Architecture and Design

Project Description

The aim of independent project is to explore the history of American architecture and to study the design of domestic space. Architectural design impacts our live in multifaceted ways; the kitchen alone can be represented as a space of sociocultural and psychological relevance. This study will deepen an understanding of the relevance of the ways domestic space has been constructed in the past and how it is constructed in the present. Most of us are constantly surrounded by and take comfort in spaces we inhabit; exploring the progression of architectural design will reveal what makes such comfort possible.

As an aspiring architect, this project will facilitate the development of basic skills in architectural drafting, model building, and design as well as furthering an understanding of the history of American architecture, its development, and impact on American society. A  final project will synthesize these studies. Practice in sketching, drafting, mathematics, model building, reading, writing, political science and the sociocultural significance of architecture creates a multidisciplinary approach to this project.

Four books will act as resources for this project: Mark Gelernter’s book, A History of American Architecture: Buildings in Their Cultural and Technological Context (2001)  lends itself to an understanding of the history and development of architecture; to gain skills in architectural drafting and model building Mo Zell’s Architectural Drawing Course: Tools and Techniques for 2D and 3D Representation (2008) will be used as a foundation; Francis D.K. Ching’s  Building Construction Illustrated (2008) will be a reference guide for materials and technical information.

David Owen’s, The Psychology of Space, New Yorker, 0028792X, 1/21/2013, Vol. 88, Issue 44, which explores how the design of space can influence peoples movements and cause them to experience space in new ways, is offered for seminar purposes.

Combining the mediums of architectural drafting and model building with the history of American architecture will meet academic aims as they apply to an introduction to a career as an architect. A deep exploration of the art of design within domestic space scaffolds knowledge to further elaborate and explore these mediums in different scales with an understanding of their development.

The body of work that will be the outcome of Spring quarter will be comprised of a portfolio containing all unit assignments from Mo Zell’s Architectural Drawing Course: Tools and Techniques for 2D and 3D Representation as well as concept drawing for projects, a finished detailed balsa wood model, a one page reading reflection for each chapter of  Mark Gelernter’s  A History of American Architecture: Buildings in Their Cultural and Technological Context (10 total). A work must be finished appropriately for the draft any learning curve, and show continued progress throughout the quarter to be considered successful. College critique of the process of this project will influence preceding weeks works and act as constructive advice throughout the project’s duration.