Architecture Courses
ARCH-200 DESIGN STUDIO I: BASIC PRINCIPLES (Hauser, Fall; Staff, Spring)
Through a series of theoretical and applied problems used in this course, students explore the nature of the design process expressing architectural ideas through words, drawing, model making, and construction of simple structures. Individual and group problems may address the essential relationship of architecture to topics such as construction, environment, structure, historical precedent, perception, psychology, and theory. Prerequisites: ART 115 and ART 125.
Typical readings: Friedman, Creation of Space, Vol. 1: Architectonics; Ching, Architecture: Form, Space and Order; Rasmussen, Experiencing Architecture; Bloomer and Moore, Body, Memory, and Architecture; Ching, Architectural Graphics; Vale, Green Architecture
ARCH-301 DESIGN STUDIO II: ARCHITECTURE AND THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT (Hauser, offered annually)
Through a series of theoretical and applied problems used in this course, students explore the complexities of integrating architectonic relationships of form and space with the realities of program needs, construction systems, materials, structure and environmental factors. Individual and group problems address built form and its immediate surroundings. Emphasis is on deepening intuitive and logical understanding of architectural forms, systems, influences, and expressive potential. Prerequisite: ARCH 200.
Typical readings: Friedman, Creation of Space, Vol 2: Dynamics; Norberg-Schulz, Intentions in Architecture; Lyndon and Moore, Chambers for a Memory Palace; Ching, Building Construction Illustrated; Elliot, Technics and Architecture
ARCH-302 DESIGN STUDIO III:ARCHITECTURE AND THE WIDER ENVIRONMENT (Hauser, offered annually)
Through a series of theoretical and applied problems in this course, students explore the integration of architecture with the larger formal, social, political, economic, movement, and environmental issues of urban and regional planning. Individual and group problems emphasize the development of both intuitive and logical understanding of architectural forms, systems, influences, and expressive potential within the larger context of human design on the land. The City of Geneva and its environs may serve as a locus for class projects. Prerequisite: ARCH 200.
Typical readings: Lynch, Site Planning; McHarg, Design with Nature; Bacon, Design of Cities; Trancik, Finding Lost Space; Scully, American Architecture and Urbanism; Katz, The New Urbanism; Newton, Design on the Land; Ching, Building Construction Illustrated; Lyndon and Moore, Chambers for a Memory Palace
ARCH-311 HISTORY OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE (Mathews, Fall)
Modern architecture evolved less than a century ago in response to changing social and technological conditions. This course seeks to convey the underlying causes, social milieu, technological innovations, and individual geniuses that helped bring about the revolution and subsequent evolution of modernism. Through informative lectures, explorative projects, and interactive discussions, the class examines the personalities, the rhetoric, and the seminal works of the modern era.
Typical readings: Curtis, Modern Architecture since 1900; Conrads, ed., Programs and Manifestos on 20th-Century Architecture; Le Corbusier, Towards a New Architecture
ARCH-312 THEORIES OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE & URBANISM (Mathews, Spring)
This course investigates the role that ideas can play in the making and interpretation of the built environment. Lectures, readings, discussions, and hands-on projects combine to cover a broad range of topics from basic definitions of terms and concepts to an overview of the significant theoretical positions that have been used to lend authority to form making. Emphasis is placed on buildings and ideas that are crucial to the important theoretical debates of the 20th century. The course specifically aims to present the material in a manner that aids students in clarifying their own values and intentions.
Typical readings: selections from Vitruvius, Laugier, Bachelard, Norberg-Shulz, Heidegger, Moneo, Ruskin, Burke, Wright, Semper, Rowe, Banham
ARCH-400 GENEVA STUDIO: Architecture in the Urban Realm (Hauser, Spring, offered annually)
The City of Geneva serves as an interactive studio environment in which students practice urban spatial design—the art of giving form to the public realm through the shape of streets, squares, blocks, and parks, and articulating their human uses. “Urbanism” is encouraged as an essential attitude in urban design that favors a spatially connected public realm over the “master planning” of mere objects in the urban landscape. Students combine the three-dimensional aspects of site specific proposals with a coherent and well-formulated attitude toward land use and programming. Prerequisites: ARCH 200, plus ARCH 301 or ARCH 302, or permission of the instructor.
ARCH-450 INDEPENDENT STUDY
ARCH-450 Portfolio Design (Mathews)
This is an Independent Study, and must be arranged with Prof. Mathews
ARCH-495 HONORS
ARCH-XXX TRANSFER COURSE FOR MAJOR/MINOR