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PHENOMENA
SECTION DESCRIPTION
As artists and designers our understanding of the physical universe can be a fundamental part of our engagement with our context and in production of our creative work. This course includes an introduction to selected fundamentals of physics: momentum, thermodynamics, and waves and optics - all part of the basis for Architectural Technology. These fundamental phenomena are to be considered both through their mathematical application and expression as concepts in contemporary art. Content to be examined through mathematical problem solving, critical reading, and lab sessions using both physical measurement and digital simulation in Python programming language.
Offered as ARCH-2252 and LAEL-2252.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Preference is given to Sophomore Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | BArch: Architecture
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Structural Design with timber, steel and concrete (allowable stress, plastic, and composite design respectively). Students will develop understanding and application of quantitative methods of structural design for conventional structural components and systems - beams, columns, trusses, frames, walls, etc. in multiple materials. Introduces the conventions of detailing structural systems in these materials. Introduces systems and requirements for building foundation, gravity superstructure, and lateral superstructure.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Preference is given to Junior Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | BArch: Architecture
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course reinforces the fundamentals of environmental systems- thermal, light, ventilation, acoustics-and teaches design strategies to evaluate and optimize building concepts based on these systems. The lab component will include hands-on testing (e.g. data-loggers for thermal and HDR imaging for daylighting) and an emphasis on digital simulations (e.g. Rhino plug-ins for thermal and lighting analysis). The Simulation Game is an in-class activity where students compete to make the most energy-efficient conceptual building massing using an energy modeling program in Rhino/Grasshopper. The course will culminate in a case study project in which students apply design strategies to a specific building design problem.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Preference is given to Junior Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | BArch: Architecture
DIRECTED RESEARCH SCOPE SEMINAR
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This seminar will utilize the content, topic, and conceit of measure as a pinhole through which to see the world of Directed Design Research. Directed Design Research is an alternative to Thesis, which lays out a specific territory of inquiry and encourages students to identify the topic and scope of their work, emanating from this specific point of departure. The seminar will lay out a series of methods, techniques, and exercises related to the exploration of measure, asking each student to then define a territory of inquiry within this delimited field. The deliverables for the Scope Seminar include a thoughtfully delimited and actionable statement of the intended design research, the documentation of a minimum of three methodologies or approaches to be utilized in the design research, and a well-wrought syllabus that includes: a weekly breakdown of tasks and deliverables, relevant references and precedents properly cited, and a concise text (3 pages maximum) describing the research activities to be undertaken.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Fifth-year Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | BArch: Architecture (Directed Research Track)
ADVANCED TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURAL DRAWING
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This 3 credit advanced seminar offers students the opportunity to focus on drawing topics pertaining to architecture. Drawing is treated as a space for architectural research and/or as an autonomous work of architecture. The notion that drawing serves architecture merely as representation is questioned and critiqued. The theoretical and technical focus on the process of drawing will cultivate and address issues that have for hundreds of years served as the core of the architecture discipline. Simultaneously, the research may allow for the generation or assimilation of ideas, cultures and knowledge from other fields into architecture.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $20.00 - $100.00
Elective
ADVANCED TOPICS IN ARCHITECTURAL THEORY
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Theory offerings in the architecture department are deliberately consistent or complementary with our pedagogy, born and raised in an arts college. Theory based courses have a basis in empiricism, direct observation and experience of creative processes. Recognizing that discovery and invention often come between existing matrices of thought, offerings may be from disciplines other than architecture or branches of knowledge other than art and design. Objectives of the theory component of our curriculum are to:
- Expand the capacity to speculate productively.
- Develop the skeptic's eye and mind.
- Equip the ability to recognize connections that trigger discovery and invention.
Elective
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PHENOMENA
SECTION DESCRIPTION
As artists and designers our understanding of the physical universe can be a fundamental part of our engagement with our context and in production of our creative work. This course includes an introduction to selected fundamentals of physics: momentum, thermodynamics, and waves and optics - all part of the basis for Architectural Technology. These fundamental phenomena are to be considered both through their mathematical application and expression as concepts in contemporary art. Content to be examined through mathematical problem solving, critical reading, and lab sessions using both physical measurement and digital simulation in Python programming language.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department.
Major Requirement | MArch: Architecture (3yr)
STRUCTURAL DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Structural Design with timber, steel and concrete (allowable stress, plastic, and composite design respectively). Students will develop understanding and application of quantitative methods of structural design for conventional structural components and systems - beams, columns, trusses, frames, walls, etc. in multiple materials. Introduces the conventions of detailing structural systems in these materials. Introduces systems and requirements for building foundation, gravity superstructure, and lateral superstructure.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. This course is a requirement for second-year MArch (3yr) Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MArch: Architecture (3yr)
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This course reinforces the fundamentals of environmental systems- thermal, light, ventilation, acoustics-and teaches design strategies to evaluate and optimize building concepts based on these systems. The lab component will include hands-on testing (e.g. data-loggers for thermal and HDR imaging for daylighting) and an emphasis on digital simulations (e.g. Rhino plug-ins for thermal and lighting analysis). The Simulation Game is an in-class activity where students compete to make the most energy-efficient conceptual building massing using an energy modeling program in Rhino/Grasshopper. The course will culminate in a case study project in which students apply design strategies to a specific building design problem.
This course is a requirement for first-year MArch (3yr) Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MArch: Architecture (3yr)
BUILDING ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEMS DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Capstone architectural technology design class focusing on the integration of Structural, Environmental, Enclosure, and Circulation systems. Course to be semester long group design project with labs/workshops using related quantitative analysis and design tools to design systems for a complete building in detail. Special consideration for egress, accessibility, life safety, general code requirements (construction type and zoning), and documentation standards.
This course is a requirement for second-year MArch (2yr) and third-year MArch (3yr) Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MArch (2yr) and (3yr): Architecture
BUILDING ASSEMBLY AND SYSTEMS DESIGN
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Capstone architectural technology design class focusing on the integration of Structural, Environmental, Enclosure, and Circulation systems. Course to be semester long group design project with labs/workshops using related quantitative analysis and design tools to design systems for a complete building in detail. Special consideration for egress, accessibility, life safety, general code requirements (construction type and zoning), and documentation standards.
This course is a requirement for second-year MArch (2yr) and third-year MArch (3yr) Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MArch (2yr) and (3yr): Architecture
GRADUATE THEORY SEMINAR: MAKING DISCOURSE
SECTION DESCRIPTION
This is a theoretical seminar course that will be concerned with ideas and architectural knowledge that may be cultivated and tested through discourse. The course discussions will focus on an expansive role of architectural tools. While acknowledging a wealth of disciplinary conventions, histories and theories, this course recognizes that the forms of representation within the discipline of architecture have the capacity to affect the discipline of architecture and are not fixed. Students in this course will be expected to build upon their previous architectural education through a series of directed projects aimed at advancing architectural theories, ideas and methods. Some of the questions that students will be expected to address are: What are the practical, theoretical, and creative implications of a drawing that functions as architecture? How do architects change the way we make and think thanks to digital media? How do architects represent and model natural forces? How do architects express political or social agendas? What is the nature of an architectural contribution to interdisciplinary discourse? How can representation enable new kinds of artistic and research-based practices for architecture? Students will be expected to self-direct their process while framing their work intellectually in a seminar environment.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $150.00
This course is limited to first-year MArch (2yr) Architecture Students.
Major Requirement | MArch: Architecture (2yr)
CERAMICS AND PRINT
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Ceramics and printmaking have a shared ethos in the production of multiples and process-driven technical methods. This is reflected in industry but is not often explored in an academic context. This course would be the first at RISD to explore the rich resources of the Ceramics and Printmaking Departments to promote research into innovative ways to combine the disciplines. For almost three centuries ceramics have been enhanced by printed elements. The combination of ceramic and print technologies have tremendous potential for new applications in functional and sculptural approaches to ceramic multiples and printed editions. RISD has all the facilities in ceramics and printmaking required to pursue research in this field. Students will learn ceramic techniques such as hand-building and slip casting to create forms to hold screen printed, intaglio, relief, and digital images. Historical techniques will be presented and new methods and combinations will be developed.
Estimated Cost of Materials: $200.00
Elective
CERAMIC SCULPTURE: NON-MAJORS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
The course explores an extensive range of sculptural possibilities for ceramics through the theme of sampling. Students learn basic ceramic construction including handbuilding and moldmaking. Projects include: transformation of found shapes, images or objects, abstraction and introduction to contemporary ceramic sculpture. The emphasis is on experimentation and development of personal ideas.
Elective
MOLDMAKING & SLIPCASTING FOR CERAMICS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
In this class we will utilize an industrial approach and integrate it with a fine art sensibility. Students will learn how to make molds and prototypes; produce porcelain casting slip; strategies in casting; traditional and non-traditional surface applications. Course projects will focus on non-functional concepts. Many tools are supplied, however, students are required to purchase a tool kit to supplement those already on hand.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Ceramics Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Ceramics
FIRST YEAR GRADUATE STUDIO CERAMICS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
In the first semester, graduate students begin their investigation and produce clay works that allow the faculty to assess their approach and capabilities. Students are available and pursue active contact with the faculty. Students also attend supplemental department presentations.
Majors are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Graduate Ceramics Students.
Major Requirement | MFA Ceramics
TOPICS IN CERAMIC MATERIAL SCIENCE
SECTION DESCRIPTION
A seminar exploring ceramic idea, method, and expression in ceramic art from the technical perspective. Raw materials, clay bodies, glazes and glaze calculation are studied. The potential connection between technical understanding and the fulfillment of your vision and aesthetic expression is examined. Independent research is required.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Junior Ceramics Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Ceramics
CERAMICS: GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES
SECTION DESCRIPTION
A seminar exploring idea, method, and expression as found in the history of ceramic art. The focus is the potential connection between historical awareness and the development of your own work. Independent research is required.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Sophomore Ceramics Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Ceramics
SENIOR TUTORIAL STUDIO
SECTION DESCRIPTION
In the beginning of your fourth year you work independently with a ceramic faculty tutor to develop your individual degree project. Your project is expected to be a body of ceramic work that is unified in direction, significant in its degree of growth, innovative in its resolution, and personal in its expression.
Students are pre-registered for this course by the department. Enrollment is limited to Senior Ceramics Students.
Major Requirement | BFA Ceramics
DRAWING TAKES FORM
SECTION DESCRIPTION
Drawing is explored through ceramic techniques. This class serves to enhance the artist's perceptions relative to what drawing can become through the exploration of surface becoming form, and form mediated by surface. Drawing can be premeditation and drawing can be realization.
Elective