Introduction to Architecture
Session: Fall 2020
Instructors: Rachel Lavine, Betsy Johnson, Neal Evers, Sara Tabatabaie, Brandon Anderson, Robin Norcross, Jesse Van Horne, Jeremy Ehly
Architectural Space | Container for Light
Students were asked to choose one of the following architectural space types: Sacred Private space, Sacred Public space, Uncomfortable Private space, and Uncomfortable Public space. They created a simple model embodying the “essence” of their particular space in order to explore the relationship between humans and the different spaces we inhabit. Using only white Bristol Board, the models explored how light and shadow can create a space and influence the user. Students then produced sketches of the model exhibiting critical moments of the created space.
Ordering Systems | Assemblage
In this project, students explored primary, secondary and tertiary framing systems. Each system can be organized methodically according to a regular repetition of its individual components or members and is a function of the nature of the individual members (size, shape, material, strength). How these systems come together holistically (as an overall assembly) and tectonically (how individual members join) is fundamental to understanding additive construction as a design methodology and is necessary for understanding how other architectural elements can be harmoniously arranged.
For these models, students applied and synthesized their knowledge of basic organizational systems and additive construction assemblies in a design exercise which explored frame and grid organization. They created a grid-based frame assembly consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary frame elements, to achieve an experiential quality and display a clear logic of transformation.
