University of Colorado Boulder, Program in Environmental Design ENVD 3009-841: Urban Site Analysis and Design Studio, Summer 2017 SYLLABUS Schedule: Location: Credits: Faculty: e-mail: office hours: Course meeting times vary by week, refer to schedule posted on D2L ACCENT Center, Piazza dell'orologio #7, Rome, Italy 6 Credits Senior Instructor, Marianne B. Holbert, AIA marianne.holbert@colorado.edu, Office hours by appointment OVERVIEW Rome, Italy offers an unparalleled opportunity to probe and explore the rich layers that human evolution has left on urban history. The complexities of design in urban sites, especially in cities like Rome, reveal the layering of urban sociology, historical preservation, the politics of the public realm, and other disciplinary overlaps as they all contribute to use and human occupation. Environmental design through architecture, landscape architecture and urban design has the capacity to serve as an expression of human values and a context for human activity. It addresses the interrelated behavioral, cultural, historical and environmental, issues that underlie the organization of built form. In the design process, students are challenged to direct a sensitivity, imagination, and intellect to inform and shape coherent environments for people. This studio-based course will incorporate an analysis of physical, socioeconomic, and historical factors in Rome. Students will begin with site analysis and produce diagrams orthographic drawings as part of this process and as evidence of their investigations to inform the final design 1
intervention. Design students will build on the work from prior studios, and it may lay the foundation for work in future studios. Following a thorough site analysis, students will propose a design strategy and conduct a compelling proposal that addresses fundamental issues of the site. The overarching goals of the design interventions will naturally vary by the specialization areas of the students. To further support, challenge and expose students to historical and contemporary ideas, students will have a series of readings. Readings include Vitruvius, Alberti, Le Corbusier, Bacon, McHarg, Ruskin and others. Students will need to demonstrate knowledge of these texts through short-response writings, and carry the ideas discussed into their studio design proposals. Classes will be taught in Rome at the Accent Center and on diverse architectural sites. The University of Colorado offers courses through the Accent Program; it is an approved program through the Office of International Education. The course is designed to accompany students through the rich cultural experience of living abroad, to probe urban issues that define Rome s urban form and examine a design proposal culminating the experience. Students will enroll in the Layers of Rome course concurrently, which provides an intensive introduction to contextual history and society. The course has a particular focus on urbanism and architectural history and is comparable to other architecture courses at the 3000 level. The Layers of Rome (3 credits) course and survival Italian (non-credit) are threaded throughout the first three weeks to engage understanding of architectural history, urban and social fabric of Rome. The course has a combination of on-site analysis work, photographic documentation, sketching visits, studio exercises and educational excursions with museum tours, firm visits, round tables with Roma Tre design students, workshops and guided tours including Ostia Antica, Tuscany and Venice. The course will run from May 21 June 30, 2017 for a period of six weeks. It is a studio intensive course, for a total of 6 credit hours. When students undertake Layers of Rome, the studio will have fewer hours of contact per week. During the last few weeks, students will invest their energies solely on final studio proposals. THE SITE The site of the project is the Porta Portese, south of central Rome and Trastevere along the Via Portuense. It sits above the Tiber river, with a market area on weekends, historic Armory, bike paths and more. The site intersects the Aurelian walls and begs questions about the nature of spatial boundaries, public space and historical preservation. It includes dynamic historical, cultural, ecological, and socio-cultural characteristics and it needs rethinking for enhanced use. 2
LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of the course students will be able to: Describe and analyze, through graphical representation and analysis, the different layers that constitute the Porta Portese and essential elements of the use of civic space Engage faculty and peers in a discourse on issues of architecture, environmental and urban design through readings and written reflections Understand how the historical, cultural and environmental factors of a city become working material for designers Recognize and assess urban elements, natural features, and human systems and use them to inform design proposals. Communicate with clarity a design proposal informed by the spectrum of issues, sites and case studies in the urban structure of the Portese in Rome Use appropriate drawing conventions, orthographic drawings, paraline drawings, models, graphic design to examine and propose design interventions addressing the urban issues under exploration Comprehend and apply freehand sketching as a method for studying space. ASSESSMENT Students will be assessed on their ability to meet the learning outcomes described in the individual project assignments. Rubrics will be provided to expand the students understanding of these objectives. Assignments will include: 1. STUDIO EXERCISES This component of your grade will be based on how well you understand and critically approach the studio assignments in conjunction with how thorough and complete the investigations are executed. In design, outstanding solutions comes from a tenacity to attempt ideas, discover their successes and failures, learn from them and continue to better the work at hand. Willingness to produce, self-critique and refine ones work is critical to excellence in design and expected in this studio. 2. SKETCHBOOK For designers, sketching is a fundamental skill that is acquired through practice. It is a powerful tool for documenting and exploring three-dimensional space. Sketching offers a new mode of seeing and examining the world through shapes, lines, colors, and the relationships between these things. You will have specific sketching assignments and the sketchbooks will be collected at periodic intervals. You are encouraged to take your 3
sketchbook with you everywhere and to complete assignments to hone visual observations skills, develop greater fluidity with freehand sketching and enhance knowledge of buildings and spaces in and around Rome. All students must keep a sketchbook and notebook (may be one in the same). 3. RESEARCH Design studios are not expected to be just learning from the studio instructor, but also an avenue for continual research and development in the design field. When coming across a design problem it is expected that the student is self-motivated to research the pertinent issues. This may consist of precedent studies, technological studies, or empirical documentations; anything that further develops the understanding of the students design problem at hand. 4. PRESENTATIONS Architecture is a graphic and productive profession. It is expected that you will present your ideas articulately through words, diagrams, drawings, renderings, models, prototypes, etc. These are also imperative components to the daily studio discussions. This component of your grade is based the intellectual, verbal and graphical representation of the work conducted. 5. ATTENDANCE + PARTICIPATION There will be pin-ups, reviews, assigned readings and discussions. Attendance is mandatory and active participation in these dialogues is critical. Attendance and participation is integrated into both the midterm and final project rubrics. Our studio space, especially on an academic level should be a vibrant exchange of ideas, positions and opinions. Polarized viewpoints and opinions are expected and should be expressed in a civil manner. 6. READINGS + REFLECTION PAPERS The course has essential readings posted on D2L. To participate in the class exercises and discussions at a high level of understanding, it is essential that you do the required readings and reflection papers. The reading material will be uploaded to D2L, unless otherwise noted. Students are expected to read, understand and discuss the readings at any given time after they have been assigned. Each student will be assigned a reading on which to lead the group in discussion. EVALUATION The final evaluation will be assessed on the following basis: Sketchbook 20% Readings, Discussion and Short responses (500 words x 3) 20% Mid-Review and Presentation 25% Final Review and Presentation 35% 4
Grades 93-100= A 87-89= B+ 80-82= B- 73-76= C 67-69= D+ 60-62= D- 90-92= A- 83-86= B 77-79= C+ 70-72= C- 63-66= D 59-0= F The faculty reserve the right to make changes or alterations to the course, as necessary, from time to time. Students will be informed of changes in person or by email. Any questions or concerns about a grade received must be brought to the attention of the instructor within seven (7) days of receiving it. After seven days, the grade is final. REQUIREMENTS Attendance in all classes is mandatory. Students must be prompt and attentive. Students are expected to arrive on time and stay for the entire class. Except for documented health or disability reasons, excuses for absences, tardiness, missed examinations or any missed deadlines will not be accepted. Students are expected to attend class and participate in class discussions, field trips and guest lectures. Leaving early or showing up late will be considered an unexcused absence. Three unexcused absences will result in a final grade reduction, at the discretion of the instructor. In the case of an excused absence the student must contact the instructor prior to or on the day of the absence otherwise the absence will count as unexcused. In medical situations, a doctor s note with date should be turned into the your instructor. Students are required to be in studio for the duration of the class period. You may use a laptop computer during studio. However, computers may be used only for course related work. Cell phones are to remain off and out of sight for the duration of the class period. Students are encouraged to be proactive about their education, to ask questions during class, and to meet with the instructor during office hours, or by appointment outside of office hours. Design thrives by clarity. Clarity is necessary in the verbal communication, the drawings, the craft and the models that you present. Paying attention to graphics, layout, craft and communication makes you a better designer. In addition to a sketchbook and pencils, it is highly recommended to have access to a computer (desktop or laptop). Students are expected to complete all assignments on time. The assignments must be handed in on time and in class on the dates specified. Students will be required to submit work produced throughout the term to Dropbox on D2L. There will be specific folders for each assignment. Work shall not be emailed to the Instructor and late submissions reduced the overall assignment grade. Students are required to check their university email account & Desire 2 Learn (D2L) account regularly for announcements and updates to the syllabus. Students must register with and check D2L to download reading assignments, obtain class information, and view 5
announcements. Lectures and supplemental readings may be posted on D2L. It is the responsibility of the student to make sure s/he has access to and regularly downloads materials from D2L. TOOLS & RESOURCES While internet access, power, and space will be provided at Accent, students are expected to bring their own digital tools and programs. All Environmental Design students are required to own laptop computers, which run their software. These tools are a part of design education today. This is an important part of an international, inter-institutional, interdisciplinary experience. The goal of the course is not to teach the tools; its goal is to teach a critical framework and a methodology for creating better neighborhoods, districts, and cities. 18-inch roll and/or 12-inch roll of trace paper Sketchbook. Small enough to carry everywhere, but large enough to lay flat and be easy to sketch in. Sketch pencils Sketch pens, variety of widths, i.e microns. (Pack these in a sealed plastic bag.) Laptop Colored pencils, eraser Drafting tape Camera Architectural Scales (metric may be helpful) UNIVERSITY POLICIES Accommodation For Disabilities: If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to your professor a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner (for exam accommodations provide your letter at least one week prior to the exam) so that your needs can be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact Disability Services at 303-492-8671 or by e-mail at dsinfo@colorado.edu. If you have a temporary medical condition or injury, see Temporary Injuries guidelines under the Quick Links at the Disability Services website and discuss your needs with your professor. Religious Observances: Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to deal reasonably and fairly with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. See campus policy regarding religious observances for full details. For more information on the religious holidays most commonly observed by CU-Boulder students consult the online interfaith calendar. Classroom Behavior: Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with differences of race, color, culture, religion, creed, 6
politics, veteran s status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and gender expression, age, disability, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I may make appropriate changes to my records. For more information, see the policies on classroom behavior and the student code. Discrimination And Harassment: The University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) is committed to maintaining a positive learning, working, and living environment. CU-Boulder will not tolerate acts of sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment or related retaliation against or by any employee or student. CU s Sexual Misconduct Policy prohibits sexual assault, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, intimate partner abuse (dating or domestic violence), stalking or related retaliation. CU-Boulder s Discrimination and Harassment Policy prohibits discrimination, harassment or related retaliation based on race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political affiliation or political philosophy. Individuals who believe they have been subject to misconduct under either policy should contact the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) at 303-492-2127. Information about the OIEC, the above referenced policies, and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding sexual misconduct, discrimination, harassment or related retaliation can be found at the OIEC website. Honor Code: All students enrolled in a University of Colorado Boulder course are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of the institution. Violations of the policy may include: plagiarism, cheating, fabrication, lying, bribery, threat, unauthorized access, clicker fraud, resubmission, and aiding academic dishonesty. All incidents of academic misconduct will be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-735-2273). Students who are found responsible of violating the academic integrity policy will be subject to nonacademic sanctions from the Honor Code Council as well as academic sanctions from the faculty member. Additional information regarding the academic integrity policy can be found at http://honorcode.colorado.edu. 7