OTHER FAMILIARS
While the term architect denotes a ‘master builder,’ what exactly falls within the remit of building? The studio responds to this question by positioning the role of the architect as one who constructs possibilities enabled by space. This semester’s brief involves the design of a project placed at the intersection of seemingly familiar forms with less familiar experiences. As a result, it is intended to produce proposals that fracture the physical stability of a building into the multivalent, the dialogical, and the uncertain. We will commence with case studies that identify fundamental institutions to the discipline of architecture, transcending mere program towards common forms of engagement. In so doing, new perspectives of known structures will not only be revealed, but actively constructed. The final project will focus on the construction of a site that collapses multiple meanings and narratives within a single form.
Daily Instruction
The majority of classes will consist of full-day (3-hour) work sessions. Given the online nature of the course for Spring 2021, it is expected that all students be present in Zoom from the start to the end of class time. Absences and failure to be present throughout class time will adversely affect a student’s grade, unless otherwise permitted beforehand.
Academic Integrity
If a portion of your work (e.g., in a blog) is not your own, you must cite the source completely. Images are also copyrighted. Even when you utilize “copy-free” work from Wikimedia Commons, there are rules for how the author is to be credited. From the Library Tutorials for Research Success: (http://library.lehigh.edu/teaching_support/information_literacy_teaching_research_skills/tutorials_research_success): “You need to steer clear of any form of plagiarism to be an ethical and information literate student, one confident in his/her ability to research a topic from different sources and to effectively synthesize that information with a clear understanding of when to quote, when to cite and how to paraphrase. Please read the guides provided here for help on being that kind of student, able to complete a research assignment with confidence and with the knowledge that your course assignment is your own work.”
tldr: don’t copy without crediting your source
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
If you have a disability for which you are or may be requesting accommodations, please contact both your instructor and the Office of Academic Support Services, Williams Hall, Suite 301 (610-758-4152) as early as possible in the semester. You must have documentation from the Academic Support Services office before accommodations can be granted.
Environment
Lehigh University endorses The Principles of Our Equitable Community [http://www.lehigh.edu/~inprv/initiatives/PrinciplesEquity_Sheet_v2_032212.pdf]. We expect each member of this class to acknowledge and practice these Principles. Respect for each other and for differing viewpoints is a vital component of the learning environment inside and outside the classroom.
Use of Technology
Students should have access to Rhinoceros 3D, as well as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator. If students cannot access these software, they may be able to use the university’s computers remotely. Please contact the instructor for further instruction.
University Statement on Remote Learning
To meet the challenge of teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, Lehigh instructors and students will be adopting new forms of instruction and interaction; following new guidelines around classroom behaviors; enhancing communications; and doing our best to be patient, flexible, and accommodating with each other. In remote synchronous meetings, students are expected to attend just as they would any other Lehigh class. Zoom classes work best when all students come to class ready to participate and follow the instructor’s guidelines regarding use of web-cameras. You may be asked to turn your camera on during active learning sessions in Zoom. If you have a strong preference not to do so, please contact your instructor to let them know. Students should respect the in-classroom privacy of their instructors and fellow students by not taking screenshots or recording class sessions. Some instructors will record Zoom sessions; however, any recorded live sessions will be shared only with students in the class and will be deleted at the end of the semester.
Academic Performance and Grading Criteria
- Participation – 30%
- Phase I: Case Studies – 15%
- Phase II: Narratives– 15%
- Phase III: Final Project – 40%
- Attendance to all sections is mandatory as this course is heavily dependent on group interaction and student-teacher discussion, therefore any unexcused absence will reduce your overall grade by 5% for each section. Upon a student’s third unexcused absence, a Section 3 report will be filed with the University.
- If you cannot make it to class due to extenuating circumstances, please discuss issues with me before or after class, and your absence will be partially or fully excused.
- Submission for each phase is mandatory for completion of this course. Failure to complete these assignments will result in an incomplete grade.
Final grading is based on a 100 point scale:
100.00 % 93.00 % A
92.99 % 90.00 % A-
89.99 % 87.00 % B+
86.99 % 83.00 % B
82.99 % 80.00 % B-
79.99 % 77.00 % C+
76.99 % 73.00 % C
72.99 % 70.00 % C-
69.99 % 67.00 % D+
66.99 % 63.00 % D
62.99 % 60.00 % D-
59.99 % 0.00 % F
Please keep in mind that, according to university grading policies, C+ and C are competent, not poor, and that B+, B, and B- are good. A and A- are to be reserved only for outstanding or excellent work.
A (90-100%) OUTSTANDING DESIGN WORK
The resulting body of work is exemplary in its process, product and grasp of the subject matter. It is innovative and supported by a well-articulated intention. There is a demonstrated progression of quality in work throughout the entire semester. Work at this level surpasses expectations.
B (80-89%) GOOD DESIGN WORK
Work is complete on all levels. The resulting body of work is thoughtfully considered and is supported by a well-articulated intention. Work at this level is diligently pursued and completed on time. It is likewise inventive, developed, promises impact and evidences a dedicated pursuit. This is the expected performance for most classes.
C (70-79%) AVERAGE DESIGN WORK
The resulting body of work is thoughtful but underdeveloped. Work at this level is moderately rigorous, completed on time but lacks invention and complete dedication. A brilliant idea can earn a grade of C if it produces a casual product and a thinly articulated thesis. Similarly, a weak or indifferently pursued idea can earn a grade of C even if it is accompanied by a good end result.
D (60-69%) DESIGN WORK IS NOT EVIDENT
The resulting body of work is not thoughtfully considered and is underdeveloped with regards to a coherent thesis and consideration of materials and assembly. Work is not completed on time, is thoroughly underdeveloped and/or missing whole and essential concepts developed in the studio.
F (below 59%) UNACCEPTABLE WORK
A body of work is not present or evident. Work which earns a grade of F lacks development and coherency in all of the evaluation areas. Note that this grade will be assigned when a student has missed an extended amount of class-time (more than three classes) without notifying the instructor
N,X EXCUSED INCOMPLETE
Can be given only for legitimate reasons of illness or family emergency. Simply not completing the work on time is not an adequate cause for assigning this symbol. It may only be used after consultation with the instructor or the Department Chair, and with an agreement as to a new completion date. Arrangement of course work completion must be managed by the student.