MATERIAL LIMITS: WOOD IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Undergraduate Architecture Design Workshop
Fall 2010
Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00 to 4:00
Instructors:
Colin Oglesbay
Tom Westbrook
Course Description
In the Theory of Forms Plato granted more significance to the Idea than the object when he asked “What is Chair?”. This question has fueled an architectural agenda driven by representation for 2,000 years. However, designers today are beginning to reject this assertion of form over material by asking how materiality can inform and even guide design. Material design requires more than intellectual research; it demands interaction to explore the limits and boundaries of its creative potential.
This course will teach students how to engage design as a natural extension of craft and fabrication. Beginning with basic research about material extraction and manufacturing, students will gain an understanding of specific material properties that can be fostered with “hands on” processes, both historical and technological. From hand planes and chisels to laser cutting students will learn important modes of working materials and be asked to explore how these tools, materials and processes can help mold material into design.
Assignments
3 Projects:
· Material Research: 20% of Final Grade
· Craft: Chisels, Planes & Heavy Timbers: 35% of Final Grade
· Fabrication: Laser Cutting & Engineered Lumbers 35% of Final Grade
· Final Report 10% of Final Grade
Reading List
All books are on reserve at CDES Library under course heading:
Wood: new directions in design and architecture
Naomi Stungo - Chronicle Books – 2001
The encyclopedia of wood
Skyhorse Pub. – 2007
Good wood joints
Albert Jackson - David Day - HarperCollins – 2002
Traditional woodworking handtools
Graham Blackburn - Gramercy Books – 2000
The Carpenter's Assistant: the complete practical course in carpentry and joinery
James Newlands - Studio Editions –
Other readings and articles will be assigned throughout the course.
Schedule
WEEK 0NE|OCTOBER 26 & 28
· Introduction to Material Ideas Lecture
· Shop Introduction: Safety & Methods
· Group Assignment: Material Research in Wood
§ From Propagation of Lumber to Harvesting
§ Lumber Harvesting & Milling Processes
§ Wood Material Technologies & Uses
WEEK TWO|NOVEMBER 2 & 4
· Powerpoint presentations on Material Research Topics
· Introduction to Historical Methods
· Preparing Timbers: Hand Planing
WEEK THREE|NOVEMBER 9 & 11
· Field Trip to Northern Lights Timber Framing, MPLS, November 9th
· Joints & Chisels
· Developing the proper joinery (Hand Drawn)
WEEK FIVE|NOVEMBER 16 & 18
· Carving the Joints
· Assembly and Recording
WEEK SIX|NOVEMBER 23 & 25
· Introduction to Technological Methods
· CNC Presentation
· CADCAM and Engineered Lumber
· Digital Drawing: Sketchup & CAD
WEEK SEVEN|NOVEMBER 30 & DECEMBER 2
· Digital Production
· Developing the proper joinery: Shop Drawings
WEEK EIGHT|DECEMBER 7 & 9
· Shop Production
· Assembly and Recording
WEEK NINE|DECEMBER 14
· FINAL PRESENTATIONS/REVIEW