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

Abstract

Through the method of public drawing, students learn to observe, analyze, and evaluate a public space. Further, students conceptualize, plan and construct a furniture scale intervention to improve the usability and potential for interaction within the given public space. Research-based design, in the framework of architectural behaviorology is a guiding design principle of the course.

Objective

Public space observation by “Public Drawing” (2 weeks) Student groups • are able to identify relevant actors using and shaping a public space. (2) • are able to use observational skills to identify the interactions between different actors such as humans, plants, animals, water, weather, etc. on a given public space. (3) • are able to draw connections between those activities and key actors / elements of the public space. (4) Design Competition (2 weeks) Each individual student • is able to come up with a small-scale intervention to strengthen one or several of the observed interactions. (6) Public space research and design (3 weeks) Each individual student • is able to understand the basic principles of evidence-based design. (2) • is able to define relevant characteristics and metrics to evaluate a design on. (2) • is able to use and analyze different methods and sources to find relevant information on their research topic. (3) • is able to evaluate different research findings with the goal to find an optimal design solution based on objective criteria. (5) Student groups • are able to improve a design according to their individual research findings. (6) 1:1 construction (6 weeks) Student groups • are able to draw construction plans for a furniture scale intervention. (6) • are able to plan the construction process for a furniture scale intervention, including identifying key steps, necessary tools, necessary safety equipment as well as estimating time and money costs. (3) • are able to construct a small furniture scale intervention. (3) Each individual student • remembers and understands basic safety guidelines for construction. (2) • is able to use different tools for construction. (3) 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. Each submission is graded according to the following criteria: • Completeness and punctuality of submission • Research method, the ability to find and analyze information • Implementation of the concept of Architectural Behaviorology within the design • Choice of Typology, Design and Expression of the project, in connection with the concept of Architectural Behaviorology • Structural design, construction details and choice of materials in accordance with the design idea and the method of Architectural Behaviorology • Visualization, the ability to communicate a design effectively with compelling drawings, models and text. The final grade consists of the following partial grades: • Mid review 1 submission: 25 % (group work: 15%, individual work: 10%) • Mid review 2 submission: 25% (group work: 12.5%, individual work 12.5%) • Final review submission: 40% (group work 30%, individual work 10%) • ‘Construction IV’ submission: 10% Lecture ‘Construction IV’: Introducing students into different design and making approaches to find a path towards their personal approach on designing and making. On the final day of the lecture series, students are required to submit construction drawings in the A5 sketchbook provided at the beginning of the semester. This submission will demonstrate their understanding of the lecture content. The presentation will take the form of a large exhibition, showcasing the work of all second-year students. The submission will contribute to the overall grading of the design studio.

Content

The course is structured as follow: Public space observation by “Public Drawing” (2 weeks) • Mapping which natural, typological and human actors are present in a public space. Observing what activities and interactions are happening in a public space and how they are shaped by the design of the space. • Mapping possible connections between the typology of the space, the forms, materials, and structures present and the behavior of human as well as non-human actors. • Using the method of public drawing to illustrate and present the above-mentioned observations. Design competition (2 weeks) • Designing a small-scale intervention for a public space following a set of specific requirements and constraints. • Illustrating and presenting the design concept through models, sketches, and text to communicate the idea to a broader audience. Public space research and design (3 weeks) • Conducting targeted research on an architectonical topic. Searching for good solutions for the design of small-scale installations in a public space. Testing how research on an architectonical topic can inform and shape the design. • Using models and 1:1 mockup building as tools to test as well as communicate different design ideas. 1:1 construction (5 weeks) • Planning a small-scale structure, including drawing detailed plans, organizing material, and keeping costs in check. • Constructing a small-scale structure, learning how to handle different tools and safety equipment. Design testing (1 week) • Reflecting on and critically questioning the previously done research. • Combining the research and observation in a conclusive research report.

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