university of Oregon - school of architecture and allied arts - department of architecture
analog
/ digital studio – arch 484/584 fall 00 – prof. nancy cheng
The
studio will explore how media can be used to explore architectural ideas. Our goal is to understand how media
possibilities and constraints fit particular design issues and tasks. To do this we will experiment with
traditional, digital and hybrid media techniques to address a sequence of focus
themes.
We’ll
particularly focus on how Community can be enhanced by technology in the design
of a community center for Brookings Oregon.
In specific exercises, we’ll look at how digital technology in the
environment can link people within and outside of a location, encouraging
connections between neighbors and strengthening close relationships.
Consider
the class as a laboratory for experimenting.
By trying out new methods, you can enlarge your media repertory and see
new opportunities for design investigation.
This experimental learning may require you to temporarily give up the
security of known techniques and risk making some awkward efforts. While it’s important to strive for beautiful
work, it’s also important to realize that good ideas can emerge from less
successful drafts. It enriches the
class sharing if all students work through the same process; those students
already fluent in the assigned techniques may propose alternative approaches.
The
class will mix desk crits, small group discussions and large-group
pin-ups. We’ll begin each class
gathering as a group to share information, confirm the day’s activities and
clarify questions. While we generally
will meet in the studio, we have Klamath Mac lab reserved on Fridays from 3 to
5 pm so we can work on digital techniques.
During unstructured studio time, students are expected to be working on
the studio project. Outside of short
bathroom and coffee breaks, students should check in with me if they need to
leave the studio (i.e. to work in the library, computer lab, longer
errands). Having everyone present
allows us to have spontaneous activities and announcements.
Monday:
Review day, Theme introduction, small
group brainstorming & reporting in
Wednesday: Desk crits / small groups
Friday: Desk crits/ Computer technique