General Course Information

This is the second course addressing architectural structures in the graduate architecture program. The subject matter will progress from the material presented in 4.441 by investigating the design and analysis of structural systems through load tracing, holistic structural behavior, the properties and design potentials of various materials, and the relationship between the superstructure and the exterior envelope.

A particular emphasis will be the relationship between two primary building systems; the superstructure and the exterior envelope. In addition, the course will examine the processes necessary for the assembly of these two systems through an examination of the performance requirements for each and the design potential inherent in their components. The focus will be on a solid understanding of the techniques employed in the specification and design of elements that serve each system as well as a working knowledge of the factors that influence the configuration of those elements and the resulting morphologies. An appreciation of the technical complexity involved should lead to the development of a high level of competence to be employed in the search for opportunities to integrate the two systems. It is in this integrative mode that the relationship between the analytical methods of building technologies and the synthetic process of architectural design may lead to a deeper creative design process.

The semester is organized into 5 periods of three weeks each; two periods of structural lectures (S1 and S3) and two periods dedicated to the exterior envelope and advanced construction methods (C2 and C4). The final three weeks (Integration)will be devoted to the design and documentation of a final project that aims to put into practice opportunities of integration between these two systems. This final project will be derived of a design moment resulting from the Level II studio project.

Assignments will be a combination of problem sets, smaller projects (in class and otherwise), participation and readings as well as the formulation and development of the final project. There will be close coordination with the Level II studios.

First class is Thursday, September 6, 2001 in 5-134.

Textsbooks

Required:
Daniels, K., Low Tech, Light Tech, High Tech, Building in the Information Age, Birkhauser, 2000. ISBN 3764363290
Schodek, D.L., Structures, 4th edition, Prentice-Hall, 2000. ISBN 0130278211

Recommended:
AISC, Manual of Steel Construction: Allowable Stress Design, ISBN 1-56424-000-2 (on reserve in Rotch Library)