Architectural Design V-IX: Disobedience - Dwelling on Standards (Prof. A. Fonteyne)

Abstract

Departing from elementary observations by French writer Georges Perec in his book Species of Spaces we will develop a critical reading and engaged writing of places to dwell. We will approach architectural precedents as a repository to learn from and open up dialogues with. We will reflect on dwelling types, their past and present relevance and their potential meaning to address current needs.

Objective

- Understand and apply explicit and implicit standards when studying and designing dwellings; - Reflect and take position on the notions of Dwelling and Home; - Study a given reference in detail, develop an appropriate representation of it and critically engage with its embedded standards; - Design dwellings on a given site for a given number of living beings; - Challenge the ubiquitous practice of replacing existing buildings. Can they contribute to a more diverse urban landscape? - Define a personal position about the agencies of the architect and architecture; - Gain confidence in the design process with an ability to be critical and conscious, bringing all the aspects of the semester together in a personal and critical discourse; - Learn how to work together in a group of 2, leaving room to explore individual interests.

Content

Departing from elementary observations by French writer Georges Perec in his book Species of Spaces we will develop a critical reading and engaged writing of places to dwell. We will approach architectural precedents as a repository to learn from and open up dialogues with. We will reflect on dwelling types, their past and present relevance and their potential meaning to address current needs. We will engage with a number of building sites to explore and project ideas of contemporary dwelling, by designing buildings or ensembles to dwell in. We will take the time to get up close and personal with both references and proposed sites. We love to walk, over and over again and at different times of the day; to wander around our sites, to work in them, dwell in them, read in them and as such, to not just understand but also feel and experience them through our own bodies and biographies. By walking, building, drawing, reading, smelling, listening, touching and ignoring, we will, together with you, use the semester to dwell on Standards of Living.

Resources