Arch 263: Undergraduate Design Studio
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN @ NJIT Fall 2010
J. Figueroa © S. Ajemian M. Burgermaster F. Cooke L. Laera J. Lim A. Schuman P. Speranza
Assignment One: Entry / Canopy
Type: Individual work.
Requirements: Wall Section, Elevation, Rendering, Ecotech Sun Analysis,
Physical Model(s)
Due Date: Monday, September 20, 2010
“A phenomenological consideration of our relationship with an architectural object tells us that we
commonly experience architecture as communication, even while recognizing its functionality”
Umberto Eco
Function and Sign: The Semiotics of Architecture
Program Overview
Each student is asked to design an entry canopy for the eastern entrance to the School of Architecture along
MLK Boulevard. The canopy must meet the following criteria:
a) The canopy must be secured to the SOA building at the primary structural supports within the eastern
wall. It cannot be supported by columns extending into the public sidewalk. Thus, the public sidewalk
condition remains free from any physical impediment and the canopy is supported from the NJSoA.
b) It must provide shelter from the sun, rain and snow. However, in doing so students are required to
provide the means to control water runoff during a heavy rain. It is assumed that one will be able to tie
into the existing underground storm-water drainage system below the sidewalk at the base of the
building perimeter wall. In addition, the canopy should provide shelter for a minimum 10 people.
The challenge of the exercise is twofold; first is to successfully demonstrate an ability to innovatively meet the
programmatic and technical requirements asked of the design. Second, one should be able to clearly verify and
communicate the design intent in the required models and drawings. How one enters a building can play an
important role in how one understands the building or what a building may communicate. It is important that
students clearly express the intent of their proposed design.
Program Intent
This program is intended to address the following areas of architectural design: 1) the ability to use abstract
ideas to interpret information and test them against relevant criteria, 2) the ability to respond to built site
characteristics in the development and design of a project, 3) the understanding of the fundamental structural
principles defined by the project and how they have informed the deployment of spatial, programmatic, and
material systems for the project, and 4) the ability to use appropriate representational media to verify and
communicate the design intent.
Process
Each individual is required to visit and verify the conditions of the site as a beginning point to understand the
structural, functional, and aesthetic characteristics of the site. Careful and thorough documentation is critical in
order to provide a substantive reference from which to base design decisions.
Arch 263: Undergraduate Design Studio
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN @ NJIT Fall 2010
J. Figueroa © S. Ajemian M. Burgermaster F. Cooke L. Laera J. Lim A. Schuman P. Speranza
Various readings (and movie showing) have been assigned to provide potential technical and conceptual points
of departure for the project. Analysis and evaluation of each reading should be done as an integral part of
research during preliminary design planning. Students are required to document the content of the required
readings and demonstrate in graphic and/or written format how the readings have informed the project design.
Upon completion of base documentation and research, investigative site, program, structural and material
analysis will follow. The results of which should take the form of (3) proposed canopy designs represented in
model form. Annotated sketches may also be required to supplement the models.
A preliminary review with your studio critic is scheduled for Wednesday, September 8, 2010. Students should
come prepared at the review to discuss the (3) different design approaches, the positive and negative
implications of each, and how each approach has determined material and structural systems. In addition,
presentation of research documentation / analysis, and how this information may or may not have played a role
in the design proposals is required.
It is imperative that students begin to have a self-critical dialogue in order to assess ones development. It is also
important to find a method of working that facilitates modes of communication to clearly describe your design
intent to critics and colleagues. These modes will be comprised of physical models, graphical images, verbal and
written content.
Required Readings
th
Conrads, Ulrich Programs and manifestos on 20 –century architecture
Adolf Loos: “Ornament and Crime” Pgs. 19-24
Jencks, Charles & Theories and Manifestos of Contemporary Architecture.
Kropf, Karl Charles Jencks: “Semiology and Architecture” Pgs. 43-46
Additional Reference Reading NJSoA Library: E-Reserve
Talarico, Wendy Graphic Standard Details: Openings / Wendy Talarico, Editor-in-chief;
Smith Maran Architects, Graphic Editor “Canopies” Pgs. 106-119
Leach, Neil Rethinking Architecture: a reader in cultural theory Umberto Eco: “Function and Sign:
The Semiotics of Architecture” Pgs. 182-200
Reference Drawings
NJSoA Construction document sheet(s) A2.0, A2.1, A3.1, A3.4 (pdf format available in Kepler).
Final Presentation Requirements – September 20, 2010
All drawings and models must be to scale. Drawings may be hard line drafted, computer generated, and or a
combination of both. Each individual is required to produce the following drawings: Additional drawings such as
a plan, diagrams, etc. may be required to adequately present the canopy design.
1. 8½”x11” Written Abstract of Design Intent (this will be required in all subsequent design projects)
Presentation of a design project involves many components inclusive of the visual image, the physical
models, the verbal narrative, demostrative analysis and the written word. Each student will be required
to clearly articulate in written format the description of the design intent and the critical evaluation, both
positive and negative that has lead to the final presentation. Students must also address how the design
concept/intent has informed the project. Students should be able to answer the following questions in
their project:
-what is the design concept/intent and why is it relevant to the project?
-to what degree did the design concept accomplish the programmatic intentions?
-how does the concept determine the choices of structure, materiality and site relationships?
Arch 263: Undergraduate Design Studio
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN @ NJIT Fall 2010
J. Figueroa © S. Ajemian M. Burgermaster F. Cooke L. Laera J. Lim A. Schuman P. Speranza
2. Physical Model – Scale ¾” = 1’-0”
Each individual will be required to present his or her project with a physical model. Material clarity and detail is
required. A high quality, well crafted, exact and detailed model is expected. Poor craftsmanship and imprecision
is unacceptable.
3. Partial Elevation – Scale ¾” = 1’-0”
Elevation drawing(s) should show notes, dimensions, and titles as necessary. All drawings must be finished and
properly organized within the overall presentation layout. Trace paper or incomplete drawings will not be
accepted.
4. Connection Detail of Canopy to Wall – 3” = 1’-0”
This drawing will identify in detail the technical connection of the new canopy to the building. Show notes,
dimensions, and titles as necessary. All drawings must be finished and properly organized within the overall
presentation layout. Trace paper or incomplete drawings will not be accepted.
5. Detail at Canopy Edge – 3” = 1’-0”
This drawing will identify in detail the technical connection of the canopy materials to canopy structure at the
canopy edge condition. Show notes, dimensions, and titles as necessary. All drawings must be finished and
properly organized within the overall presentation layout. Trace paper or incomplete drawings will not be
accepted.
6. Photomontage/Perspective
Perceptual means of representation are powerful communication tools as they allow the viewer to engage in the
spatial inhabitation of the project design. Students are encouraged to use AutoCAD 3-D Studio and Photoshop
to communicate this aspect of their project within the context of the site, not only as a construct of the final
design proposal, but to be used as a conceptualization device in the design process. Hand sketched, collage or
hard-line construction is also acceptable.
7. Sun study analysis and Perspective
Using the ecotech interface, produce a sun analysis of your canopy. As a minimum you should provide the sun
studies at summer fall and winter solistices.
Evaluation and Grading Project One: Entry / Canopy
Criteria Description Yes No Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Value
Written Abstract (10)
Research (15)
-Site Documentation
-Readings
-Structural Research
-Material Research
Project Development
Initial Explorations (25)
-Drawings(2D & 3D)
-Models
Design Development (25)
-Conceptual
–Material
-Structural -Drawings(2D & 3D)
-Models
-Technical Details
Communication/Representation(25)
- Required Drawings
-Partial Elevation
-Technical Details
-Photomontage/Perspective
- Physical Model(s)
-Sun Studies