Course Number: ARC 461i/561i
Year: Elec
Credit Hours: 3
Semester(s): Fall
Prerequisites: 4th-year standing or higher
Instructor(s): Álvaro Malo
Course Description:
A heuristic learning methodology would allow one to bridge the gap between materials and ideas, between the concrete and the abstract, by approaching these two ends as paradoxical coincidences: the "idea of materials" and the "material of ideas", traversing that space~time oscillation as work to be defined in terms of longitude and latitude - as proposed in Spinoza's Ethics. In this schema, longitude would be the set of mechanical relations of extension and orientation in space, and latitude would be the set of motive forces and phenomenal intensities in time. The course will require effective interaction with the research and development segments of the materials manufacturing industries, and interdisciplinary collaboration with the larger University of Arizona research and design community, the latter more intentionally with Materials Science & Engineering, Civil Engineering & Mechanics, Cognitive Sciences and other pertinent disciplines.
Objectives
1. Understanding of physical properties of materials: mechanical, optical, acoustical, thermal, electromagnetic, etc.
2. Understanding of aesthetic (sensorial-perceptive) properties of materials: visual, auditory, haptic, kinesthetic, ergonomic etc.
3. Ability to set up laboratory tests and experiments that elucidate theoretical and practical applications of materials aimed at developing an inventive model of design practice with the capacity for new aesthetic and performative qualities responsive to emergent human needs and environmental responsibilities.
Course Structure & Topics
The seminar/laboratory will be organized in three modules:
Module1: materials: classifications, physical properties, fabrication processes, and phenomenal/sensorial properties.
Module 2: laboratory tests for empirical verification of the properties of materials - probes.
Module 3: proposed applications and selection of materials and properties toward design and production of architectonic functional components - artifacts - preferably at full size. The third module must consider applications of materials and technologies that may not be currently part of the building design and construction processes but have a realistic potential to transform the ecosophical* prospect of architecture*.
*Naess, A. (1989) "From Ecology to Ecosophy", Ecology, community and lifestyle. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Course Requirements
Probes,measured laboratory tests of physical properties of materials. Architectonic artifact,application of probe results in the design of an architectonic artifact, including measured shop drawings, materials specifications, and a physical prototype. Scholarly paper, written synthesis of research and development protocol - probes and artifacts - including abstract, full text, drawings and photographs following the submission format of pertinent journals, i.e., Journal of Architectural Education, Nature Materials, etc. Proof of submission required. PDF files,for archival storage.
