Required Course
Credits: 3-0-3 (3 semester hours)
Type of Course: Lecture
Instructors: Charles Rudolph, Franca Trubiano
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing
Course Overview
The first of two courses in Construction and Design Integration introduces the processes of construction as representing both the material extension and critical advancement of architectural design. The practice of architecture that is integrated with construction is framed in terms of the material, legal and economic forces which impact design and reflect the points of view of the builder, manufacturer, client and architect. The course deals primarily with the fundamentals of materials and methods of construction, the history and evolution of building practices and economies, and the normative aspects of contemporary construction. Lectures and readings are organized around a thematic duality of monolithic (heavy) and frame (light) construction; beginning with site work, foundations, masonry and concrete and moving toward wood frame, steel frame, glass and curtain walls. Through examples of historical and contemporary buildings and projects, the construction methods outlined in the text are presented as design medium. Buildings are the material examples of a larger culture of making that encompasses the art of architecture, engineering and construction science.
Learning Objectives
The course aims for student understanding of the basic materials and methods of construction. Beyond this fundamental knowledge, the course stresses the importance of economic, legal, and ethical, as well as artistic, choices in the selection and application of materials and assemblies. To introduce the building process as a component of design thinking, architectural examples - both historical and contemporary, foreground construction issues and the conceptual and instrumental force at work in their resolution and representation as architecture. The course attempts to build a knowledge base and a working vocabulary of construction for both beginning design studios and collateral courses in architectural technology.
Course Requirements
Three one-hour examinations and one final examination.
Students demonstrate the ability to communicate basic knowledge of materials and systems integration through a series of in-class exercises, and one technical drawing project executed in teams.