This course further develops project design through the logic of construction, with particular emphasis on structural logic. It consolidates the competencies acquired during the first year by introducing greater complexity derived from structural requirements while maintaining a design approach based on material exploration and full-scale construction (1:1).
Designing—and, by extension, building—goes beyond the production of drawings or models; it involves understanding that technical solutions not only support the project but also shape and define it. In this sense, strategies of stability and joint typologies become both technical requirements and generators of the project, defining the tectonic character of the structure.
The course also integrates topics related to construction management and planning, risk prevention, and safety throughout the entire construction process.
Titular Professors
Professors
Basic knowledge of the conception and development of 1:1 scale projects through an architectural design approach based on the tectonics of materials and the techniques for their manipulation and transformation.
Basic knowledge of graphic, technical and construction representation for the expression, development and material definition of small-scale projects.
Basic knowledge of construction process management and planning for the full-scale realisation of small-scale projects.
Understand structural logic, stability, joints, and construction principles as the foundations for the development of tectonic projects.
- Develop projects based on structural logic, coherently integrating design, structure, construction, and materiality.
- Accurately represent the project and its technical and construction-related aspects.
- Integrate safety, health, and risk prevention criteria into the different phases of the project and the construction process.
- Apply construction management and planning criteria to support the materialisation of the project.
- Construct full-scale architectural proposals by applying structural, construction, and safety criteria.
1. Structural Tectonics
- The project from the perspective of structural logic.
- The expressive capacity of the structure.
- Space and structure. Structure as a spatial generator.
- Stability as a technical element and a generator of the project.
- Joints as a technical element and a generator of the project.
- The technical and design representation of structures.
2. Construction Process Management
- Risk prevention and safety during the design phase.
- Risk prevention and safety during the construction phase.
- Types of risks: avoidable and unavoidable risks.
- Preventive measures and personal and collective protective equipment.
- Health and safety documentation.
- Stakeholders involved in health and safety.
- Planning and management of the construction process.
The methodology of this course is based on project-based learning and has an essentially practical character, through the manipulation of materials and construction (learning by doing/learning by making). Research by design constitutes a central aspect of the methodology, ensuring both technical and design rigour.
The tectonic project of structures constitutes the methodological thread that enables students to integrate design, construction, construction process management, and risk prevention and safety aspects. This approach promotes the integration of theory and practice through active and meaningful learning.
The course is structured in two parts: an initial part introducing the subject topic and a second part focused on project development, management, and construction at a scale of 1 to 1. Four sequential projects are proposed, progressively developing the course content.
The course is structured in two parts: an initial phase that introduces the subject's thematic focus, and a second phase dedicated to project development, construction management, and full-scale (1:1) construction. Four sequential projects are proposed, progressively developing the course content and learning objectives.
The learning activities include project briefings, theoretical sessions, project-based activities, construction management and planning activities, and assembly activities. They also include project review and critique sessions, as well as guided studio work, combined with students' independent work. Activities are carried out in groups and combine collaborative and individual work. All exercises culminate in the construction of a physical object or prototype.
In addition, the course encourages the generation of collective knowledge. The material produced by the different groups forms a shared knowledge base that contributes to the development of the final project.
Part I. Research, Observe and Manipulate
P01. Structural Tectonics
Exercise focused on the analysis of references related to the concept of structural tectonics.
P02. Tectonics of Bar Structures
Exercise focused on the analysis of references related to bar structures and stabilisation strategies, understood as generators of the architectural project.
P03. Tectonics of Structural Joints
Design, analysis, and full-scale construction of prototypes to explore different joint systems and their relationship with stability, the construction process, and the architectural project.
Part II. Design, Build and Manage
Project P04. Full-Scale Construction (1:1)
Exercise focused on the design, planning, and full-scale construction of a bar structure, integrating design, structural, constructional, management, and risk prevention and safety aspects. Particular attention is given to the design of joints, the stabilisation of the system, and its expressive capacity.
Assessment is based on a system of continuous assessment focused on projects and the work developed throughout the semester. The assessment instruments include three preliminary projects and a final project culminating in the full-scale construction of a bar structure.
Assessment will consider both the development of the four projects and the quality and coherence of the final outcome, combining the evaluation of collaborative work with that of individual work.
It will also take into account active participation in class sessions, project progress, presentations and debates, graphic and written documentation, the iterative work process, conceptual postcards, the management dossier, as well as the planning, pre-assembly, and final assembly of the structure.
The final grade will be based on the following mandatory submissions and assessment activities:
- 10% P01 – Structural Tectonics
- 15% P02 – Tectonics of Bar Structures
- 15% P03 – Tectonics of Structural Joints
P04 – Full-Scale Construction (1:1)
- 20% Project Development
- 30% Full-scale Construction and Assembly
- 10% Oral Examination
The assessment criteria are aligned with the learning outcomes, ensuring their progressive evaluation through the different exercises. These criteria consider both the work process —the development of the project, active participation, and the ability to integrate feedback from the teaching staff— and the outcome achieved.
The following aspects will be assessed:
- Understanding and application of tectonic and structural logic in the project.
- Rigour in the technical and construction representation and documentation of the project.
- The adequacy of construction management, coordination, and planning.
- The application of risk prevention, health and safety criteria during both the design and construction phases.
- The ability to work collaboratively and coordinate teams.
- Construction quality, precision of execution, and structural performance of full-scale structures.
Aulamagna. (s. f.). Gestión preventiva en obras de construcción: el Plan de Seguridad y Salud. Aulamagna.
Schwartz, C. (2017). Introducing Architectural Tectonics: Exploring the Intersection of Design and Construction. Routledge.
Frampton, K. (1995). Studies in Tectonic Culture: The Poetics of Construction in Nineteenth and Twentieth Century Architecture. MIT Press.
Frampton, K. (1999). Estudios sobre cultura tectónica. Akal.
Pallasmaa, J. (2020). Animales arquitectos. Gustavo Gili.
Pallasmaa, J. (1995). Animal Architecture. Museum of Finnish Architecture.
Tanizaki, J. (1993). El elogio de la sombra. Siruela.
Tanizaki, J. (1977). In Praise of Shadows. Leete’s Island Books.
Zumthor, P. (2006). Thinking Architecture (2nd ed.). Birkhäuser.
Zumthor, P. (2002). Pensar la arquitectura (J. Pérez, Trad.). Gustavo Gili.
Bauer, S. (2024). The Joinery Compendium: Learning from Traditional Woodworking. Birkhäuser.
A specific bibliography will be provided with each presentation of the design exercises.
webs
www.dezeen.com
www.archdaily.com
www.arquitecturacatalana.cat
www.tectoncia.archi
www.arquitecturaviva.com