Course subject: Architecture (ARCH)

Professional knowledge in architecture involves not only the application of science or theory to instrumental problems, but also the innovation that calls for cognitive risk-taking, reflection-in-action, and learning-by-doing. This practice is legitimized by a discourse that evolved in the nineteenth century, and that defines a good project as an original project. Critically engaging this discourse of originality, this course addresses the processes and strategies that foster invention in architecture in a reflective practicum that emphasizes the value of synthetic thinking across disciplines. Consent of instructor required for those outside of the M.Arch program.

This course will discuss issues/challenges faced by cities (from downtown revitalization to suburbanization). Research has shown that their physical environments will fare better if such cities are designed, planned, and modeled in collaboration with professionals (i.e. architects and urban designers) and the community. Students will investigate how design projects improve the quality of life of mid-size cities (i.e. creative city concept). Together, we will focus on identifying opportunities for innovative collaborations and tangible improvements to the design of urban environments. The school is especially interested in strengthening collaboration among universities, community residents, planning and design practitioners, and policymkaers to seize their own destiny to design, model, and plan. Accordingly, we will investigate thematic (e.g. urban revitalization, design/aesthetics, environmental/greening, gentrification, housing, and multiculturalism) and policy-oriented areas (e.g. urban design guidelines, new urbanism, intensification, and land-use development patterns) that relate to the mid-size city. This is a seminar-based course and student participation is key to it's success.

With the rise of the metropolis, the development of new transport and leisure infrastructures, the rapid adoption of new technologies of communication (radio, television, internet), and the pervasive influence of marketed ""lifestyles,"" public spaces have lost much of their customary function as a common ground, while the periphery is invested as a new semi-public commons. This course explores the dynamic relation between the old politics of the architectural centre and the new social ecologies of the sub-urban and natural peripheries, to identify fresh design opportunities within the development economy of the sub-urban, semi-rural, and ""cottage-country"" edge. Consent of instructor required for those who do not have the required course.

Against the backdrop of the larger interdisciplinary field known as cultural studies, this course will trace and examine critical bodies of theory that have influenced the development of contemporary architectural thought and practice. This course will emphasize and study important writings and theoretical systems that have emerged in various fields including philosophy, art theory/criticism, literary theory, psychoanalysis, the natural and social sciences, and cultural studies, to investigate the ways in which these have generated conceptual tools within architectural theory, criticism and analysis while contributing to the evolution of architectural practice. Pedagogical Objectives: To present a thematically and chronologically organized survey of contemporary architectural theory that focuses on the relationship between seminal theoretical texts drawn from outside of the architectural discipline and critical developments in contemporary architectural theory and practice. The course is intended to provide students with an advanced knowledge base in contemporary architectural theory to ground more specialized graduate elective coursework while acting as a support for thesis and other forms of advanced architectural research.

This course examines the cultural, architectural and urban history of that complex period known as modernism. It is an overview of the individual works, movements and critical texts associated with the evolution of modern architecture and urbanism from the beginning of the 20th century to the early years of the second millennium. The social, technological and aesthetic ambitions of the modern project are critically reviewed and its development and dissemination in Europe, the Americas and Asia is traced. Selected works are examined in depth as examples of the canonic and vibrant forms of modernism.

From its very beginnings, building has consecrated sites of history by transforming, through a process of reification, the fleeting memories of individuals into a communally shared and politically significant history. This course examines the different ways buildings and architecturally articulated precincts have operated as instruments of memory in the traditional tribal society, the ancient city-states, the multi-ethnic empire, Christendom, the modern nation state, and the post-industrial, post-modern, and multi-cultural commonwealths of today. Consent of instructor required for those who do not have the required prerequisite.

This course explores the relationship between Architecture and the development of early, modern and science fiction films via the examination of the source and methods of portrayal of architectural expression in film. Films will be viewed to examine precedents for imagery, set design, location selection, as well as the integrated vision of the urban and dystopic environmental future. Futuristic film architecture will provide an opportunity to study a vision of the future of urban built form and provide a forum for critical discussion. Assignments will require that the students become familiar with different methods of media: video filming, sound and visual editing, web page production.

Architectural case studies are used to examine conceptual development, structural design, building process and the selection of structural steel and concrete systems. Topics such as tension, flexural and compression members; and connections are studies using calculations, design aids, rules of thumb and the latest CSA design standards. Heldwith ARCH 362- graduate students will be required to complete additional coursework for graduate level course credit.

Vernacular building techniques once manifested the principles of passive solar heating, passive cooling and daylighting by solar orientation. Searching for ways to design energy efficient, comfortable and functional buildings, this workshop revisits the principles of passive heating, cooling and solar lighting, and explores the operation and use of energy simulation computer programs and post occupancy analysis within the context of sustainable design. The methods will be tested in two design projects: a freestanding suburban house and an urban row house. Consent of instructor required for those outside of the M.Arch program.

This studio/workshop explores the architectural, technological, social and economic aspects of building system design - building systems are considered in the broadest terms. ARCH 675 expects participants to be aware of and pay particular attention to the matrix of cultural, sociological and geographic extremes. Participants are expected to be capable of considerable independent study supported by frequently scheduled meetings with the course instructor. This course incorporates design-build experience, wherein the construction of proposed systems is explored through the development of prototypes. Consent of instructor required for those outside of the M.Arch program.

This course provides an overview of the software and hardware technologies to support the design of an architecture that is more holistically conceived on cultural, social, health, technical and formal grounds that would otherwise be possible. What is taught facilitates an integrated design process where all disciplines collaborate through all phases of a project to achieve a sustainable design. There will be an exploration of software applications including the generation of landscapes and vegetation, energy analysis, acoustics, lighting, structure, people movement, air flow analysis, microclimate analysis and various types of three-dimensional modelling software, particularly, packages that facilitate interfacing with rapid prototyping and allow complex form generation. Rapid prototyping techniques will include laser cutting, three-dimensional printing and CNC 3-axis machining. The course format is a seminar in which each student will explore some of these technologies in depth by means of a small design example and presentations to the class while obtaining an overview from the course lectures and presentations by other students on other applications.

This course allows for additions in the program on a short term basis, and for the development of future permanent courses.

This course provides an opportunity for the student to independently engage in the respected tradition of the Architectural Competition. The competition entry and accompanying research paper must focus on the use of architectural precedents as the basis for the creation of typologically based propositions. Submission to the external competition is mandatory, the timing and detailed requirements of which will determine the personalized academic requirements for this course.

Through the integration and application of skills and knowledge to a complex building project, students will develop designs to a high level of detail. A concern for technical material, environmental and legal aspects of Architecture will support open speculation and innovative design. Studio fee $25.00.