ARCS 2106: Studio 3, Community Makerspace

Description

This course will familiarize students with techniques, concepts, and issues central to contemporary architectural thinking and practice. This course is designed to build on the learning and skills development of previous studios and the projects in this studio will increase in both scope and complexity – from scales of inhabitation and program to an increasing level of engagement with landscape and site – requiring advanced degrees of architectural focus and resolution. Throughout the semester, you will be asked to articulate specific ambitions in your work, formulated in response to the given problems and criteria, and alongside which your working methods can be developed, and your final proposals assessed.

This semester’s work will be framed around two, related and forward-thinking civic building projects – one in Ottawa and one in Montreal – which together will build upon your understanding of material and tectonic composition, spatial qualities, and the relationship between a building and its context. These two projects will evolve through rigorous iterations to thoughtfully incorporate complex programs, technical considerations, and design ambitions.

Architecture is a public enterprise. Individual buildings do not stand alone, they exist in conversation with their urban context and must contribute to the greater civic mission of building a better city. Civic buildings highlight intersections of government, community interaction and public education while also addressing extremely pragmatic needs in their function. They are places where visitors feel safe and welcome, where societal ideals of education and public health are nurtured, and where community ties are strengthened. They must be cost effective to construct and maintain and yet must espouse our highest collective social ideals.

Architecture is an ethical practice that requires a high level of intellectual reasoning. On an individual basis, you will use this semester to develop the underpinnings of your architectural practice. To hone a productive practice requires commitment and discipline, as such, we require punctual completion of exercises, arrival to all studio sessions and events in a timely manner, attention and participation in all discussions and reviews, and respect for the work of your classmates. All cell phones are to be turned off or put away while working at your desk during studio class time and at reviews, so the requisite focus may be given to cultivate a meaningful practice.