Architectural Design III: Shelter: Ideal Architecture (E.Christ/Ch.Gantenbein)

Abstract

Focusing on the theme of Shelter, the semester begins with a field trip to Rome, where we will visit and study selected historical examples. Through this analysis we will develop a typological understanding of architecture, addressing questions of space, structure and tectonics. The second half of the semester will be dedicated to the design of an ideal shelter located in the Roman countryside.

Objective

Design Studio "Architectural Design III": Master the analysis of historical case studies through experimental drawings. Foster a multifaceted interpretation of architectural principles and characteristics, while developing an environmentally aware approach to design, and addressing climate issues on a typological level. Cultivate an understanding of the topic in relation to contemporary issues. Learning to address aspects related to form and tectonics within the design of a new building. Lecture "Construction III": Introducing students into different design and making approaches to find a path towards their personal approach on designing and making.

Content

Design Studio "Architectural Design III": In times of climate crisis and strong social transformation we find ourselves dwelling on unsettling questions: am I still safe in my place? Will there be room for everyone in the future? What is the minimum necessary to live? What does it take to foster an idea of community that is gradually disappearing? Within the discipline of architecture, such doubts and fears can be translated into fundamental design questions: how do we protect our living space from increasingly harsh and unpredictable climatic events? How do we design resilient and durable structures? How to make the best use of the limited available resources? All these questions take us back to the roots of architecture, to the complex relationship between nature and civilization, to the human need of finding refuge in and from nature: Shelter. But what is Shelter? Not just a protection from natural elements, a shelter also identifies the place of collective refuge in our society, a place of community and hospitality. This social value in turn influences the architectural form: be it inn or church, hut or temple, cave or hangar, the Shelter is as much primary dwelling as cultural place. The Shelter is Architecture. With these questions in mind, we will dedicate the coming studio in the series of Ideal Architecture to the development of a contemporary understating of Shelter, taking into consideration its connotation as both intimate and collective space, and its socio-cultural value: The Ideal Shelter - 7 new Types. Starting from historical examples, we will develop the basic architectural knowledge needed to tackle this challenging task in theory and practice. Primary questions of space, structure and tectonics, as well as the fundamental issues of proportion, form and meaning will be at the center of our design debate. We will begin the design process for a new contemporary shelter with a field trip to Rome. We will visit, analyze and critically reflect on 7 shelters from different time periods. This will be followed by a visit to 7 sites outside of Rome. Here in the ideal (-ized) landscape of the Roman Campagna, the Ideal Shelter will find its place. As a studio we will collectively develop a culture of representation where multi-layered drawings and models, as well as the handling of historical references, will form the methodological basis for the design, which will primarily focus on typological, tectonic, and formal aspects. Lecture "Construction III": The overall topic of the lecture series is “Construction – Elements of Architecture”. The lecture series gives the students an insight into different construction and design methods. The lectures are held by four different professorships in a block of 5 lectures in a row and showcasing their individual approach on design and architecture in general.

Resources