02_OBSERVE

University of Johannesburg
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

Department of Architecture

Bachelor Architecture
2nd  Year Handbook
2015
  
OBSERVE











Lecturers:
Leon Krige
Gregory Katz
Tariq Toffa
Abdullah Abass
Danny Lyonga
 
To generate an integrated approach to architectural design and thinking, drawing strongly on notions of seeing; lenses, views, stances, perceptions, towards the technical making of architecture. Aiming to generate appropriate architectural languages that engage the environment and user on a critical level - and demonstrate an understanding of contemporary architectural theory and the application of contemporary design tools – producing relevant, contextual and resolved architectural responses in a connected urban fabric.

An entry level qualification that covers the major knowledge fields in architecture. The programme focuses on a theoretical understanding of design and architecture in order to prepare students for further study and/or registration as Candidate Architectural Technologists.


This course aims to develop:
·       The ability to generate suitable representation techniques and outcomes in the making of architecture.
·       An understanding of theory, context and precedent of architecture in Johannesburg and globally
·       Introduce process driven methodologies for design, theoretical and technical thinking with experimentation and accuracy.

Introduce agendas and approaches to the making and "reading" of space and form in contemporary cites.
·       Introduction to the behavior and design of structural systems and tectonic applications for in architecture.

The ability to consider and analyse building skin, with a focus on the material and energetic transfers taking place at the interface between architecture and environment.
·       Advance students’ knowledge of architecture historically, culturally, and professionally.
PROGRAMME FORMAT:
The programme structure comprises of three major integrated streams where individual module content has been assembled collectively to form strong overlapping languages and processes of architecture toward a holistic discipline of the practice of architecture.

DESIGN+THEORY
Theory, Thinking, Positioning and Synthesis in the form of projects, lectures and seminars.

REPRESENTATION+REALISATION
Implementation, Tests, Resolution and representation in the form of architectural projects.

PRAGMATICS
Ingredients, injections and Practicalities in the form of essay submissions, assignments and journals.



YEAR OVERVIEW
Particular deliverables for each stream, per project, will be outlined in each project brief through the year. 

ASSESSMENTS:
Continuous assessment for the duration of the course.
(This semester average is a performance indicator for exam entry.)

Formative assessment through critiques of at least 3 design projects during the 1st semester and one major project in the 2nd semester.

Summative assessments:
Studio Based:
at semester final portfolio exam.
At the Final portfolio exam the semester average may be adjusted by the moderator and internal examiner.
For mark breakdowns and assessment weightings individual lecturers should be contacted for further detail breakdown.

NOTE: An average of 40% must be achieved for all submissions that make up the year portfolio.
If a project is failed the student may submit a re-worked submission prior to final portfolio exam date NB – NO NEW WORK will be assessed at final portfolio exam.
Re-worked projects will only be eligible for a maximum grade of 50%.
It is compulsory for students to attend ALL crit sessions and a minimum 80% attendance in studio and lecture sessions.
Portfolio exam attendance and submission are compulsory and no late pine-ups will be tolerated. If an exam slot is missed (or late attendance) the student will be awarded 0% for the exam grade. Unless a detailed medical certificate or affidavit clearly stating why the student was late or not present is provided.


DESIGN+THEORY
This stream aims to develop an approach to contemporary design with an understanding of relevant spatial and architectural theory – utilising a process driven methodology that enables focussed design intent specific to a particular context – investigating architectural issues with a critical stance aiming to generate architectural projects that are appropriately contextual and user specific.

Design + Theory includes content from the following individual modules:

Architectural Design 2                             BAAD3Y2 (48 credits)
TERMS OF PRESENTATION
Studio Projects, Lecturers and seminars
ASSESSMENT
Continuous assessment:
Formative assessment through critiques of at least 6 design projects during the first semester.
Summative assessment of semester portfolio exam
PURPOSE
The purpose of this module is to develop students’ design thinking skills, application of the design process, creativity and appreciation of the context.

Design Studies 2                                       BADS3Y2 (8 credits)
TERMS OF PRESENTATION
Lectures
ASSESSMENT
A process of continuous assessment is followed as part of the teaching.
This is achieved through formative and summative assessment assignments during the semesters. The assessments may take the form of the following: tutorial assignments, essays and class tests.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this module is to enable students’ critical reflection on the influence of art and design theory in the global society. 




REPRESENTATION+REALISATION
This stream aims to introduce students to the theory of relating to construction methods, structural systems, site and materials used in medium rise buildings of intermediate complexity with a focus of strongly related processes of design, resolution and representation. These integrated and overlapping processes support design resolution and the communication of design decisions through the use of drawings (conventional and experimental) and other verbal, graphic, and written means.

Representation and Realization includes content from the following individual modules:

Technology and Detailing 2                    BATD3Y2 (28 credits)
TERMS OF PRESENTATION
Lectures and Studio projects
ASSESSMENT
Formative assessment: Theory component: at least 2 tests and 4 Practical assignments: Mid-year and year end Portfolio exams (Continuous Assessment)
PURPOSE
The purpose of this module is to develop students’ understanding of construction methods, materials, services, structures, detailing and working drawings relating to simple domestic structure.

Interdisciplinary Design 2                        BAID3Y2 (12 credits)
TERMS OF PRESENTATION
Lectures
ASSESSMENT
A process of continuous assessment is followed as part of the teaching.
This is achieved through formative and summative assessment assignments during the semesters. The assessments may take the form of the following: tutorial assignments, essays and class tests.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to collaborative design processes with multimedia and industrial disciplines in relation to architecture.


PRAGMATICS
This stream aims to introduce students to; knowledge of contemporary and historical architectural theory, knowledge that will allow them to develop sustainable and appropriate proposals, with non-specialised program requirements and develop skills in the application of advanced drawing and modeling techniques using computer technology developed for the architectural profession.

Pragmatics includes content from the following individual modules:

History and Theory 2
                                BAHA3Y2 (8 credits)
TERMS OF PRESENTATION
Lecture and seminars
ASSESSMENT
A process of continuous assessment is followed as part of the teaching.
This is achieved through formative and summative assessment assignments during the semesters. The assessments may take the form of the following: tutorial assignments, essays and class tests.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this module is to enhance students’ appreciation of the evolution of architecture from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance period.



Computers in Architecture 2                 BACA3Y2 (8 credits)
This course provides students with a broad introduction into 2-dimensional Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and a brief introduction to 3-dimensional modeling with a focus on the production of standard design and documentation drawing types. Students will learn how to use industry standard CAD software programs (Autodesk AutoCAD) to develop and accurately depict design projects, and then create and distribute basic, industry-standard architectural drawings.

TERMS OF PRESENTATION
Lectures and lab practical
ASSESSMENT
A process of continuous assessment is followed as part of the teaching.
This is achieved through formative and summative assessment assignments during the semesters. The assessments may take the form of the following: tutorials, assignments and projects. Summatively assesed at a semester-final pin-up portfolio exam.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to professional standard computer programmes for the production of standard design drawings and documentation.

Contents
  • Week 1 – Introduction to AutoCAD (Interface, Display, Tools, Model/Paper space)
  • Week 2 – Drawing Basics (Set up, Scales, Tools/Functions)
  • Week 3 – Cad and Hand interfacing (Accuracy/refinement of manual processes)
  • Week 4 – Creating Architectural drawings (plan, section, elevation)
  • Week 5 – Drawings organization and output (layouts, plotting)
  • Week 6 – Production and presentation (representation with AutoCAD, intro to 3D)

Students will gain from this course:
  • Understanding of the power and precision of computer-aided drafting;
  • Ability to construct accurate 2D geometry as well as basic 3D forms;
  • Ability to create 2D representations of 3D objects as plan view, elevations and sections;
  • Ability to compile these drawings in a related collection and produce hardcopies

Suggested Reading:
  • AutoCAD 2014 and AutoCAD LT 2014 / Donnie Gladfelter / Sybex / ISBN: 978-1-118-57510-9. 
  • Architectural Design With SketchUp / Alexander Schreyer / John Wiley & Sons / ISBN: 978-1-118-12309-6.
  • Architectural Graphics / Ching / J. Wiley & Sons
    (drafting and presentation)
  • Architectural Drafting and Design / Jefferis, Madsen / Thomson, Delmar Learning
    (drafting and construction methods)



Sustainable Design 2                               BASD3Y2 (8 credits)
TERMS OF PRESENTATION
Lectures
ASSESSMENT
A process of continuous assessment is followed as part of the teaching.
This is achieved through formative and summative assessment assignments during the semesters. The assessments may take the form of the following: tutorial assignments, essays and class tests.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this module is to critically reflect on the application of concepts of sustainability and environmentally responsive to design in the local context.




KEY DATES
First Term (Quarter)
Mon 2015-02-02 – Fri 2015-03-20
Second Term (Quarter)
Mon 2015-03-23 – Fri 2015-05-22
Autumn Recess
Sat 2015-03-28 – Sun 2015-04-12
Study Break
Sat 2015-05-23 – Fri 2015-05-29
1st Semester Final Assessment (FSAO/Exam)
Sat 2015-05-30 – Wed 2015-06-17
Winter Holidays
Thu 2015-06-18 – Sun 2015-07-12


Third Term (Quarter)
Mon 2015-07-13 – Fri 2015-08-28
July SSA assessment (FSAO)
Tue 2015-07-14 – Fri 2015-07-24
Spring Recess
Sat 2015-08-29 – Sun 2015-09-06
Fourth Term (Quarter)
Mon 2015-09-07 – Fri 2015-10-23
Study Break
Sat 2015-10-24 – Fri 2015-10-30
2nd Semester Final Assessment (FSAO/Exam)
Sat 2015-10-31 – Wed 2015-11-18
Summer Holidays for students not writing SSA assessment
Thu 2015-11-19 –
December SSA assessment (FSAO)
Mon 2015-11-30 – Fri 2015-12-04


RECOMMENDED READING LIST

·       Mellet, E. (1999) Sustainability, Den Haag, NETHERLANDS ARCHITECT  INSTITUTE.  
·       Davies, C. (1988). High Tech Architecture, New York, RIZZOLI.
·       Riley, T. (1995). Light Construction, New York, M.O.M.A.
·       Yeang, K. (1994). Bioclimatic Skyscrapers, London, ARTEMIS.
·       El Croquis Monographs on contemporary architects
·       DOMUS Journal
·       CASABELLA Journal
·       Architectural Research Quarterly Journal
·       Arup Journal
·       P. Zumthor:                                 THINKING ARCHITECTURE
·       R. Koolhaas:                               S, M, L, XL
·       Van Wyk:                                    GREEN BUILDING HANDBOOK OF SA

CONTACT INFORMATION
Departmental secretary: Mrs. K Loots
Lower Level, FADA building
011 559 1115
kathyl@uj.ac.za

Course Coordinator:
Mr. Leon Krige
FADA building
Department of architecture
Lower ground floor
Consultation hours: By appointment via leonk@uj.ac.za


RESOURCES

GENERAL

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU FAMILIARISE YOURSELF WITH ALL ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES RELATED TO THE DEPARTMENT
The following information is accessible via course lecturers, department office and are available digitally in the CADlab:
·      UJ FADA Policy on student plagiarism
·      Departmental Guidelines and Policies
·      The FADA guide
formats, styles and citation for academic writing
·      PsyCad Services 2014

LIBRARY
Not only a physical space -
The FADA e-library: In addition to physical books, journals and periodicals, the library also has an extensive on-line 
database of electronic information.
LECTURERS, TURORS, PEERS
Lecturers are your first point of contact in the discussion of tasks and learning at hand, however peer-learning and senior student mentoring are key influences in stuio-driven teaching and learning methods. Make connections with students in all years and begin discussing project briefs and architecture globally.
Regular and attentive attendance to studio crits are critical for your success.
EMAIL
If you get seriously stuck, or need information urgently, you can email your lecturers. It is not always possible to answer every query in detail, or immediately, but lecturers are commited to assist wherever and however possible in your learning and skills development.
INTERNET
A cautionary note; the internet is an international open source phenomenon, this means that searching for solutions and blindly applying them in your own work is NOT acceptable. Often this information is particular to vastly different contexts of all kinds; cultural, technological, socio-economic, climatic etc. The correct approach is to apply your own analysis to web-based information and extract principles that can be applied to to your problem within your context.




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