Number & Title of Course: ARPL 636, Design Process and Methods, 3 credits.
Course Description:
This class investigates architectural design processes and methods through comparative analyses, both
theoretically and practically.
Course Goals & Objectives:
At the conclusion of the course, the student will be able to:
 understand the fundamental characteristics of design as a process and method of inquiry/making with
its own nature, purpose/functions, psychology, logic, and traditions;
 realize the variety of methods available to approach architectural problems
 understand, develop, and use comparative criticism/analysis to study, interpret, organize, and - present diverse processes and methods;
 deploy appropriate written, oral and graphic means to present gained insights;
 develop and demonstrate metacognitive skills regarding own design processes and methods;
Student Performance Criterion/a addressed:
A.2. Design Thinking Skills
A.5. Investigative Skills
A.7. Use of Precedents
A.11. Applied Research
Topical Outline:
Design Process Fundamentals (20%)
Design Methods Fundamentals (40%)
Application (40%)
Prerequisites:
Graduate Standing
Textbooks/Learning Resources:
Clark, Roger and Pause, Michael. Precedents in Architecture: Analytic Diagrams, Formative Ideas, and
Partis ( J.Wiley. 2012)
Cross, Nigel. “Designerly ways of knowing,” Design Studies 3:4 (October 1982) pp. 221-227
Jones, J. Christopher. Design Methods: Seeds of Human Futures. (J. Wiley, 1981 (or newer eds))
Moneo, Rafael. “On Typology,” Oppositions 13 (Summer 1978), pp 1-45
Lawson, Bryan. What Designers Know (Architectural Press. 2004)
Schön, Donald. The Reflective Practitioner (Basic Books. 1983)
Offered (semester and year):
Fall and Spring; annually
Faculty assigned:
Bethan Llewellyn-Yen (P/T)
Julio Bermudez (F/T)