Architectural Design IV: Public Space Behaviorology in Switzerland (Kaijima)

Abstract

The course focuses on public space design by intervention with a 1:1 mockup model. Through analysis, research and public drawing students identify actors, in accordance with architectural behaviorology, which lead to a public space being well used. They then implement the research into a small-scale project to improve an existing public space. Finally, they test their project by observing its use.

Objective

Public space observation by “Public Drawing” (3 weeks) Student groups • are able to use observational skills to identify activities happening on public spaces. (3) • are able to draw connections between those activities and key actors / elements of the public space. (4) Each individual student • is able understand how a small-scale research is conducted. (2) • is able to translate the public space observation into a research question. (3) Public space research and design (4 weeks) Student groups • are able to understand basic material properties for their chosen materials. (2) • are able to create a public space design by applying their research. (3) • are able to test and evaluate different designs and their structural validity via model building. (5) • are able to incorporate several research topics and other constraints into one design. (6) Each individual student • is able to apply their knowledge of research to conduct their own research and their chosen topic. (3) • is able to use and analyze different sources to find relevant information on their research topic. (4) 1:1 construction (3 weeks) Student groups • are able to plan the construction of a furniture or small-scale design. (6) • Students are able to estimate time and costs for the construction to effectively build a furniture or small-scale design within a given time and cost frame. (6) Each individual student • remembers and understands basic safety guidelines for construction. (2) • is able to use different tools for construction. (3) Design testing (3 weeks) Each individual student • is able to evaluate their design in a real-world context. (5) • is able to document their research and draw a conclusion. (6) Cognitive scale (1) Remember (2) Understand (3) Apply (4) Analyze (5) Evaluate (6) Create Link Grading Criteria: The submissions will be graded before each review. The submissions will contain group as well as single work. Each submission will be graded according to the following points: • Completeness and punctuality of the submission • Research method, the ability to find and analyze information. • Understanding of the concept of architectural behaviorology and the ability to implement behaviorology within the design. • Structural design, construction details and choice of material, in connection with concept of behaviorology and the actor network. • Choice of typology and design, in connection with the concept of behaviorology and the actor network. • Visualization, the ability to make easy to understand and compelling drawings. The final grade consists of the following partial grades: • Mid review 1 submission (group work): 20% • Mid review 2 submission (group work): 15% • Mid review 2 submission (individual work): 15% • Final review submission (group work): 25% • Final review submission (individual work): 25%

Content

Public spaces fulfill an important role in our civic and urban life. They are places of spontaneous gatherings, demonstrations, markets but also offer spaces for everyday mundane activities such as eating lunch, having a drink, learning how to ride a bike etc. How well the public spaces of a city or neighborhood work has a big influence on life quality for most of the nearby residence. But what makes a space a good public space? To answer this question, we will use the methods of Architectural Behaviorology as well as follow into the footsteps of previous public space research. By observation of well visited public spaces we try to find the natural, typological and human actors and the rules of interplay between those, which lead to people using a certain place. We will look at what activities are happening in a public space and how the individual actors are enabling these activities. We will explore the tool of drawing as a way of representing gathered data as well as a tool for design. With these observations in mind, we will turn to not yet well working public spaces in our neighborhood and work on improving them. By designing a small structure or furniture we try attract more people to these spaces and invite them to stay and enjoy these spaces in their neighborhood. By working with models, mock-ups and 1:1 installation we also gather a better understanding of materials and construction and the students learn hands on building techniques. The working method of the semester will be design accompanied by research. Questions of design are questions of research. Students are asked to formulate one key questions on the relationship between users and public spaces. Students will individually research on how this relationship could be used, strengthen or changed to improve the quality of the public space. This research will influence the design of the furniture or small-scale structure. Finally, we plan to place the structure onto the chosen public space and will observe, if the design has the desired effect on the space. This loop between observation, research, design, construction and observation again serves as a basis for students to question their design work, further their individual interests and philosophy of design and motivates everyone involved to keep continuously learning. The course is structured as follow: Public space observation by “Public Drawing” (3 weeks) • Mapping which design elements, natural and human actors, and other elements attract people to a public space. Observing what activities are happening in a public space and how these activities are shaped by the design of the space. Formulating a research question, expressing, which of these relationships are of personal interest and should be further studies. • Using the method of public drawing to illustrate and present the above-mentioned observations. Public space research and design (4 weeks) • Conducting a small-scale research to an architectonical topic. Searching for good solutions for the design of small-scale installations on a public space. Testing how research to an architectonical topic can be shaped and can influence the design. • Using the tool of model building to test different design and test the structural integrity of a design. 1:1 construction (3 weeks) • Planning a small-scale structure, including drawing detailed plans, finding solutions for joining different pieces and planning with the properties of different materials. • Constructing a small-scale structure, including organizing materials, learning how to handle different tools and safety equipment. Design testing (3 weeks) • Using post-construction analysis to observe, if the structure performs as intended. • Combining the research and observation in a conclusive research report. Review Dates: 1st Mid Review: March 9th 2nd Mid Review: April 13th Final Review: June 1st Costs: 150.- Location: ONA

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