Florida International University
Advanced Design Theories, Spring 2011
ARC 5205
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00-12:15, Chemistry Physics 101
Professor Gray Read, PC 376A
Website: http://www.fiu.edu/~readg (Course material is on website)
Email: readg@fiu.edu (Office Hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays (2-5)
Turnitin Course Number for ARC
5205: 3754579 Password: theory
Purpose: Course explores intellectual traditions in architecture that concern urbanism and the environment, specifically how the design of individual buildings relate to ecological and urban structure. Invited faculty members will join us in discussing readings and ideas.
Course Objectives: To develop critical thinking in both written and graphic format, to foster discussion of architecture as an intellectual pursuit, and to develop reading and writing skills.
Learning Outcomes: Students should develop skill in research and analysis as well as independent, critical thinking and writing.
Structure of Course: Lecture and discussion. The course will define specific issues in contemporary architectural thought on the environmental urbanism and frame questions that can be asked of any city. Required readings must be completed for each class, the quality of discussion depends on participation.
Text: Reader of selected articles. All readings are available on the course website, linked to on-line syllabus.
Quizzes: We will have a quiz in every class. In classes without an invited guest, generally Tuesdays, the quiz will be in the first 10 minutes of class-time. In classes with guest discussant, generally Thursdays, quiz will be at the end of class. Quizzes require a well-articulated, written answer that demonstrates a cumulative understanding of topics. Quizzes are graded on a scale of 0-4.
Essays: Two research essays 6 pages in length are required. Written work will be submitted electronically to www.turnitin.com. Writing counts. Plagiarism is not tolerated, please read explanation on my website.
Plagiarism: Plagiarism
is not tolerated, please read explanation on my website.
Absences: University policy states if you have three absences, you fail the course. You may be excused for religious holidays if you let me know ahead of time.
Computers: Please take notes in class by hand, not on your computer.
Tips:
Keep up. Do the reading, Do the reading, Do the reading
Take notes. Keep a dedicated notebook for this course. Take notes on both the reading and discussion. Sketches help.
Come to lectures;
You are required to attend all school lectures.
Grading Scheme: Quizzes 40
Essay #1 30
Essay #2 30
Total 100 points
Policy on Academic Integrity
Florida International University is a community
dedicated to generating and imparting knowledge through excellent teaching and
research, the rigorous and respectful exchange of ideas, and community service.
All students should
respect the right of others to have an
equitable opportunity to learn and honestly to demonstrate the quality of their
learning. Therefore, all students are expected to adhere to a standard of
academic conduct, which demonstrates respect for themselves, their fellow
students, and the educational mission of the University. All students are
deemed by the University to understand that if they are found responsible for
academic misconduct, they will be subject to the Academic Misconduct procedures
and sanctions, as outlined in the Student Handbook.
Policies on academic misconduct, sexual harassment, and
religious holidays, and information on services for students with disabilities
Please refer to University
policies in the FIU Student Handbook.
Schedule
Please note that reading is due on the day under which it appears. Quizzes are based on reading, lectures and discussion.
Week
Reading: Italo Calvino, Continuous Cities 1
William McDonough, "ANew Geography of Hope: Landscape, Design and the Renewal of Ecological Intelligence"
For reference: Stegner's Wilderness letter
Reading: Wm McDonnough, Chapter 1, Cradle to Cradle
Assignment: Essay 1
Reading: Mohsen Mostafavi, "Why Ecological Urbanism? Why Now? in Ecological Urbanism (Harvard University, 2010)
Reading: Aldo Rossi, "Urban Artifacts" in Architecture and the City (MIT Press, 1982)
Reading: Mike Davis, "Fortress LA" in City of Quartz (Vintage books, 1992)
Reading: Duany and Plater-Zyberk, "What is Sprawl, and Why? in Suburban Nation
Smart Growth Principles: http://www.smartgrowth.org/about/default.asp:
Recommended: Jeff Vail, Resilient Suburbia http://www.jeffvail.net/2010/01/resilient-suburbia-toc.html
Reading: Reynor Banham, Introduction to Architecture of the Well-Tempered Environment Second Edition (Univeraity of Chicago Press, 1984)
Gštz Headquarters, in Ten Shades of Green, edited by Peter Buchanan (Architectural League of NY, 2005)
Reading: Excerpt from Herman Hertzberger, Lessons for Students of Architecture (Rotterdam, 010, 1996) pp. 12-43
Reading: Calvino, Cities and Memories 2
Anthony Vidler, "Posturbanism" in The Architectural Uncanny (MIT Press, 1992) p.177-188
Assignment: Essay 2, Due April 27
Reading: Alex Wall, "Programming the Urban Surface" in Recovering Landscape, James Corner, ed (Princeton Architectural Press, 1999)