Course Syllabus Fall 2008
University of Virginia - School of Architecture

INSTRUCTOR
Earl Mark, 322 Campbell, 924-6438
ejmark@virginia.edu

GUEST INSTRUCTOR
Eric Field, 136 Campbell, 924-4033
emfield@virginia.edu

TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Yong Jun Choi yjc4h@virginia.edu
Paul Keller pak2m@virginia.edu
Graham Peterson gmp8c@virginia.edu
Michael Plehn mep4d@virginia.edu
Brian Williams bcw5j@virginia.edu

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STAFF
Jake Thackston, Senior Engineer, jat5c@virginia.edu, 137 Campbell, 924 3122
Dav Banks, Systems Engineer and Webmaster, eb2b@virginia.edu, 136 Campbell, 243 8883   
Tony Horning, Classroom Support, arh3s@virginia.edu, 304 Campbell, 924 3319
Terrance Sheltra, Windows Platform Support, tls2t@virginia.edu, 304 Campbell, 982 3047
John Vigour, Apple Platform Support, jiv5k@virginia.edu, 304 Campbell, 924 1441
 

BACKGROUND
Architecture 541 is a comprehensive course in three-dimensional computer aided design. It can be taken as a first course in computer aided design or as a follow-up course to more introductory subjects. A conceptual and a hands-on treatment is taken from a beginning to an advanced level. There is an emphasis on geometrical composition. Our approach is based on exploring the quantitative basis and invisible geometrical order of shapes found in nature and that serve as a foundation for design and fabrication in architecture or landscape architecture. We explore the derivation of complex geometrical forms, their spatial organization, materiality, interaction with light, tectonic and other qualities. The course strongly exercises skills in three-dimensional thinking increasingly essential to design practice in a discipline that has now taken to exploring geometry on computers as a previous generation came to rely upon descriptive geometry.

FORMAT
The format consists of one lecture and one individually selected workshop per week. Lectures are on Thursday afternoon at 3:30.. Workshops are at one individually selected time per week.  The lectures provide a theoretical and conceptual framework, describe current and speculate on emerging technologies. Workshop exercises focus primarily on specific techniques of computer based 3D geometrical modeling and digital terrain modeling, and include photo-realistic and abstract methods of rendering, image-processing, color-manipulation, photo-montage, lighting, animation, graphics extraction for print media and combined media applications. The workshop selected is to be attended on a regular weekly basis (switching time-slots once or twice with permission of the instructor is possible under special circumstances).

FACILITIES
Computer resources are available on a 24 hour basis. One lecture and one workshop per week are required. The workshops provide for hands-on sessions, practical experience and individual instruction. Several alternative workshop time slots will be offered, and will be held in room 105 in Campbell Hall. The software is also available in all the School's computer labs and througout studios for work on individual assignments outside of normal workshop times.

SOFTWARE
Personal copies of the CAD software may be obtained free through a special educational partnership we have established with the vendor. This is for academic use only as will be discussed on the first day of the term.  Please also see Eric Field in 136 Campbell Hall for details.

REQUIREMENTS
There are six exercises for the term culminating in a final project. The first five projects count for 60% of the grade, the final project counts for 30% of the grade. Class participation through attendance in lecture and the workshops will count towards 10% of the grade.

Thursday Schedule

Bibliography

The following citations are for optional reading, unless otherwise noted in class. Some of these materials will be placed on reserve in the fine arts library.

Textbooks

Conforti, Frank , Inside Microstation. Delmar Learning, 2003 (Note, this book is recommended for those who would prefer not to rely upon on-line materials and is generally well organized.)
[Note: A new version of this book, written for V8 XM, is anticipated in June 2008]

Krishnan, G.V., Taylor, James, Harnessing Microstation V8 XM. Delmar Learning, 2006 (Note, this book has an especially strong index for referencing specific techniques and tools.)

Negroponte, Nicholas, Being Digital. Published by Hodder & Stoughton, 1995.

Negroponte, Nicholas (editor), Computer Aides to Design and Architecture. Published by Petrocelli/Charter, 1975. (Read chapters by Gero, Steward, Sutherland).

Articles and Papers

Dreyfus, Hubert and Stuart. Why Computers May Never Think like People, Technology Review. M.I.T., January 1985, pp. 42 - 80.

Eastman, Chuck, Fundamental Problems in the Development of Computer Based Architectural Models, Proceedings of the Computers & Design Research Symposium, M.I.T., August 4, 1986.

Greenberg, Donald, A True Design Tool, Architectural Record. September 1984, pp. 150 - 159.

Kvan, Thomas, Mark, Earl,Oxman,Rivka, and Martins, Bob., Ditching the Dinosaur: Redefining the Role of Digital Media in Education, International Journal of Design Computing, June 2003 (in-press).

Mark, E., Martens, B. and Oxman, R.: in press, Preliminary Stages of CAAD Education, Automation in Construction.

Mark, E., Martens, B. and Oxman, R.: 2001, The Ideal Computer Curriculum, Architectural Information Management: eCAADe Helsinki, pp. 168-175.

Mark, Earl,: 2000, A Prospectus on Computers Throughout the Curriculum, Promise and Reality: eCAADe Bauhaus-Universität Weimar, pp. 77-83.

Mark, Earl, Reconstructing Architectural Geometry, Architectural Research Quarterly, Cambridge University Press, England, March 1999

Mark, Earl, The Physical and Conceptual Assembly of Architectural Form,in Cinema & Architecture, 1997, BFI Press, England.

Mark, Earl, A Design Automation Paradox, Conceptual Modeling of Buildings, CIB Proceedings, CIB W74 + W78 Seminar, Publication 126, C M Gruppen, Stockholm Sweden, 1990, ISBN 91 -7332-557-0.

Mark, Earl, Conceptual Modeling Through a Conceptual Structure, Symposium on Computer Integrated Instruction Conceptual Modeling of Buildings, CIB Proceedings, CIB W74 + W78 Seminar, Espoo, Finland, 8.1994 (in bss).

Mark, Earl, Case Studies in Moviemaking and Computer Aided Design, in The Electronic Design Studio. (Edited by McCullough, Mitchell and Purcell), M.I.T. bss 1990.

Mark, Earl, Architecture In Motion in Computers in Architecture. (Edited by FranÙois Penz), Longman 1992.

Mitchell, William and Stiny George. The Palladian Grammar, Environment and Planning B. May 1978, 5 - 18.

Schmertz, Mildred F., A New Museum by Walter Netsch, Architectural Record. January 1980.