Architectural Design Studio (ADST) 655

Overview

Outline

Learning outcomes

Adapted from Canadian Architectural Certification Board, Canadian Education Standard.

After successfully completing this course, you should have developed:

• Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design.
• Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential information at each stage of the pre-design and design process.
• Ability to make technically precise drawings and develop an outline specification for a proposed building.
• Ability to apply fundamental architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites, and to respond to natural and built site characteristics in the development of a program and the design of a project.
• Ability to prepare a comprehensive program for an architectural project that accounts for client and user needs, appropriate precedents, space and equipment requirements, the relevant laws and standards, and site selection and design assessment criteria.
• Ability to produce and document a comprehensive architectural project based on a building program and a site, including the development of forms and spaces demonstrating an understanding of structural and environmental systems, building envelope systems, building assemblies, and lifesafety provisions, and of the principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Understanding of principles of structural behaviour in withstanding gravity and lateral forces and the evolution, range, and appropriate application of contemporary structural systems.
• Understanding of the basic principles and appropriate application and performance of environmental systems, including acoustical, lighting, climate modification systems, and energy use.
• Understanding of the basic principles and appropriate application and performance of plumbing, electrical, vertical transportation, communication, security, and fire protection systems.
• Understanding of the basic building science principles and the appropriate application of building envelope materials and assemblies in the Canadian environment.
• Understanding of the basic principles and appropriate application and performance of various construction materials, products, components, and assemblies common to the Canadian construction industry, including their environmental impact and reuse.
• Ability to integrate appropriate technical systems into a complex building and to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential technical elements at each stage of the design development process.

Evaluation

To receive credit for ADST 655, you must achieve a cumulative grade of at least 67 percent. Your work in this course will be evaluated based on two projects, in which you will scan and submit your work to your instructor at each stage.

The weighting of the projects is as follows:

Activity	Weight	Complete by
Project 1: Comparative Analysis of Precedents	10%	Week 2
Review Project 2 and select your project site and option.		Week 2
Project 2A: Design Brief	15%	Week 4
Project 2B: Schematic Design	20%	Week 7
Midterm Presentation		Week 7
Project 2C: Final Project	45%	Week 13
Final Presentation		Week 13
Project 3A: Reflecting on What You Have Learned	10%	Week 14
Project 3B: Submit Two Images to the Gallery		Week 14
Total	100%

Materials

Although there is no textbook for this studio, your instructor may assign readings as they deem appropriate during the course.

Other Resources

Student-Provided Tools and Equipment

You must provide a digital camera for your own use, as well as a few other tools. The items you will need to provide are listed below:

Photography tools:

• Smartphone with camera, or digital camera (SLR preferable)

Drawing materials:

• 35.56 cm × 43.18 cm (14” × 17”) Strathmore 300 series acid-free drawing paper
• 22.86 cm × 30.48 cm (9” × 12”) Strathmore 300 series sketchbook
• white or beige 2-ply card stock
• trace paper

Drawing tools:

• 0.30 mm precision felt pen (or similar)
• 2H to 2B pencils or mechanical pencils
• coloured markers and/or pencil crayons
• compass
• protractor
• ruler
• drawing board (recommended)

Modeling materials:

• white or beige 2-ply card stock
• clear plastic sheet

Modeling tools:

• self-healing cutting mat: 18” × 24” (45.75 cm × 60.96 cm) or larger preferable
• metal-edge cork-back ruler (various sizes)
• stainless steel knife
• masking tape/painter’s tape
• white glue
• modeling set square

Use of Computers

You may use computers to design and complete your projects for this studio (except where noted), but remember that hand drawing and modeling skills remain essential to the development of an architect. You are encouraged you to use those skills wherever possible.

 

Important links

• RAIC Centre for Architecture
• Graduate Diploma in Architecture
• Courses
• Fees and Funding