INVESTIGATION OF EXPRESSIVE FORM

+ Introduction

The BIG 12 Fellowship Program with the College of Architecture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln will focus on exploring the integration of digital technology in early architectural education. Exchanging ideas in the broader perspective of digital design and the integration of contemporary design technology will expand possibilities, and be a step toward establishing a strong dialogue between schools.

The main research element will explore how digital tools are integrated into early design education through a collaborative studio project. A typical abstract design exercise will be given in both digital and analog formats in both institutions’ early design studios. The outcome of the study will be discussed in terms of process, speed, and complexity, as well as the impact of geometric study. As we coordinated, this workshop will be adapted into a typical 2nd year studio. Geometry is a fundamental part of the natural and man-made world around us. It is vital to understanding the foundations of architecture and to developing your own design process. With the evolution of digital thinking in architecture, we must begin to translate our knowledge of geometry to aid in our understanding of the computer and its role in design.

+ Description

This is an experimental design challenge consisting of a series of workshops and assignments. Investigating expressive form via an abstract design problem is a vital part of the course. This exercise will be introduced in both analog and digital formats, in separate groups (students will choose one). The purpose of the experimental project will be to analyze the design process and product of two separate mediums, while developing an understanding of the basic structure of architectural geometry.

+ Objectives

- To develop geometric expression in architectural form-making

- To introduce digital tools into the design process, and develop a working knowledge of digital design

- To compare analog and digital approaches to the design process by investigating expressive form

- To investigate the formal concept for the 2nd year studio project

+ Schedule

- 03.23.2010: Introduction & Theory of 2D composition and 3D Figure/Ground
- 03.24.2010: Individual meetings by appointment
- 03.25.2010: Conceptualization of 3D composition and prototype
- 03.26.2010: Individual meetings by appointment
- 03.27.2010: Group meeting by appointment
- 03.29.2010: Review (Time and Location TBA)