THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
Instructor:
Office:
Office Telephone:
Email Address:
Office Hours:
Section Information:
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Bang Dang
Brad McCorkle
Architecture Building
ARCH 434
817.272.2801
Bang Dang: [email protected]
Brad McCorkle: [email protected]
MWF by appointment only
ARCH 4556
Spring 2016 (08.25.16 – 12.07.16)
Design Studio: Architecture III
Section 003
ARCH 434
MWF
2:00PM-4:50PM
PARALLEL CONSTRUCTION:
MICRO HOUSE
“The legitimate pursuit of any society aiming at permanence must primarily be the housing of man, sheltering him from the
elements and thieves, and above all maintaining around him the peace of his home, sparing no effort, so that his existence may
unfold in harmony without dangerously transgressing nature’s laws.”
- Le Corbusier in Talks with Students
COURSE DESCRIPTION
GENERAL
This is a design-build studio that integrates the conception of an architectural idea into the construction of that idea into built
form. Design Thinking and Design Making become one. The conception of an architectural idea is completely and intentionally
married to the nature and rationale of function, structure, materiality, construction, and site.
In addition to making space and shelter, which is the primordial purpose of architecture, this course will also focus on structure,
materiality, and tectonics, or the expressive potential of construction techniques and the art of joining. The course will also
focus on the appropriateness of the built form within its context and site, considering its immediate circumstance.
This studio will be more of a collaborative experience than most prior courses and demands a very energetic and critical
individual and group participation. This particular studio will be organized and operated very similar to a small architectural
office.
The work in the studio will emphasize all the phases of creating and making a built form from Schematic Design (including Site
Analysis and Programming), Design Development (including Code Research and Systems Integration), Construction Documents,
and Construction.
SPECIFIC
The Advantage of Small
For this course, the studio will be design and constructing a small house, approximately 300 square feet. The very limited size
of the project allows us to achieve several objectives:
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The small footprint allows for the Construction Cost to be more precisely estimated and more firmly controlled.
The smaller project allows the studio to fast-track the process since the time allotted is limited considering the
complexities and realities this design/build studio will be dealing with.
The small project really allows the students to engage in the details of the design and construction.
Prototyping this project and some of its parts becomes more feasible since the scale is more manageable.
Since there will be less materials used on a small project, the studio can look to salvage and repurpose materials from
demolished projects.
Prefabricating some of the materials for the project using the school’s shop and digital fabrication facilities is much
more feasible when the parts are smaller in size.
Transporting of materials to the site requires less heavy machinery and equipment.
The most sustainable and energy efficient method when it comes to building is to ultimately build less.
Smaller buildings take less land, materials, and labor and consume less energy to operate.
Prototyping
It is also the goal of this studio to research how prototyping certain parts of a project can bring about both ease of construction
and cost savings. The ease of construction comes in the form of material assemblies already precisely formed in the shop which
reduces the time and complexity of labor in the field. This also reduces material waste because assemblies produced in the
shop are more controlled and precise and therefore makes the installation process much easier and incurs a savings in material
cost.
More importantly, prototyping allows the studio to actually make new products in the process of designing and constructing a
small house. It is not just a tangible outcome but also a mindset. How does one design with prototyping in mind from the very
beginning of the project in order to take advantage of this way of thinking and working? How does one shorten the time of
construction by having parts of a building prototyped and assembled off-site? How does one make a new product via
prototyping that can be repeatable for other projects? And, make it price competitive and so easy to install that it can be used
by the masses.
Small and Sustainable
A design/build studio cannot avoid the issue of sustainability and energy efficiency, especially in such a hot climate as Texas.
The less house we have, the less walls and roof to insulate and protect from heat gain. The smaller house also takes much less
energy to cool in the summer and to keep warm in the winter. More importantly is the idea that the most sustainable thing to
do is to make the least amount of footprint on the earth, literally. A 300 square foot footprint is on average 1/8 the footprint of
the average Texas home.
Solar energy collection, water collection, natural drainage factors, natural ventilation, shading devices, and other sustainable
methods will also be explored in the small house.
ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST
House: $80/SF x 300 SF = $24,000.00 Estimated Construction Cost
Minimal Landscape: $1,000.00
Miscellaneous Costs: Permitting, Printing, Consultant Fees, Survey, Etc.: $2,000.00
Contingency: $1,200.00 (5% of Estimated Construction Cost)
Total Estimate: $28,200.00
PROCESS
Core of the Studio
The core of the studio will focus on designing and building the small house as broken down below:
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Site analysis of the land, context (including sun angles, wind direction, etc.), and geography
Extensive research into prototyping techniques and technology
Extensive research into precedents
Design of the house, in Plan/Section/Elevation/Model Form
Presentation of the Designs shall include drawings, renderings, physical models, and full-scale mock-ups
Construction Documentation shall include a full set of drawings for Permitting, Bidding, and Constructing the project
Pre-Construction shall include acquiring the Permit, preparing the site for construction, mobilizing equipment,
producing a Schedule of Construction, and forming a plan for the division of labor
Bidding and acquiring materials
Construction of the project
Supplementary Lectures and Labs
The studio shall provide supplementary lectures and labs (for demonstration) on very specific tasks in the construction process
such as foundation work, basics of framing, insulation, electrical wiring, prototyping techniques, etc. These lectures will be
conducted by professors, outside experts, and sub-contractors during class and also during the construction phase. Field trips
to projects under construction will also be used as a way to introduce students to certain phases of the construction process.
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECTS AND SCHEDULE [Tentative]
FALL SEMESTER
SITE ANALYSIS [1.5 weeks]
PRECEDENT ANALYSIS [2 weeks]
PROTOTYPING RESEARCH [3 weeks]
SCHEMATIC DESIGN/DESIGN DEVELOPMENT [3 weeks]
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS [4 weeks]
PRE-CONSTRUCTION/BIDDING [1.5 weeks]
SPRING SEMESTER
PRE-CONSTRUCTION/BIDDING [1.5 weeks]
CONSTRUCTION [13.5 weeks]
COURSE OBJECTIVES
1
CRITICAL THINKING + REPRESENTATION: Professional Communication Skills, Design Thinking Skills, Investigative
Skills, Architectural Design Skills, Ordering Systems, Use of Precedents, History + Global Culture
2
BUILDING PRACTICES, TECHNICAL SKILLS, + KNOWLEDGE: Site Design, Codes + Regulations, Technical
Documentation, Structural Systems, Building Envelope Systems + Assemblies, Building Materials + Assemblies,
Building Service Systems
3
INTEGRATED ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS: Research, Integrated Evaluations + Decision-Making Design Process,
Integrative Design.
4
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE: Project Management
These objectives will be explored in the studio through lectures, readings, discussions, drawing/making, research, analysis,
making construction documents, and constructing the project.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Three areas of proficiency are expected:
1
UNDERSTANDING
This encompasses the ability to organize and analyze information from various sources as a way to understand a design
problem. It also includes the ability to critically question the information and to conduct additional research to supplement
what is given. Critical analysis is important in this stage including but not limited to precedent and site analysis. The ultimate
goal is to define the design problem clearly and to generate a design process for finding a solution. At the end of this phase,
one shall have a DESIGN INTENT and DESIGN STRATEGY.
2
EXECUTION
This encompasses the ability to use the research and analysis made of the design problem and context and the formulation of
the design process to make, experiment, and test various solutions to the problem with tangible constructs such as drawings
and models. This also includes the ability to analyze and compare the solutions in a critical manner in order to progress and
focus the final outcome. As this process proceeds, the subsequent solutions should become clearer, richer, and more
complete. Structural systems and material assemblies are critical factors in this stage. At the end of this phase, one shall have
a DESIGN SOLUTION that is presented as a Schematic Package and also as a set of Construction Documents.
3
CONSTRUCTION
This encompasses the ability to organize the effort to get a project constructed from securing the materials and labor. This
includes scheduling and dividing work. This also includes doing the construction itself as a team. At the end of this phase, one
shall have a BUILT PROJECT.
RECOMMENDED TEXTBOOKS AND READING MATERIAL
Studies in Tectonic Culture: The Poetics of Construction in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Architecture, Kenneth Frampton
The Details of Modern Architecture: 1928 to 1988, Edward R. Ford
Building Construction Illustrated, Francis D. K. Ching
Rural Studio: Samuel Mockbee and an Architecture of Decency, Andrea Oppenheimer Dean, Timothy Hursley
Proceed and Be Bold: Rural Studio after Samuel Mockbee, Andrea Oppenheimer Dean, Timothy Hursley
XS: Big Ideas in Small-Scale Building, Phyllis Richardson
Constructing Architecture: Materials, Processes, Structures; A Handbook, Andrea Deplazes
You are Brilliant, and the Earth is Hiring, Paul Hawken
The White Bird, John Berger
GRADING POLICY
Each assignment will be graded on 3 criteria:
Design and Analysis- understanding design problem, clarity of execution, quality of solution
Presentation - quality of graphic and verbal presentation and mastery of technical skills
Construction – participation during the construction process
Work is due at the commencement of class on the assigned date.
Late work shall not be accepted.
LETTER GRADE DEFINITIONS
A - Exceptional:
Student has strongly exceeded all requirements as provided by instructor. Design solutions reflect genuine comprehensive
understanding of concepts and design vocabulary. The design solution not only meets the requirements of the project but also
exceeds the scope of work. An ‘A’ student challenges all reading material, lectures, and assignments in a consistent process
through an architectural dialogue with the instructor, critics, and fellow students. The design process is clearly evident
throughout the entire semester with the completion of all assignments, and demonstrates the evolution of the projects on a
daily basis. Final drawings and models are of impeccable craft with a strong attention to detail that clearly explains the entire
thought process and design thesis. Student presents project in a professional manner clearly enunciating concepts and design
solution.
B - Above average:
Student has completed all requirements as provided by instructor. Design solutions reflect strong comprehension of design
objectives, vocabulary, and reading assignments. The design thought process steadily improves throughout the semester as the
student is well prepared for every session with new work. Student participates in most class discussion, asking appropriate
questions, and shows attention to detail. The student presents concepts thoroughly enough to engage in a discussion that helps
to improve the project.
C - Average:
Student has completed all requirements as provided by instructor. Design solutions reflect basic comprehension of design
objectives, vocabulary, and reading assignments. The thought process of the design reflects some improvement throughout
the semester. The student is prepared for most sessions with new work. Student participated in some class discussions, asks
few questions, and shows little interest in developing design skills. Final drawings and models are completed to meet
requirements only.
D – Poor
Student has not completed all requirements as provided by instructor. Design solutions fail to reflect basic design principles
presented in studio and demonstrate a lack of comprehension of course material. The design process does not evolve
throughout the semester, as the student is ill prepared for sessions. Student rarely participates in class discussions and shows
little initiative to advance design vocabulary. Assignments are rarely completed on time. Final drawings and models are poorly
crafted with little attention to detail and minimal delineation of concepts.
F – Failing
The following, in whole or in part, constitute a failing grade: student completes only a portion of the requirements as provided
by instructor; design solutions fail to reflect any basic design principles presented in studio; the student demonstrates lack of
comprehension of course material; the design process does not evolve throughout the semester; the student is ill prepared for
session; the student does not participate in class discussion and shows no initiative to advance design vocabulary; assignments
are not completed on time; final drawings and models are crafted poorly without attention to detail and lack delineation of
concepts.
FINAL EVALUATION
Site Analysis – 10%
Historical Precedent Analysis – 10%
Schematic Design/Design Development Package – 30%
Construction Documents – 25%
Construction – 25%
Grades are final and not negotiable. Students shall be encouraged to make inquiries with the instructor throughout the
semester regarding grades received, and message, for improving future projects.
EXPECTATIONS FOR OUT-OF-CLASS STUDY
For every credit hour earned, a student should spend 3 hours per week working outside of class. Beyond the time required to
attend each class meeting, students enrolled in this course should expect to spend at least an additional 15 hours per week of
their own time in course-related activities, including reading required materials, completing assignments, working on projects,
etc.
CLASS ETIQUETTE
Always take notes during lectures and discussions during class.
Cell phones shall be turned off during class.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Attendance is mandatory. Three absences are allowed, after which you will be advised to withdraw from the class. For each
additional absence, students will receive a one letter grade reduction from his/her overall course grade. Late arrivals and early
departures will result in one absence. Students are expected to attend every studio session and all pin ups and reviews. Excuses
of outside work, and personal affairs are unacceptable for incomplete work and absences.
The studio space is set up as a learning environment; therefore, working in studio is mandatory during class time and highly
encouraged outside of class time.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES RELATED TO GRADES
In attempting to resolve any student grievances regarding grades, it is the student’s obligation first to make a serious effort to
resolve the matter with the individual with whom the grievance originated. Individual course instructors retain primary
responsibility for assigning grades. The instructor’s judgment is final unless compelling evidence shows discrimination,
preferential treatment or procedural irregularities. If students wish to appeal, their request must be submitted in writing – on
an appeal form available in departmental or program offices – to the department chair or program director. The student has
one calendar year from the date the grade is assigned to initiate the grievance. The normal academic channels are department
chair or program director and then academic dean. However, before considering a grievance, the department chair or program
director will refer the issue to a departmental or program committee of faculty. If the student does not find the committee’s
decision acceptable, the student may appeal to the academic dean. The decision of the dean is final. Information specific to
the procedures to be followed in each academic unit is available in the office of the academic dean.
The dean of the collage or school in which a student is enrolled, or the Executive Director of University College, if the student
has not declared a major, has jurisdiction over the student’s program of study, degree requirements, and all other academic
matters including grievances. However, students taking a course in the college or school other than the one in which they are
primarily registered are subject to the dean of the college or school in which the course is offered concerning the course and
academic grievances regarding the course.
Information regarding grievances for matters other than grades is available in the Student Rights section of the catalog. Any
appeal of a grade in this course must follow the procedures and deadlines for grade-related grievances as published in the
current University Catalog.
DROP POLICY
Students may drop or swap (adding and dropping a class concurrently) classes through self-service in MyMav from the
beginning of the registration period through the late registration period. After the late registration period, students must see
their academic advisor to drop a class or withdraw. Undeclared students must see an advisor in the University Advising Center.
Drops can continue through a point two-thirds of the way through the term or session. It is the student’s responsibility to
officially withdraw if they do not plan to attend after registering. Students will not be automatically dropped for nonattendance. Repayment of certain types of financial aid administered through the University may be required as the result of
dropping classes or withdrawing. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
USE OF AEROSOL MATERIALS, PAINTS, AND OTHER HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS:
Due to health and safety regulations and University policy, no spray paints, adhesives and other hazardous aerosol products are
allowed in the building. Furthermore, no painting or use of flammable or other hazardous chemicals is allowed anywhere in the
building, including and especially the fire stairs. Use of such chemicals is a hazard to your health and safety and that of other
building occupants. It is also against the law. Spray painting and similar activities are only permissible in the approved
ventilated spray booths in the School Shop.
Violations of this policy will be subject to both academic and civil penalties.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
The University of Texas at Arlington is on record as being committed to both the spirit and letter of all federal equal opportunity
legislation, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). All instructors at UT Arlington are required by law to provide
“reasonable accommodations” to students with disabilities, so as not to discriminate on the basis of that disability. Any student
requiring an accommodation for this course must provide the instructor with official documentation in the form of a letter
certified by the staff in the Office of Students with Disabilities, University Hall 102. Only those students who have officially
documented a need for an accommodation will have their request honored. Information regarding diagnostic criteria and
policies for obtaining disability-based academic accommodations can be found at www.uta.edu/disability or by calling the
Office for Students with Disabilities at (817) 272-3364.
TITLE IX:
The University of Texas at Arlington is committed to upholding U.S. Federal Law “Title IX” such that no member of the UT
Arlington community shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to
discrimination under any education program or activity. For more information, visit www.uta.edu/titleIX.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
Students enrolled in this course are expected to adhere to the UT Arlington Honor Code:
I pledge, on my honor, to uphold UT Arlington’s tradition of academic integrity, a tradition that values
hard work and honest effort in the pursuit of academic excellence.
I promise that I will submit only work that I personally create or contribute to group collaborations,
and I will appropriately reference any work from other sources. I will follow the highest standards of
integrity and uphold the spirit of the Honor Code.
UT Arlington faculty members may employ the Honor Code as they see fit in their courses, including (but not limited to) having
students acknowledge the honor code as part of an examination or requiring students to incorporate the honor code into any
work submitted. Per UT System Regents’ Rule 50101, S2.2, suspected violations of university’s standards of academic integrity
(including the Honor Code) will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. Violators will be disciplined in accordance with
University policy, which may result in the student’s suspension or expulsion from the University.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES AVAILABLE
UT Arlington provides a variety of resources and programs designed to help students develop academic skills, deal with
personal situations, and better understand concepts and information related to their courses. Resources include tutoring,
major-based learning centers, developmental education, advising and mentoring, personal counseling, and federally funded
programs. For individualized referrals, students may visit the reception desk at University College (Ransom Hall), call the
Maverick Resource Hotline at 817-272-6107, send a message to [email protected], or view the information at
www.uta.edu/resources.
ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION
UT Arlington has adopted MyMav as its official means to communicate with students about important deadlines and events, as
well as to transact university-related business regarding financial aid, tuition, grades, graduation, etc. All students are assigned
a MavMail account and are responsible for checking the inbox regularly. There is no additional charge to students for using this
account, which remains active even after graduation. Information about activating and using MavMail is available at
http://www.uta.edu/oit/cs/email/mavmail.php.
STUDENT FEEDBACK SURVEY
At the end of each term, students enrolled in classes categorized at “lecture,” “seminar,” or “laboratory,” shall be directed to
complete an online Student Feedback Survey (SFS). Instructions on how to access the SFS for this course will be sent directly to
each student through MavMail approximately 10 days before the end of the term. Each student’s feedback enters the SFS
database anonymously and is aggregated with that of other students enrolled in the course. UT Arlington’s effort to solicit,
gather, tabulate, and publish student feedback is required by state law; students are strongly urged to participate. For more
information, visit http://www.uta.edu/sfs.
FINAL REVIEW WEEK
A period of five class days prior to the first day of final examinations in the long sessions shall be designed as Final Review
Week. The purpose of this week is to allow students sufficient time to prepare for final examinations. During this week, there
shall be no scheduled activities such as required field trips or performances; and no instructor shall assign any themes, research
problems, or exercises of similar scope that have a completion date during or following this week unless specified in the class
syllabus. During Final Review Week, an instructor shall not give any examinations constituting 10% or more of the final grade,
except makeup tests and laboratory examinations. In addition, no instructor shall give any portion of the final examination
during Final Review Week. During this week, classes are held as scheduled. In addition, instructors are not required to limit
content to topics that have been previously covered; they may introduce new concepts as appropriate.
EMERGENCY EXIT PROCEDURES
Should we experience an emergency event that requires us to vacate the building, students should exit the room and move
toward the nearest exit, which is located at the South end of the Building. When exiting the building during an emergency, one
should never take an elevator but should use the stairwells. Faculty members and instructional staff will assist students in
selecting the safest route for evacuation and will make arrangements to assist handicapped individuals. Emergency/Fire
Evacuation Procedures can be found at http://www.uta.edu/policy/procedure/7-6.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Library Home Page
Subject Guides
Subject Librarians
Database List
Course Reserves
Library Tutorials
Connecting from Off-Campus
Ask a Librarian
http://www.uta.edu/library
http://libguides.uta.edu
http://www.uta.edu/library/help/subject-librarians.php
http://www.uta.edu/library/databases/index.php
http://pulse.uta.edu/vweb/enterCourseReserve.do
http://www.uta.edu/library/help/tutorials.php
http://libguides.uta.edu/offcampus
http://ask.uta.edu
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
In case of an on-campus emergency, call the UT Arlington Police Department at 817-272-3003 (non-campus ph one), 2-3003
(campus phone). You may also dial 911.
It is strongly recommended that you enter the UTA Police Department’s emergency phone number into your own mobile
phone. For non-emergencies, contact the UTA PD at 817-272-3381.