Architectural Studies 105 - Space and Design

Fall
2020
01
4.00
Rachael Cohen
TTH 01:30PM-04:30PM
Amherst College
ARCH-105-01-2021F
ONLI ONLI
rchase@amherst.edu
ARCH-105-01,ARHA-105-01

(Offered as ARCH 105 and ARHA 105)
This hands-on design studio will foster innovation as it guides students through the creation of conceptual architecture. Through a series of three-dimensional handbuilt projects, students will develop their own design language. The projects will build on each other, and culminate in the design of a building on a chosen site. We will work through sketches, hand-drafted and computer drawings, as well as physical and 3D model-making in order to understand buildings through plan, section, elevation, diagramming and concept model.

Fall 2020 will be fully online and synchronus, as we develop a creative process and practice. We will establish a dynamic workflow that will allow us to see all student work through a progressive online design portfolio that will be built throughout the course of the semester. Each student will commit to documenting all drawings and physical models with a light box, and developing photography, editing, and graphic design skills. These essential skills allow all architects and designers to show their work; we will take advantage of the needs of the current situation to push those skills forward as a core part of the process, rather than an afterthought. This will allow us to be “closer” even as we are remote; we can all look at each student's work on a full screen, up close, and to see each other’s faces as we discuss ideas.

Guest critics will attend two virtual reviews during the semester, allowing students to present their work to design professionals and professors and get direct feedback on their architecture as well as their graphic design and verbal presentation skills.

The two three-hour class periods are essential and required work time each week, plus additional work time outside of class hours. We will be online for the duration of the three-hour class, just as we would be in studio. During a work session, students can choose to listen to other design conversations or to wear headphones, but their workspace will remain on camera.

Each student will be sent a ‘Studio Box’ that will include all tools and materials needed for the class. Students will have everything they need to create a studio space wherever they may be - in a dorm room, or at home - and they must commit to making this space a priority. Even though remote, the studio will still be asynchronous shared studio and attendance is mandatory for the full class period.

Requirements:
+ Camera / Phone with Camera
+ Designated desk space for studio setup
+ Laptop with Webcam to show workspace
+ Reliable internet for class sessions
(Laptops and hotspots are available through IT for students who need one)

Requisites:
No prior architecture experience is necessary, but a willingness to experiment and a desire to learn through making are essential. Limited to 12 students. Fall semester. Visiting Lecturer Chase.

Permission is required for interchange registration during all registration periods.