Pedagogical Intentions

The most difficult step in the architectural design process inevitably comes at the moment of translation from ideas and intentions, to formal and spatial design solutions.  At CCA, we consciously organize our assignments and will attempt to structure our criticism with this specific moment in mind. Our primary goal is to help students learn how to use the process of design to identify and articulate their ideas, with the aim of learning to succinctly express their selves as authors through the discipline of architecture.

We attempt to instill in each student a sense of personal responsibility for defining the path and goals of their architectural education.  We ask that each student develops a refined self-awareness of their unique approaches to problem solving, and that they take an aggressive role in structuring and guiding their studio explorations.  We try to set process and presentation requirements individually with students, encouraging them to take a more proactive stance in the definition and presentation of their work. 

Whenever possible, we intend on giving students opportunities to take on leadership roles within the structure of the studio.  This includes for example, a system of peer desk-critiques, student led presentations on particular areas of expertise, and a focus on active engagement of all students in all pin-up and review discussions. In general, we will attempt to create a studio atmosphere based on intellectual rigor, commitment, respect, fairness and cooperation --an atmosphere in which we hope to learn from you as much as you learn from me.

Contact Information

Attendance Policy

Schedule:
Attendance in studio classes from 12pm to 3pm on Monday and Wednesday is mandatory.
We will likely have a day of pinups and group discussions each week, and another day of work and desk crits.
Students are expected to remain working in studio for the full duration of the class; do not arrive late or leave early. Attendance at all studio periods, forums, and colloquia is required.  Students are expected to attend all classes even if they have not completed assigned work. There are no incompletes or extensions granted in architectural studios.

Absences:
A student will be asked to withdraw or will receive a failing grade for the course for three unexcused absences. The instructors must be notified in advance of excused absences. Excused absences are as follows:
Personal illness --please notify me within one week after the period of illness; verification may be required.
Serious illness or death of a member of the student's immediate family --please notify me within one week after the funeral or period of illness; verification may be required.
Official College trips --notice must be given prior to the event or no later than one week after the event; verification may be required.
Major religious holidays - a student must notify the instructor in writing of these dates; please submit to the instructor no later that the last day for adding class.

In addition, I strongly encourage you to work in studio. 
This is essential to developing a studio culture in which you can learn from one another. 

Studio Policy

Desk Critiques/ Pin-ups:
Desk crits and class pin-ups are an essential component of architectural education. It is crucial to have new and thoughtful work (drawings/ models/other media) each class session. If I come to your table for a desk crit and find that you have no significant new visual work, I will move on to the next student. Such lack of preparation will negatively impact your grade. When we have desk crits, it is assumed that you will be physically working in the studio.  You must coordinate your work in the computer lab or the wood shop at the beginning of each studio session with your professors, or you will be marked absent.

Reviews:
Reviews are formal events in which you learn to articulate the thinking that went into your studio project.  This is crucial professional tool.  It is expected that you will visit the reviews of other architectural studios and disciplines at CCA.  

Etiquette:
All cell phones and beepers are to be turned off during class meeting hours. 

Statement on Collaboration & Professional Ethics:
The studio system for architectural education at CCA strives to create a laboratory for exploration and the vibrant exchange of ideas.  In its best form, the studio creates a collaborative community in which we learn from and propel each other forward.  We value and promote this. 

The formal presentation of student work, particularly at the end of each semester, is an important component of this collaborative ideal in that it inspires dialog within the school and the architectural community beyond.  It also serves, however, as an opportunity for reflection on the development of a student’s education and architectural production.  In order for this process to be useful, the presentation of work should offer an accurate reflection of a student’s own educational progress.  Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each student to present his/her work in a way that allows for a precise and useful critique.

In this light, we would like students to consider that the acknowledgement of the extent of collaborative efforts in your presentations can be a useful educational tool.  Similarly, we expect that students understand that, for example, financial compensation in exchange for help with presentations goes beyond the ideal of the collaborative community, creating a model more appropriate to professional endeavors.  We encourage all students to think carefully about the goals of their CCA education and to act with respect towards the collaborative community we are attempting to foster. 

Plagiarism of the work of others will result in automatic failure. 

Evaluation:
Your performance will be evaluated using the following criteria

substantial new work prepared for each class meeting
sustained and thoughtful response to criticism
ability to develop a clear and workable idea and move it forward in a coherent and inspired manner
sustained quality of work from beginning to end of exercise
completeness of work at each class meeting, pin-up, and review
success of collaboration in joint/group projects; constructive class participation
attendance and promptness, ability to meet deadlines
significant progress over the semester within your own frame of reference. Please note that criteria are process oriented: every day affects your grade.

You will receive a verbal midterm evaluation from your professor and an official CCA pass/fail midterm grade so that you are aware of your standing in the course during the semester. 

Grading
Final Grades will be based upon:

active engagement with the work of colleagues as well as with group discussions, pin-ups, & reviews
consistency of effort and work product throughout the semester
development of critical thinking exhibited through studio assignments
progress of architectural skills over the course of the semester
completion of all required studio work, including readings
attendance at all scheduled studio hours
respect for your own work, your classmates, and your instructor

Other

Lectures:
Please note that there are a number of wonderful lectures and events going on around the Department of Architecture and the College generally at all times.
Beyond that, there are a number of lecture in particular that are required attendance. These are lectures both in and beyond the Architecture series, and all have some happy and serendipitous relation to the coursework at hand, These required lectures are marked here in your syllabus. Expect discussions of the lecture content to follow in our next class period, and plan accordingly.

Documentation:
Document digitally all of your work (computer work + all hand drawings and models) as it progresses through the semester.  This documentation will be needed for presentations and for your portfolio.  You are required to submit high quality scans on CD or DVD to your professors at the end of the semester.  I may use this documentation to publish your studio project.  Your grade will not be issued until you submit your work. 

Email Communication:
Students are required to open a CCA email account for normal communication with their professors and CCA.  Course syllabi, schedules, reminders, job postings, etc. will be via email.  You will need these email accounts to access CCA computers and plotter.