BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF AIMS AND CONTENT
The theme of this module, Architecture's Contribution to Society, aims to prepare students to design within a specific social context and analyze the environmental and social conditions of the site, creating the most appropriate response to the problem. Through architectural drawings and models, quality of space is emphasized and programmatic considerations related to the human condition are explored aiming to reach the design of a Tropical Kindergarten at Nyarugenge Campus – Kigali – Rwanda. In the prospect of promoting energy efficiency in building in East Africa is asked to take into consideration the Guidelines for Green Building Design established by the UNHABITAT.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF AIMS AND CONTENT
As architecture is both a discipline and a profession, this course will examine architectural theories in relation to practice. Most architects say they have a foot in both worlds, with principles guiding action and experience confirming the appropriateness of such action and the principles behind it. A basic assumption by architects is that theory is a “thing that guides” action. Theory and practice form the counterpoint of architecture. Architects cannot physically construct the buildings they design without a set of ideas to guide their actions. These may be, for example, traditional conventions, experimental structural concepts, or a canon of aesthetics. Likewise, theory ultimately relies on practice to test its hypotheses and assumptions. Architectural Theory I explores the ideas that lie behind the appearances of buildings.
By using a comparative method, we will discover how architects in different epochs and diverse cultures, from Vitruvius to the Neoclassical Architects, struggled with similar or divergent theoretical concepts. We are interested in how the Architectural Theory is related to its specific historical and cultural context, and how the facts, the Architectures, reflect this hypothesis. The course includes lectures, readings, and discussions about a broad range of issues and how they affected the conception, design, building, and reception of architecture from Vitruvius to the Neoclassical Architects. All the lectures and course materials will be available on the internet site: www.cstmanlio.wordpress.com.
This course is designed to engage students with the principles of Physics, Mathematics and Logic that are necessary for Architecture and Engineering. Specifically, it will act as a prerequisite to the Design and Building Construction components, as well as the Building Services components of the architecture programme in as far as buildings can effectively function thermally and acoustically. The course will be conducted mainly through students undertaking group assignments and later applying themselves over individual assignments to solve rich, open ended, real world problems in order to strengthen their mathematical reasoning, systematic problem solving and effective teamwork.
Thermal Issues
The Thermal issues part of this course is designed to engage students with the principles of Thermodynamics. They will be introduced to the reasons behind choice of materials, building form, orientation and configuration, landscaping, planting and design, among other issues on how these decisions contribute to thermal comfort. In particular, the course will address issues that affect the thermal comfort of building occupants, including, but not limited to the exterior climate conditions, the construction of the building assemblies, the seasonal variations of the (apparent) movement of the sun, and the conditions which the occupants determine is acceptable as comfortable.
Acoustics
The Acoustics part of the course is designed to clarify existing systems for acoustics and noise control in buildings. In particular, it is designed to introduce students to the science of acoustics as it relates to building design and occupation. Topics will include: human perception and tolerance of sound and noise; physics of sound; sound composition; measurement of sound; noise-transfer (contact, air); acoustic materials and their properties; material-coefficients; building-elements; errors in design and in construction; environmental contexts (cities, factories, rural areas).
Intermediate digital media for design and representation. In-depth tutorials of various software
programmes commonly used by designers. Students will gain exposure to a variety of digital media
and will be required to produce presentations using the software and techniques covered in the course.
Having successfully completed the module, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge
and understanding of:
1.1) Understand and apply conceptual thinking skills that are important in animation
1.2) Know principles of lighting design: modeling with light, visual function of shadows, use
of colour, control of exposure and use those principles to create strong compelling
compositions
1.3) Analyze and demonstrate the methods of rendering, how to control renders and how
to render for the desired effect
Materials and Construction. Challenging the notion of construction as purely a technical exercise, this course explores the making of buildings and their materiality as an integral part of the connection of a design.
The emphasis is placed on understanding building materials: their influence in shaping design decisions; their properties of aesthetic, structure, durability and sustainability; and their refined technical application.