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A52D2C Performative Design Studio 5:2 12.0 credits

Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Headings with content from the Course syllabus A52D2C (Autumn 2012–) are denoted with an asterisk ( )

Content and learning outcomes

Course contents

Through the design of a medium sized building, an emphasis will be placed on the transition between different architectural orders (floor slabs, interior partitions, circulation, building envelope) and creating an articulation of primary and secondary structural systems that shift between several states of internal coherence. Design research will be conducted into issues of structural patterning, form, and organization.

In parallel to the building design development, 5th year students are asked to prepare a Thesis preparation booklet. The aim of the Thesis preparation booklet is to provide the opportunity to build an architectural design research on a specific subject the students want to pursue further in their diploma project.

Intended learning outcomes

Performative Design, 5th year

Introduction (common for all projects in this studio):

The Studio will actively engage the technological and affective potentials of performative design in architecture. Performance can be understood as the incorporation of contingencies or parameters (material, technical, geometric, programmatic, social and economic) that inform the design process. The generative potential of digital tools makes it possible to use parametric design as a way of evolving new information systems, new modes of fabricating, and producing building components and architecture. Contrary to a linear design approach where technological processes are applied in the interest of the optimization and resolution of a design; this studio will adopt a bi-directional approach where technological processes (in the form of parametric design and computer aided fabrication) will be incorporated as drivers of design innovation.
In order to formulate a distinction in the concept of performance that reflects its differential value in the contemporary context – both material and procedural - we will consider how technological performance coexists with affective performance, where technology is subsumed by the production of sensation. Immersed in an electronic paradigm that has vastly expanded in scope, moving beyond its capacity for representation to stage more profound forms of engagement, we will study the relationship between form, performance, and affect in contemporary architecture.
The studio aims at increasing the existing knowledge and enhancing skills within the field of performative design and to contribute to an increased comprehension of the discipline of architecture as a whole. The course sequence will establish new ways of thinking about design and fabrication, professional practice and its cultural impact. Upon completion of each project students are expected to have acquired knowledge and skills relevant to the context of the studio (competance in innovative architectural design strategies, competance in advanced digital modeling and fabrication, an awareness of contemporary architectural discourse); and to demonstrate an increased comprehension of the discipline of architecture as a whole.

Overall goals
1. The course is part of the Performative Design Studio.The generation of digital tools makes it possible to use parametric design as a way of evolving new information systems, new ways of producing building components and architecture.
2. The course/project goal is to increase the student's knowledge in this area/field and skills/knowledge in the field of architecture in general. The students will enter the project with varying degrees of knowledge/skills and will subsequently end up at different levels at the end of the course/project.
 3. The individual student must show an increase in the particular skills/knowledge offered in the studio and in the field of architecture in general.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course/project students shall have:

-          advanced the skills developed in Studio 5:1 -techniques of parametric design and modeling in relation to digital fabrication and the architectural and structural aspects of design

-          further advanced their knowledge of contemporary architectural discourse in close relation to the design task.

-          developed an ability in formulating a thesis question with a clear focus

Literature and preparations

Specific prerequisites

One year fully approved architectural studies at the advanced level, courses and projects.

Recommended prerequisites

No information inserted

Equipment

No information inserted

Literature

Further information will be handed out at the start of the course.

Examination and completion

If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.

Grading scale

P, F

Examination

  • PRO1 - Project Part 1, 9.0 credits, grading scale: P, F
  • PRO2 - Project, 3.0 credits, grading scale: P, F

Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.

The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.

The course consists of two parts; a fulfilled and delivered project work (9 credits) and a passed final assessment (3 credits). There is at least one intermediate assessment during the course.

Other requirements for final grade

a) Presentation requirements
Drawings:                
Siteplan            
Floor plans            
Sections and elevations    
A series of detailed sections        
Axonometrics showing how different scales correlate
Diagrams describing parametric strategies and design strategies
Models:
Site model
Model of proposal
A series of detailed models
Images:
Images should show the performance qualities of the building complex.
To hand in at the latest one week after final review:
A CD with all the final material
Very well photographed models
A3 paper version of the presentation max 10 pages
5’th year students are also required to submit a research booklet containing the design and theoretical research conducted during studio 5:1 and studio 5:2
Each semester all students must:
Have 80% attendance on all compulsory activities, including seminars and tutorials.
Attending reviews is compulsory.
If students are asked to do supplementary work after reviews to pass the course, these supplements should be handed in within a given timeframe.
Submit DESIGN task according to specifications
Submit RESEARCH task according to specifications
Participation in study trip or alternate activity

During the second half of the fall semester the 5th year students are to do a Thesis Preparation
Through the development of a ‘Thesis Preparation Booklet’ to be handed into the Studierådet before the end of the semester (deadline will be announced at the beginning of the course) students will have developed a clear focus, thesis question, for their diploma project and will have the opportunity to build an architectural design research on a specific subject the students want to pursue further. The architectural design research, could have an architectural design agenda, technical/material agenda, theoretical or programmatic agenda. It is important that all material is processed by the student and brought together in a booklet. The Thesis Preparation is an opportunity for the students to develop specific techniques and skills as well as to formulate an architectural design ambition through design research.
Requirements:
A4 sized and bind ‘Thesis Preparation Booklet’ of 20 pages including text, images and drawings.

The studio presentation will be part of the future diploma portfolio and shall be delivered in an appropriate and fully qualified way. 

b) Examination
80% attendance. Active participation in lectures, tutorials, and seminars etc. Passed intermediate and final assessments. Compulsory attendance during the assessment reviews.
Completion: The project work shall be delivered and, if necessary, reworked within the set time limit.  See general directions.
(Overall principle: Autumn term projects must be approved during the following Spring term: Spring term projects must be approved before the start of the following Autumn term. The reworked projects must be delivered at least one week before the time limit.)
The project work is to be documented in a portfolio, including drawings, analysis and models. The work process shall be legible.

Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination

No information inserted

Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination

No information inserted

Examiner

Ethical approach

  • All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
  • In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
  • In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.

Further information

Course room in Canvas

Registered students find further information about the implementation of the course in the course room in Canvas. A link to the course room can be found under the tab Studies in the Personal menu at the start of the course.

Offered by

Main field of study

Architecture

Education cycle

Second cycle

Add-on studies

No information inserted