Thorncrown Chapel, E. Fay Jones School of Architecture Dalhousie University Construction Detail - Wood Fall 2016
Calendar Description This course examines the construction detail and its dialectical relationship to the architectural whole. Case studies of details in major twentieth-century buildings inform detail practice, in which students investigate material options and construction details for a project of their own design. Additional Course Description As stereotomic architecture begins with stone, so tectonic architecture begins with wood. Wood building dominates the residential construction industry of North America; and is progressively more common in both residential and non-residential projects worldwide. Despite the economical and ecological advantages of wood as a building material, architects play a relatively minor role in its use. The building traditions in Nova Scotia have always been based on the use of wood; due to climate influences, available resources, the acadian forest, and the impact of the wood ship building industry on material culture. The course begins with an overview of the wood building industry with its subtrades, the historical evolution of wood building practices, and the intrinsic properties of the material itself. It subsequently examines the clutch point in the design process where abstract concepts become real, material strategies. It emphasizes the cultural nature of construction, with reference to the idea of convention, and material culture traditions. Finally the course addresses environmental sustainability implications of wood design strategies, in terms of embodied energy and climate response. Frame Raising The Dance of Construction Photo Credit: Juhani Pallasmaa
Troop Barn Drawing: Brad Tapson Barn Raising
ASSIGNMENTS Assignment 1 - Case Study Study from direct observation one of the structures at the Ghost site and surrounding area Product: 1. 1/8 = 1 0 wood frame/envelope model 2. Thematic and analytical drawings/models Due: October 25, 2016 Evaluation: 30% grade Assignment 2 - Design Product: Design of a prototype for a minimum dwelling on the Ghost site. This is to be a didactic device which explores the structural, environmental, and craft potential of wood building. See the wood working; see the weather; see the environment; light on the land, dwelling in the landscape. 1. 1/8 = 1 0 wood frame/envelope model 2. Thematic and analytical drawings/models Due: November 29, 2016 Evaluation: 50% grade Contribution to weekly discussion Evaluation: 20% grade Learning Objectives Students will build on abilities developed during previous semesters, advancing their design skills and construction knowledge by focusing on site analysis and proposition, program interpretation, and technical resolution. Students will develop both conceptual and technical design skills that will increase their understanding of the relationship between design intent and material resolution. These skills will be applied to the development of a small architectural design project. Design propositions will consider the context, program, and advances in building technology. Students will aquire knowledge of wood building systems and vocabulary. They will hone skills in interpretation, conceptional thinking, and proposition-making. Students will show and be evaluated on craftsmanship as evidence of engagement, and focus.
SCHEDULE Tuesday Week 1 - September 13 Week 2 - September 20 Week 2 - September 21 Week 3 - September 27 Week 4 - October 4 Week 5 - October 11 Week 6 - October 18 Week 7 - October 25 Week 8 - November 1 Week 9 - November 8 Week 10 - November 15 Week 11 - November 22 Week 12 - November 29 Week 13 - December 6 Week 14 - December 13 Theme No Lecture - Research Week Lecture 1 - Introduction / The Industry Workshop 1: Case Study (Kingsburg) Lecture 2 - The Nature of Wood Lecture 3 - The History of Wood Lecture 4 - Structure/Construction NO CLASS - BRIAN IS AWAY (FRANCE) Review: Case Study / Workshop 2 - Design Lecture 5 - Sequence of Trades NO CLASS Lecture 6 - Strategy for Building Lecture 7 - Sustainability Review: Design NO CLASS - M2/M5 Tech Final Review NO CLASS - Design Reviews
GR A+ A A- B+ B B- F Percent (90-100%) (85-89%) (80-84%) (77-79%) (73-76) (70-72) (0) Exceptional evidence of acquired knowledge of wood building systems and vocabulary. Exceptional skill in interpretation, conceptual thinking and proposition making. Exceptional craftsmanship/drawings as evidence of engagement and focus. Excellent evidence of acquired knowledge of wood building systems and vocabulary. Excellent skill in interpretation, conceptual thinking and proposition making. Excellent craftsmanship/drawings as evidence of engagement and focus. Very good evidence of acquired knowledge of wood building systems and vocabulary. Very good skill in interpretation, conceptual thinking and proposition making. Very good craftsmanship/drawings as evidence of engagement and focus. Good evidence of acquired knowledge of wood building systems and vocabulary. Good skill in interpretation, conceptual thinking and proposition making. Good craftsmanship/ drawings as evidence of engagement and focus. Evidence of acquired knowledge of wood building systems and vocabulary. Skill in interpretation, conceptual thinking and proposition making. Craftsmanship/drawings as evidence of engagement and focus. Limited evidence of acquired knowledge of wood building systems and vocabulary. Routine skill in interpretation, conceptual thinking and proposition making. Limited craftsmanship/drawings as evident in engagement and focus. Insuffi cient basis to evaluate work.
REFERENCES Ballarin, Joaquin, and Mariona Villavieja. Wood: Contemporary Houses in Wood. New York: Universe Publishing, 2005. Kesik, Ted J. Canadian Wood-Frame House Construction. Ottawa: Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, 1997. MacKay-Lyons, Brian. Ghost: Building an Architectural Vision. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2008. Peters, Tom F. An American Culture of Construction. Perspecta 25 (1989): 142-61. Peters, Tom F. Technological Thought is Design s Operative Method. Perspecta 31 (2000): 118-29. Quantrill, Malcolm. Plain Modern: The Architecture of Brian MacKay- Lyons. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2005. Rempel, John. Building With Wood. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1980. Slavid, Ruth. Wood Houses. London: Laurence King Publishing, 2006. Stang, Alanna, and Christopher Hawthorne. The Green House: New Directions in Sustainable Architecture. New York: Princeton Architectural Press, 2005. Stungo, Naomi. The New Wood Architecture. London: Laurence King Publishing, 1998.