Assignment

This assignment asks you to Investigate and analyze the broader context of the project for the remainder of the term, the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest and surrounding area. One cannot begin to propose design solutions for a place that one does not truly understand. Before we can begin to design a place of worship in the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest we must thoroughly understand the potential of the place in order to propose meaningful solutions. To this end we must assemble the context within which to properly define the problem. We must therefore gather meaningful information and data with a focus on achieving the following objectives:

• Gain an understanding of a Place through a thorough documentation and analysis of existing conditions

• Inspire, inform and order a thoughtful design solution that addresses a variety of programmatic & site complexities

• Develop a critical analysis of the site and surrounding context as a whole

 

Process
This assignment is intended to reveal opportunities within the design problem, site and material of study for this studio through an analytical documentation process.  This does not mean that how you interpret the task of diagramming and mapping cannot still be creative.  As always, your work should be professional, well crafted, and beautiful.  Keep in mind that a diagram can be used as a way of integrating several kinds of graphic information – both quantitative and qualitative. These diagrams will provide the foundation of our design work throughout the rest of the term and be shared by your studio peers. It is therefore essential that they are thorough yet clear and concise.
Students will work in teams of four (4) to develop a concise, yet thorough, summary of one of the themes listed below. Information shall be presented on 11×17 sheets (landscape orientation) with the entire studio utilizing a single document template. Groups should work together to determine the document template early in order to facilitate efficient documentation. Students will be investigating on of the following themes:

Themes of Analysis:

1. Physical Factors (Climate, Topography, Geotechnical, etc.)
2. Socio-Cultural Factors (History, Land Use, Ownership, Control, etc.)
3. Environmental/Economic Factors (Zoning, Environmental Regulations, Economic Value, etc.)

ARCH 4_584_AssemblingContext_Fall2013