Course syllabus for Housing in an urban context

Part A: DESIGN STUDIO PROJECT (7.0 credits)
Work with a variety of different building and apartment types.
Design housing with insight into the aesthetic and functional values of building types, space design, and materials and detailing.
Design housing that provides utility and long-term sustainability for a variety of different households.
Demonstrate familiarity with administrative regulations and standards governing the design of housing
Understanding of housing costs in new production of housing.

Part B: ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY: BUILDING AND DETAILS unit (1.5 credits)
Show examples of sketching and modeling work that explores the interplay between protective structure and building expression.
Present drawings and models of critical details such as the foundation, door and window openings, and roof and wall sections.
Describe and explain the composition and function of the building shell using a general building section and construction details.

Part C: ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY: BUILDING SHELL AND INDOOR ENVIRONMENT unit (1.5 credits)
Present and reflect on the energy balance for a multi-family residential building.
Design a building using systems for energy-efficient construction, with particular focus on the building shell.
Demonstrate the fundamental principles of the mechanical systems used in a multi-family residential building (heating and ventilation).

Part D: COMUPTER MODELING: WORKING METHODS AND TOOLS unit (3.0 credits)
Build a simple 3D model using BIM software.
Present renderings generated from the 3D model.
Complement the model with 2D information in order to produce working drawings (floor plans, elevations, and details) according to industry standards.
Describe the impact of the software tool on the student's own creative process.
Be able to discuss about the impact of digitization on education and working life.

Part E: CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE: HISTORY, THEORY, AND CURRENT TRENDS unit (2.0 credits)

Refer to current ideas in the theory, history, and practice of contemporary architecture.
Reflect on the application of theories in architecture, including residential projects.
Make use of a repertoire of architectural precedents, including from residential projects.
Demonstrate knowledge and reflections in written form.
Relate to questions of equity in the housing subject.

In a concrete design assignment - a multi-family residential building - students explore and train in theoretical perspectives that are conveyed through reading, lectures, and design charrettes. The design assignment is based on a given site. The students' tools are the design process and model building, with the aid of computer software.

The central aspects of the course are:
Space for living - interior and exterior - in terms of dimensions, functions, furnishing, materials, details, enclosure, generality, and lighting.
The organization of spaces in the home in terms of spatial sequencing, movement, flexibility, axiality, and character as private, semi-private, and public.
Apartment types, including their qualities and opportunities and historical development.
Indoor climate and energy use.
Design and detailing of the building's load-bearing structure and exterior shell.

A passing grade requires a completed and approved design studio project, completed and approved design charrettes, participation in critiques, 80% attendance in lectures, and participation in design charrettes and design reviews. Also required are completed and approved work on exercises, including 3D models, perspective renderings, and floor plan, section, and elevation drawings. Students must explain their choices of structural and mechanical systems and details in their work, and must complete an approved energy balance calculation.

Examination occurs also in the form of critique.