Titular Professors
Professors
This subject introduces the student to the design process, placing special emphasis on the logic of the structure an its constructive principles. Diving deep into the parameters that define the tectonic design of the structure, relating them to the process involved in the management of its construction and paying special attention to the risk prevention and safety.
The subject content is organized in two thematic units that will be worked-out interrelatedly throughout the course sessions. The tectonic design of structures is the guiding and methodological thread that permits students to delve deeper into the management and knowledge of the construction process.
Construction process:
Management of the construction process. Planning, costs and risk prevention and safety applied to construction.
Structures tectonic design:
Design based on the logic of the structure principles. Meaning and definition of the tectonic of structure concept. Tectonic elements specific to structures. The structure that creates a space. Tectonic of structures as an area of architecture that explores the expressive capacity of structures, as well as that of their construction and materials.
The methodology of this subject is project-based and essentially through practical learning by means of manipulating materials and hands-on building. The tectonic design of the structure and its consequent execution will be the methodological framework that will allow students to deepen their knowledge and management of the construction process, with special emphasis on safety and prevention of related risks.
The course includes four projects that encourage the exploration of structural logic, stability and joints performance in bar-based systems, as well as aspects related to safety and risk prevention. The content will be introduced as needed for the development of the different exercises proposed in class and the final result will always be a physical object or a built construction.
All exercises will be presented with an introductory talk and will end with a group discussion on the results. The development of the task will be carried out in groups, combining in-class and/or workshop work, and will be completed with work out of class.
In addition, cooperative learning and the generation of collective knowledge will be encouraged: the material produced by the whole group will be used as prior knowledge for the final project of the semester.
The course concludes with the full-scale (1 to 1) construction of a bar-based structure, providing students with a direct approach to the relationship between design and its materialization.
1- Practical work and exercises: completion and submission of projects, models, and assigned exercises throughout the course.
2- Participation and engagement in class: active attendance, involvement in classroom dynamics, work during class and workshops, and contributions to group sessions.
3- Weekly reviews of projects and activities: presentation and correction of projects and activities, with ongoing feedback from the teaching staff.
4- Public presentations of partial and final results.
5- Final presentation before a jury with an overall evaluation of the process and the outcomes achieved.
Design exercises grades will be the result of a continuous assessment of the student?s work by their professor. In addition to the result, the grade considers also progression, participation, preparation and perseverance in the work.
The follow-up and participation in-class, as well as of all the subject?s activities, will be valued.
A minimum attendance of 80% will be required to pass the subject on this convocation.