comment on your cohorts postings.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Graphic Analysis of Precedent Studies
Hey folks,
I've reviewed a couple of your precedents and have a bone to pick.
Please remember to graphically analyze the precedent. This is not an exercise of gathering
images and writing a short description of what you see. You should sketch everything you can about the building (3D views, plans, sections, details, etc.). Why? 1. Because it develops/reinforces your ability to draw in proportion quickly and efficiently. 2. It trains you to analyse your own work and gives you the tools to better understand where there are problems and oppertunities to improve. 3. It makes you more aware of what has already been done--we are not inventors of the wheel…
Analysis begins only with your curiosity and willingness to work. Ask youself questions…
Why does the building sit on its site in a particular way?
Is it an object building or part of a larger context--like a row house?
What is the material, color & texture palette? Are they similar or different than adjacent buildings?
What is the general shape? Can it be broken down into more simple shapes?
How are the spaces and functions arranged?
How do various groups of users flow through the spaces?
Where are the views? Do the windows support this?
Does the building take advantage of sun & wind?
How is the building structured?
Analysis is very challenging initially, but gets easier as you do more--like weight lifting.So please, do more. And finally, remember that this isn't art or graphic design--sketch & post.
I've reviewed a couple of your precedents and have a bone to pick.
Please remember to graphically analyze the precedent. This is not an exercise of gathering
images and writing a short description of what you see. You should sketch everything you can about the building (3D views, plans, sections, details, etc.). Why? 1. Because it develops/reinforces your ability to draw in proportion quickly and efficiently. 2. It trains you to analyse your own work and gives you the tools to better understand where there are problems and oppertunities to improve. 3. It makes you more aware of what has already been done--we are not inventors of the wheel…
Analysis begins only with your curiosity and willingness to work. Ask youself questions…
Why does the building sit on its site in a particular way?
Is it an object building or part of a larger context--like a row house?
What is the material, color & texture palette? Are they similar or different than adjacent buildings?
What is the general shape? Can it be broken down into more simple shapes?
How are the spaces and functions arranged?
How do various groups of users flow through the spaces?
Where are the views? Do the windows support this?
Does the building take advantage of sun & wind?
How is the building structured?
Analysis is very challenging initially, but gets easier as you do more--like weight lifting.So please, do more. And finally, remember that this isn't art or graphic design--sketch & post.
Friday, January 4, 2008
Site Photos
New Assignments
Please note that I've added Assignments 2 & 3 to the blog which are both due before the intensive week. This is a significant ammount of work, but if you want to design a complex building on an urban site in eight weeks... Get crancking and give me some eye candy on your blogs soon!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Genzyme Center
There will be a tour of the Genzyme Center on Tuesday of the intensive. Please poke around their fabulous web sit, especially the virtual tour and think of some good questions. The site is: (http://www.genzyme.com/genzctr/genzctr_home.asp) .
Assignment 1
Everyone has checked in except Scott--anyone know how to contact him?
You should all be sending me your selections for Assignment 1 topics today and get rolling. Please post any questions about the assignment to the blog.
You should all be sending me your selections for Assignment 1 topics today and get rolling. Please post any questions about the assignment to the blog.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Studio Description
Distance learning in the American collegiate system is quickly becoming an effective and efficient alternative to life “on campus”. The development of powerful electronic communications tools and high cost of relocation has made this an appealing and sustainable option to many students. As converts to this innovative educational wave, you are in a unique position to put your non-local experiences to work in this course.
In our eight week studio, we will explore the design of a facility to house a distance learning center for the study of Architecture Design. The initial two weeks will be blog-based and focused on site , precedent and program analysis. This will be followed by a week of intensive on-site design. The final five weeks will be devoted to refining our concepts and developing detailed responses to issues of constructability, thermal comfort and sustainability.
The facility will be a satellite to the Boston Architectural College on near by Newbury Street to promote the exchange between local and long-distance students and the expansion of resources provided by the college. Our program will include living quarters for 24 students, 3 class rooms for up to 14 students each, a large, state-of-the-art multi-media conference room and a dining/lounge/exhibit area. The facility will be open to students 24 hours. Scanning, printing and model making will be possible on site. Desk work, lectures and critiques will happen in class rooms and the lounge area. The exhibit space shall be open at times to the larger community. A break room will offer snacks and beverages, breakfast and sandwiches will be catered (other meals will have to take place off site). It is desired to have a small outdoor space for recreational or contemplative use on the site. A small parking area for staff and visitors and loading area for deliveries area will also be included.
We will study the problem in a comprehensive manner exploring parti, system and detail at a variety of scales—urban, architecture and interior. The concepts of learning and designing from a distance will play a central role in flushing out the program and in the conceptual design phase. Students will be expected to translate concepts into rich, balanced responses to site, code and program. Our final designs will incorporate, at a conceptual level, integrated structural and mechanical systems. Finally green design will guide our projects from concept to completion.
In our eight week studio, we will explore the design of a facility to house a distance learning center for the study of Architecture Design. The initial two weeks will be blog-based and focused on site , precedent and program analysis. This will be followed by a week of intensive on-site design. The final five weeks will be devoted to refining our concepts and developing detailed responses to issues of constructability, thermal comfort and sustainability.
The facility will be a satellite to the Boston Architectural College on near by Newbury Street to promote the exchange between local and long-distance students and the expansion of resources provided by the college. Our program will include living quarters for 24 students, 3 class rooms for up to 14 students each, a large, state-of-the-art multi-media conference room and a dining/lounge/exhibit area. The facility will be open to students 24 hours. Scanning, printing and model making will be possible on site. Desk work, lectures and critiques will happen in class rooms and the lounge area. The exhibit space shall be open at times to the larger community. A break room will offer snacks and beverages, breakfast and sandwiches will be catered (other meals will have to take place off site). It is desired to have a small outdoor space for recreational or contemplative use on the site. A small parking area for staff and visitors and loading area for deliveries area will also be included.
We will study the problem in a comprehensive manner exploring parti, system and detail at a variety of scales—urban, architecture and interior. The concepts of learning and designing from a distance will play a central role in flushing out the program and in the conceptual design phase. Students will be expected to translate concepts into rich, balanced responses to site, code and program. Our final designs will incorporate, at a conceptual level, integrated structural and mechanical systems. Finally green design will guide our projects from concept to completion.
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