Project 01 – Architecturally Significant Houses - Dwelling Across Time
Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness. - Frank Gehry
For this project, students will be developing a set of architectural drawings and construction documents for a historically significant house. Students will research and analyze the work of the house’s architect as well as the design characteristics of the house itself. With this understanding, they will create a comprehensive set of drawings from which the house could be built. This process will require in-depth research, detailed inquiry, and the development of reasonable interpretations.
For students exploring architecture, this project will provide an overview of many different aspects of the profession. We will have the opportunity to explore history, design theory and technique, as well as the various technologies and materials that make architecture possible.
Houses used for this exercise will come from a preselected list of homes that:
For students exploring architecture, this project will provide an overview of many different aspects of the profession. We will have the opportunity to explore history, design theory and technique, as well as the various technologies and materials that make architecture possible.
Houses used for this exercise will come from a preselected list of homes that:
- are significant in the history of architecture
- reflect the thinking, beliefs, and technologies of their time
- were created by architects who have made or continue to make significant contributions to our built environment
Project 02 - The Vernacular Home - Translation and Transformation
I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world. – George Washington
To expand students' knowledge of architectural traditions and types, the second design project was established in unfamiliar territory -- rural America. Students were given a site in a rural Texas setting to create a new and innovative farmhouse for the 21st century in which they would live. To begin the project, research was conducted on traditional rural house types as a starting point in this design problem.
The goal of this project was for students to use a historic rural house type and transform it into a modern, functional residence through creative design thinking. Their new farmhouse design was required to be influenced by and reflective of one of the rural house types studied in research. When presenting their projects, students referenced their chosen house type and the influence of that type was required to be represented in their designs.
Using the farmhouse as inspiration, students were challenged to focus on designs that were creative but simple and modest -- reflecting the qualities and characteristics of rural culture.
The goal of this project was for students to use a historic rural house type and transform it into a modern, functional residence through creative design thinking. Their new farmhouse design was required to be influenced by and reflective of one of the rural house types studied in research. When presenting their projects, students referenced their chosen house type and the influence of that type was required to be represented in their designs.
Using the farmhouse as inspiration, students were challenged to focus on designs that were creative but simple and modest -- reflecting the qualities and characteristics of rural culture.