ARC 255 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN I
COURSE SYLLABUS
Instructor:Joseph A. Betz, Architect, Professor of Architecture & Construction Management
Office Address:137B Lupton Hall, Farmingdale State College, SUNY, Farmingdale, NY 11735
Phone No.:College Office: (631) 420-2098, fax. 420-2194
E-Mail:
Web Site:
Course Description:
ARC 255: Architectural Design I, Credits 4. Studies the principles of form, space and order that underlie architectural design. Concepts include: mass void modeling, volume and space construction, enclosing planes, circulation, organization, hierarchy, and structure. The diagram and sketch model are introduced as methods of understanding design. Concepts are explored in both three dimensional and graphic form. Prerequisite: ARC 131.
Textbook: Francis Ching, Architecture: Form, Space & Order, Van Nostrand Reinhold
Grading:
The final grade will be based on the projectschedule listed below plus:
- Design Projects: 85%
- Class Participation, team work, peer review and required presentations: 15%. Failure to participate at all or present on time will result in a failing grade on projects; failure to present on more than one project will result in a failing grade for the course (without legitimate medical excuse).
- Please see the College Catalog for the current Farmingdale State College Grading System.
Project schedule:
- Project 1:Concepts of Form:Additive/Subtractive, Mass/Void, Integration/Interpenetration
One Week: application (theory lecture/design), comparative analysis. (5%)
- Project 2:Concepts of Space and Volume: Making Spaces with
One Week: application (theory lecture/design), comparative analysis. (5%)
- Project 3:Concepts of Enclosure:Making spaces with Planes
One Week: application (theory lecture/design), comparative analysis. (5%)
- Project 4:Concepts of Circulation: Path Space Relationships& Spatial Definition
Six Weeks: site path/space design and then building path/space design to fit (35%)
- Project 5:Ordering Principles: Formal Hierarchies, Datums, Frontality & Entrance
Five Weeks: Idea generation and expression, application of semester concepts (40%)
Course Objectives:
- To provide students with the basic ordering conceptsand principles that underlie Architectural Design. Students will compile material for course assessment and future portfolios for application to graduate school or employment.
Relationship to ABET Student Learning Outcomes:
(a) an appropriate mastery of the knowledge, techniques, skills, and modern tools of their disciplines,
(d) an ability to apply creativity in the design of systems, components or process appropriate to program objectives,
(g) an ability to communicate effectively,
Means of assessment and criteria for success:
Standards: / Grade Range / Course Targets % of studentsExceeds Standards / 100-85 (A to B+) / Criteria for Success
70-80%
Meets Standards / 84-70(B to C-)
Approaches Standards / 69-60 (D+ to D) / 5-15%
Does not met the Standards / >59(F) / 5-10%
Continuous Improvement:
Review of student projects at various stages using both instructor and peer review for recommendations and improvementthroughout the design development are incorporated.
Course Topics:
Conceptual Architectural Design I & II Course Material Outline
ARC 255 - Architectural Design I is concept driven
ARC 257 - Architectural Design II is process and method driven
Below are the Conceptual topics and methods/processes that will be explored throughout both semesters:
Concepts (as outlined in the Course text book, Architecture: Form Space and Order)
Form: Additive/Subtractive, Mass/Void, interactive strategies
Space/Volume definition, patterns, systems and associations
Spatial Relationships: abutting, overlapping, space within a space
Path Space Relationships: outside, along the edge, terminate in a space
Circulation Patterns: linear, radial, grid, network, spiral, composite
Spatial Ordering Principles: axis, symmetry, hierarchy, rhythm, datum, transformation
Methods/Process
Convergent and Divergent thinking
Idea Formation => 2-D Diagram => 3-D Architecture
Idea formation strategies
Contextual analysis of existing systems and patterns (3-D Arch. => 2-D Diagrams)
Associations of new systems and patterns
Research, precedents and prototype possibilities
Reductive strategies and variable elimination
Pattern synthesis and conceptual path/space diagram
Three dimensional possibilities and fit
Model testing (sketch models, 3-D CAD, form models)
Development, Refinement and Constraint Strategies
Constraining unconstrained problems,elimination strategies
Tools/Techniques (parts learned in Introduction to Graphics)
Hand drawing and doodling
Diagrams: space, path, structure, enclosure, use/function, etc.
Sketch Model: scale, light, texture, color
Plan/Section/Elevation Relationships
AutoCAD 2-D and 3-D Constructions
AutoCAD simulations and videos
Presentations: Graphic, Interactive, 3-D Models, Written/Oral
Heuristic Approaches (as modeled/outlined in Peter Rowe’s JAE article 36:1, pp18-23, 1982)Means Ends relationship and speculative starting points to design (one or more)
Anthropometric Analogies (physical construction of space)
Literal Analogies (spatial/formal/abstract patterns that hold meanings or metaphors)
Contextual Relations (natural and built relationships and surrounding influences)
Typologies (use of successful existing design solutions)
Stylistic Languages (i.e., classical, gothic, modern, signature rules that define styles)
Types of Function
Particular function is based on individual preferences (subjective measurement).
Universal function is based on formulaic criteria and standards such as cost, utility (objective measurement).
Providing space for function (Box) vs.Expression of function in form (Stadium) vs. Metaphor of function in form (Duck)
Functions change and evolve over time... if not the building does not survive!
Functional requirements are best guesses allowing modification by the user.
Functions that require more space than the physical space designed will not work (zero sum test).
Form follows function: activity (i.e., shape) vs. technical(i.e., innovative skin) vs. expressive (i.e., metaphor)
Rules for Function
Think of a function as a area with the proportions 1:1 to 1:1.5. Rarely do functions exceed proportions of 1:2.
Never walk through the middle of a function in a space to get to another space; terminate in a function or walk around.
A space should include the function, circulation that does not interfere with the function and any spatial interaction.
Circulation is considered a type of function, keep it as short and simple as possible for cost and code constraints.
Idea Formation
Narrative of client story, values and ideas
Ranking of functions and values
Sorting / Segregating /categorize of functions and ideas
Contextual analysis of patterns and systems
Research of existing prototypes, concepts and ideas
Conceptual combinations of ideas
Three dimensional sketch models
Null hypothesis for fit (what doesn't work)
Constraints
Architectural Design I & II typically applies concepts in an unconstrained environment/platform for clarity. Conceptual constraints include:
Structure (columns,girders and slabs)
Efficiency (circulation, function to space ratio, definition of space - can be equated to codes and cost conceptually)
Contextual patterns and systems (forms, circulation, space, etc.)
Architectural Design III & IV typically applies the followingconstraints: building,zoning and energy codes, cost,construction,etc.
Architectural Design V typically applies concepts and constraints from many courses in the program.
Types of Learning Activities in the course
Readings
Classroom Lectures
Literature Search/Research
Hands-on designing and testing
Development/Refinement/Improvement Process
Oral & Graphic Presentations
Group Analysis
Peer Review
Private Journals and Ranking
Types of Peer Comparative Analysis of Concepts
(based on4-5 projects identifyingextreme ends/tails; i.e., most/least or best/worst projects to construct working definitions of concepts)
Qualitative descriptions of concepts applied (the differences in how this happens)
Quantitative counting of occurrences (how many times does this happen)
Survey of peer attitudes/preferences (what does the group see to confirm this happening)
Attendance Policy:
Students are encouraged to attend all classes with the text book and assigned materials. Class Participation, team work, peer review and formal presentations are required (see grading). Failure to participate at all or present on time will result in a failing grade on projects.
Religious Absences:
If you are unable to attend class on certain days due to religious beliefs, please consult with your instructor well in advance of the absence so that appropriate accommodation can be made.
Use of Email:
It is College policy that instructors and students use the Farmingdale email system or the Blackboard email system to contact one another.
Copyright Statement:
Course material accessed from Blackboard or the Farmingdale website is for the exclusive use of students who are currently enrolled in the course. Content from these systems cannot be reused or distributed without written permission of the instructor and/or the copyright holder. Duplication of materials protected by copyright, without permission of the copyright holder, is a violation of the Federal copyright law, as well as a violation of SUNY copyright policy.
Disability Services Center:
If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting an accommodation, you are encouraged to contact both your instructor and the Disability Services Center, Roosevelt Hall, Room 151, or call 631-420-2411, or 420–2607 as soon as possible this semester.
Academic Integrity Policy
Because intellectual honesty is a cornerstone of all academic and scholarly work, each member of the Farmingdale State College campus community is expected to maintain academic integrity. Farmingdale State College has developed regulations concerning academic dishonesty and integrity to protect all students and to maintain an ethical academic environment. For more information, click the updated link for the Academic Integrity Policy.
It is important for you to understand the concept of plagiarism. Plagiarism is intentionally representing the words,images or ideas of another as one’s own in any academic exercise. This includes words, imagesor ideas in either print or electronic format.
Student Code of Conduct
The President of the College and the Vice President for Student Affairs recognize the rights of designees including University Police, to enforce all regulations, policies, license agreements, laws and codes on campus. If any individual allegedly violates the laws, Student Code of Conduct or campus policies, a President’s designee will institute proceedings against the offender (s). For more information on the student code of conduct, see the Code of Conduct section in the current Student Handbook, or choose Code of Conduct from the A-Z Links.
University Police
631-420-2111