Course Number: ARC 221 Year: 2nd Year Track: Technology Credit Hours: 3 Semester(s): Fall Prerequisites: ARC 102 or consent of instructor
Instructor(s): Christopher TrumblePaul Weiner
Course Description:
This is a two-module course organized as follows:
Module 1: Introduction to structural principles and precedence Module 2: Introduction to major categories of building materials and methods of construction through historical precedents and contemporary processes
Objectives Module 1: 1. Understanding of fundamental structural elements and systems 2. Ability to design a simple abstract structural system 3. Ability to diagram simple abstract structural conditions 4. Awareness of the role of the architect in structural design 5. Ability to discuss structure utilizing appropriate technical terminology
Module 2: 1. Awareness of historical and modern use of major materials (wood, masonry, concrete, steel); definition of "systems" based on historical use of indigenous materials in the Sonoran Desert (modular masonry, monolithic masonry, frame and infill) and their contemporary applications; basic criteria for selection of construction materials (physical, aesthetic, economic) 2. Understanding of composition, basic properties and terminology regarding use of basic materials 3. Ability to apply appropriate technologies to access and communicate information about building assemblies
Course Structure & Topics Module 1: Lectures will present the principles and concepts of structural behavior, fundamental structural systems, structural precedence, methods of analyzing and diagramming basic forces and the critical review of the laboratory projects. Laboratory sessions will be used for the critique and development of empirical laboratory projects and the collective testing of physical models. The laboratory project requires students to explore structural behavior through the iterative development of an abstract structural design.
Module 2: Lectures will explain the theoretical goals of each section which then will be understood through the process of testing and understanding in the laboratory. Lab sessions may be used for a wide variety of activities: studio-type exercises or reviews, model testing, field trips, discussions, or lectures.
Introduction to the materials and methods used in construction: lectures will present the basics of the fundamental building materials (wood, masonry, concrete, steel). Two lectures will focus on each material; one lecture will examine the use of the material throughout history and the spatial qualities created by its structural use; the second lecture will outline the processes necessary to produce or refine the material for construction purposes. A laboratory assignment will provide a case study for understanding the order of assembly of materials and the relationship between various materials in an actual building under construction.
Course Requirements Students must complete all projects, homework assignments, quizzes and examinations as defined in this syllabus.
