Background
This studio course is an examination of the idea of emptiness in architecture as its fundamental component. The spatial emptiness that a buillding encloses, and the space that it creates around itself, are the most basic features of architecture, but it is easy to lose sight of them in the precise work of constructing a building. Our work will be in seeing and making emptiness through the techniques of architecture.
The purpose of this course is to gain experience with working with space as the primary content of built work. We ask you to develop a spatial idea that is given architectural form, through a process of understanding how its basic features — shape, materiality and structure — combine to give space. Empty space. Our method of working will be defined by the following characteristics:

Experimentation and self definition
AHO’s master level pedagogy is defined by a studio environment in which students interact with teacher and fellow students in a context of making and dialog. Central to this environment is the recognition by the student of their own resposibility for remaining continually open to experimentation, and to define their own ambitions. The studio will encourage an experimental approach in which current architectural ideas are challenged by an informed reading of architectural history. We ask that the students define their own architectural idea and define its scope with respect to site and program.

Focus on precision, quality and beauty
We believe that the complexity of architecure and the depth of feeling that it can evoke demands a continual focus on precision and quality. The products of the studio should hold a high standard with respect to craftsmanship and precision. And the recognition of beauty — however widely this might be understood — should inform our creative work.

Approach
We will explore the process of defining precise architectural ideas that lead to individually unique, yet ordinary and generous spaces. With emptiness as the point of departure, we call each student to invent their understanding of the term, through a series of exercises that include observing, mapping and defining emptiness on varying conditions, gestures, and architectural scales.

Semester Plan
15th August: An Experience of Emptiness
We will meet at St Halvards Church at 10:00. 
17th August: Reading the Texts
We will meet at 13:00 to read your texts and to discuss the next task.
20th August: Mapping Emptiness
31st August: Review 1
4th September: Excursion
17th September: Defining Emptiness
28th September: Review 2
1st October: Definition of an Architectural Idea
12th October: Review 3
15th October: An Architectural Proposal
2nd November: Review 4
5th November: Development and Documentation
12th December: Final Review and AHO Works Exhibition