Course Number: ARC 322 Year: 3rd Year Track: Technology Credit Hours: 3 Semester(s): Spring Prerequisites: ARC 321 or permission of instructor
Instructor(s): Christopher TrumbleMary Hardin
Course Description:
This is a two-module course: Module 1: The study of building tectonics; integration of theory, material, material assemblage, and construction methodology. Module 2: The study and design of wood structures; the computational analysis of wood beams, columns and connections.
Objectives Module I: 1. Understanding of how building materials and detailing are manifestations of a design idea. 2. Ability to select among types of systems for a given building program/function. 3. Understanding of construction sequencing and methodology. 4. Understanding of architect's role in specification of building materials and construction administration.
Module 2: 1. Understanding of wood structural systems. 2. Understanding of the technical and conceptual components of wood structures. 3. Ability to conceive, design, develop, model and evaluate a simple wood structure. 4. Ability to analyze simple beams column and connections. 5. Awareness of building codes and issues related to wood construction.
Course Structure & Topics Module 1: 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, or discussions. Understanding of "tectonics": the integration of theory, design and construction. Lecture material will cover issues that inform design; construction sequence, tolerances, integration of structural and mechanical systems. Exercises are intended to encourage development of an intuitive sense and working knowledge of construction logic. The focus of the course will be a full term project investigating the process of construction from the ground up. Critical junctures will be analyzed: where a building meets the ground, where a building meets the sky, how the building mediates those two realms. Masonry, steel, concrete, and glass will be the primary materials utilized in the investigations. Case study examples will demonstrate how criteria are developed in order to make material choices, and system assemblages. Construction site photographs and working drawings will be used to discuss design intentions, important parameters of projects and resolution of problems during design and construction phases.
Module 2: Lectures will present the principles and concepts of structural behavior, the analysis and diagramming of simple wood beams, columns and connections; 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.
Course Requirements Students must complete all projects, homework assignments, quizzes and examinations as defined in this syllabus.
