Architecture 402

Intent: to explore why design is difficult and provide methods of further developing students' abilities to resolve design problems

Architecture 402 is a topic studio, a studio taken by second semester third year, fourth year, and first semester fifth year students. The two-fold quest of this studio is the exploration of the computer as a design support tool and the examination of a building type incorporating technologically advanced activities.

The architectural program of the design studio has included skyscrapers, libraries, a wetlands interpretative nature center, an addition to a large aquarium, and an Antarctica research station. Although the central themes of this studio include building in the public realm and design processes, they should be understood as part of an otherwise comprehensive and integrative design studio.

An emphasis is placed on discovering why design is so difficult. The course covers specific methods aimed at helping the designer to cope with the difficulties of design, not just visualization, but also analysis. Many of the methods that will be explored involve the use of computers. Computers continue to be an emerging, often misunderstood, tool in design. The computer can be used for much more than just drafting, but can also fall far short of our expectations. This course explores ways in which the computer can support design. We will use the computer in a variety of ways, not simply in what is often referred to as CAD. We will be using several programs to explore different aspects of design from preliminary design to structural analysis. Students will be encouraged to pursue in depth explorations that build upon the general introduction to the hardware and software.

There has also been a growing interest in the Internet and the myraid of ways that it may be a useful and informative tool for the design studio. Students have been using Internet resources for research, developing case study Web pages, and producing Web pages of their own work so that outside critics can browse their design before coming in for formal reviews.

A series of readings are also required, and a number of books are on course reserve in the Architecture and Fine Arts Library. Students often have their own graphics capable computers although resources are provided in the studio space.