Architecture 121
NAAB Format Course Description
COURSE
ARCHI 121: Architectural Design I, 4 credits
DESCRIPTION
First level studio design class in architectural design. Course focuses on development of fundamental
design skills and spatial theory. Exploration of concepts related to site planning and site analysis, spatial
qualities of architecture, movement through architectonic space, material qualities, and precedent studies.
COURSE GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Communicate architectural concepts, using graphic conventions and representational methods.
Construct physical models of architectural elements and spaces.
Demonstrate understanding of building components, structures, and systems in relation to design.
Identify notable architects, design concepts, canonical buildings in architecture and precedents.
Identify the historical and contemporary role of architects in the profession and related design fields.
STUDENT PERFORMANCE CRITERION ADDRESSED
A.1 Communication Skills: Ability to read, write, speak and listen effectively
A.2 Design Thinking Skills: Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret
information, consider diverse points of view, reach well reasoned conclusions, and test alternative
outcomes against relevant criteria and standards
A.3 Visual Communication Skills: Ability to use appropriate representational media, such as traditional
graphic and digital technology skills, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the
programming and design process.
A.6 Fundamental Design Skills: Ability to effectively use basic architectural and environmental principles
in design
A.7 Use of Precedents: Ability to examine and comprehend the fundamental principles present in
relevant precedents and to make choices regarding the incorporation of such principles into architecture
and urban design projects
A.8 Ordering Systems Skills: Understanding of the fundamentals of both natural and formal ordering
systems and the capacity of each to inform two and three dimensional design.
B.9 Structural Systems: Understanding of the basic principles of structural behavior in withstanding
gravity and lateral forces and the evolution, range, and appropriate application of contemporary structural
systems.
Architecture 121
NAAB Format Course Description
TOPICAL OUTLINE
25% Theory, discussion and readings
25% Graphic representation, digital and manual
50% Design development in model form
A. Introduction to design problems: Spatial planning and problem solving
a. Nature of design problems
b. Nature of design studio and studio experience
c. Design Paradigms: Precedents, concept, metaphor, diagrams and parti
B. Introduction to architectural model making
a. Professional standards of quality
b. Materials
c. Methods of fabrication
C. Grids
a. Symmetrical Grids
b. Asymmetrical Grids
c. Structural Grids
D. Form in Architecture
a. Organization of form and architectural space: linear, radial, clustered, interlocking, linking,
centralized, grid
b. Spatial ordering principles: symmetry, hierarchy, rhythm, datum, transformation
c. Additive and subtractive forms
d. Boolean logic
e. Sculptural forms
f. Compositions of forms
E. Natural Light
a. Analyzing methods of passive solar control
b. Solar orientation
c. Using a sundial to calculate shadow position
d. Designing and testing passive sun control devices
F. Spatial Analysis
a. Form defining space
b. Planar surfaces
c. Openings within planes
G. Structural Elements in Architectural Compositions
a. Columns: Location and function
b. Beams: Depth and span distance
c. Walls: Structural characteristics and lateral forces
H. Circulation and movement through architectural space
a. Vertical circulation spaces and their forms
b. Horizontal circulation spaces and their forms
c. Circulation elements: stairs, elevators, etc
d. Approach and entrance
e. Path - Space relationships
PREREQUISITES
None
RECOMMENDED
ARCHI 120 or ARCHI 130
TEXTBOOKS
Form Space and Order, Francis DK Ching
ARCHI 121 Course Reader & Workbook, Daniel Abbott
OFFERED
Fall and Spring Semesters
FACULTY
Daniel Abbott