Start semester
40 622 Climate-informed densification with wooden constructions
Bachelor in architecture.
Preliminary skills in 3D CAD drawing is advisory, but not compulsory. It is desirable that part of the group have some knowledge of Rhino/Grasshopper or similar, hence students with skills in the field are encouraged to apply.
The course will offer an investigation into available techniques to inform, design and communicate architecture and area developments with a sustainable ecological footprint. Based on an integrated understanding of our natural and built environment, we will this semester particularly explore the advantages of wooden hybrid constructions to optimize structural and ecological performance and quality in urban housing within a challenging, urban context.
Both quantitative criteria and advanced generative computing as well as quick sketches and manual models will continuously be used for qualitative and intuitive investigations within the design process.
An idealistic and innovative approach merges with a commercial scenario, on a real site in a dense, urban context in Oslo, and within the current planning regime.
Knowledge:
- of reducing the ecological footprint of architecture
- of optimizing architectural design to a specific construction material and to a given contextual and climatic situation
- of advantages of wooden constructions in dense, urban situations
- of what tools are available to assist the design of sustainable and climate-adapted architecture
- of the role of materials in a climatically informed design
- of planning with timber as a design parameter
- of the stages, rules and actors at play in an urban housing development
- of best-practice examples of wooden urban housing and
- of best-practice climatically informed architecture
Skills:
- To use wooden constructions in a challenging urban context
- To use simple 3D CAD modeling in the conceptual development of a neighborhood
- To 3D print models for use both as sketch-models, analysis and presentation models
- To use 2D projection drawing as a tool for planning housing and housing units
- To refine techniques for communicative visual presentations
Competence:
- To develop a sustainable conceptual design
- To plan and design high-density housing with wooden constructions
- To make and argue for decisions on sustainability and architectural quality
- To realize the sustainable design through form, materials and details
- To develop a position to the questions of sustainability and architectural quality
- To understand the wooden structure as a decisive and form-generating parameter
The learning approach is project-based. The students develop architectural projects, with tasks given and advised by the staff. Lectures and workshops focusing on selected themes will contribute to knowledge and skills relevant for the project.
The course will include (preliminary plan):
- Introductory tasks that generate a common knowledge base for the studio
- Workshop on tools and methods for climatic considerations and design adaption
- Main task: Work in couples or individual on 1-3 given sites
- Weekly tutoring in the studio
- Lectures by staff and invited architects and specialists
- Study trip to a European city
- Perspective/presentation workshop
- Public reviews
| Form of assessment | Grouping | Grading scale | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project assignment | Individual | Pass / fail | Project assignment and reviews |