Studio BA4 (Assemble)

Summary

We will work with local stakeholders in the British town of Bridport to design housing responding to local needs not met by the traditional market. We will focus on how to make this housing characterful, adaptable, and varied, using low energy design principles & ecological construction approaches.

Content

Keywords

Low Energy Construction

Natural Materials

Ecological Approaches

Community Housing

Hands-on Making and Experimentation

Collective Work

Learning Prerequisites

Important concepts to start the course

Competency in hand drawing and computer drawing to scale

Accurate and efficient model-making and visualisationo techniques

Careful and professional documentation and presentation of work

An interest and engagement in collaborationo, collective work and the work of others in the group

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Formulate ideas, analysis, intention, questions
• Apply a range of research skills
• Realize a range of assignments
• Design spaces, structures, models, drawings, prototypes, buildings

Transversal skills

• Communicate effectively with professionals from other disciplines.
• Give feedback (critique) in an appropriate fashion.
• Take responsibility for environmental impacts of her/ his actions and decisions.
• Take feedback (critique) and respond in an appropriate manner.
• Access and evaluate appropriate sources of information.
• Make an oral presentation.

Teaching methods

There will be a trip to Bridport at the beginning of the semester for a site visit and construction workshop, the trip is not mandatory but highly recommended. Making the trip low cost is part of our planning, but a contribution from each attendee will be required.

We will be teaching through a range of methods, which merge practical skills and critical thinking about architecture and spatial design in response to critical contemporary issues. We have prepared a series of assignments and workshops which cover these.

Group work is a key part of our studio, and all assignments will be undertaken in larger groups of 4-6 students. To help foster work in groups we will be hosting workshops on communication and collaboration.

Construction of models, large scale mockups, and tests will be a key part of the design process.

Expected student activities

Remote forms of research and exploration of a place including the use of archives and literature.
Situated research of a place including walks and study visits, hearing presentations from local officials, residents and experts.
Design and cultural research culminating in drawing and production of large scale study models and drawings
Collating group materials and documenting work carefully and professionally
Presenting work to internal and external experts and critics
Design and construction of an exhibition

Assessment methods

Enquiry: Engagement in practice informed by comprehensive analysis and evaluation of diverse complex practices, concepts and theories
Knowledge: Critical analysis and synthesis of a range of practical, conceptual and technical knowledge(s)
Process: Experiment and critically evaluate methods, results and their implications in a range of complex and emergent situations
Communication: Articulation of criticality, clarity and depth. Communicating a diverse range of intentions, contexts, sources and arguments appropriate to your audiences
Realisation: Advancing the personal, professional and academic standards of production

Supervision