73933 - Meta Design Theories and Techniques M

Learning outcomes

To the students completing the course will known the principles of architectural meta-project and techniques used to apply them in the organization of the design process, proceeding from the recognition of the constraints and the definition of the objectives, expressed in terms of "Design brief", and will be able to fully formalize the performance framework that will provide the building designed.

Course contents

The course is designed as a methodological approach that guides the student towards the acquisition of knowledge focused on a meta-project which preliminary phase of the building process, understood, then, as a transitional stage between the process analysis, the formulation of the design brief and its "formalization".

The course will focus on the definition of a kind of analytical-planning methodology to guide the process in its initial phase, characterized by the close relationship between program and project proposal.

A series of lectures and hands-on activities provide students with the tools necessary to analyze and interpret the architectural design in relation to the defined program and context.

Specifically, we will develop the preliminary design stage on an object of architecture of small size, an exhibition hall, designed for a specific thematic context, taking the example of the simulation of a design contest.

The classes will deal with the meta project starting with an analysis of a series of similar cases relating to the proposed theme in order to identify those that may be the key elements on which to formulate a preliminary proposal for the project, which meets the demands of clients.

It is an essential part of the course a practical exercise, aimed to the practical application of the knowledge acquired by the student. Starting from specific requests and a defined program, the student will be expected to produce a meta-project / concept design, simulating a participation to a contest for the chosen theme. The design theme will be a small and possibly removable pavilion dedicated to exhibitions and small shows. The temporary nature of the project will be related to the use.

Shared with the course of Progettazione Esecutiva, to the students will be asked to investigate the issue in terms of construction and materials, and above all, from the point of view of relations with the environment as central elements to the proposal.

Readings/Bibliography

M. Mulazzani, I padiglioni della Biennale di Venezia, Electa, Milano, 1988

Expo ’92 Sevilla: Exposicion Universal: ideas para una ordenacion del recinto, Comisaria General de Espana para la Exposicion Universal Sevilla, Sevilla, 1992

R. Moneo, Inquietudine teorica e strategia progettuale nell'opera di otto architetti contemporanei, Electa, Milano, 2005

M. Mulazzani, Spazio dell’arte / Arte dello spazio. Padiglioni espositivi del XX Secolo, in G. Celant (a cura di), Arti e Architettura 1900 – 2004, Electa, Milano, 2004, vol. 1

http://www.serpentinegalleries.org/

Further references will be provided during the course, in relation to specific topics.

Teaching methods

Throughout the course, the classes will be alternated between lectures, seminars with outside guests and practical exercises.

The lectures will focus on a possible project methodology by defining analytical schemes, through the identification of themes and design elements characteristic of the preparatory phase which is the meta-project design.

Assessment methods

Assessment will be carried out, during the period of the course, through periodic checks in the form of synthetic presentations related to graphic schemes of work, on the topics covered in the lessons and the progress in the exercise assigned.

There are also at least two test based on the exercise assigned.

The final test will consist on an interview aimed to evaluate the knowledge and understanding of the texts of the bibliography of the course and assessing the works done during the exercise.

The final judgment will be based on knowledge of the topics covered, the level of critical understanding of the bibliography, the reported results in all previous test, and the capacity to expose correctly, concise and effective the work done for the exercise.

Teaching tools

Lectures with slides and video..

Will be seminars with the participation of external guests.

Office hours

See the website of Claudia Cagneschi