The aims of this class are: 1. to explain clearly and simply the basic principles of construction. 2. to show how much architectural expression depends on its constructional composition. Special attention will be will be paid to constructional aspects which imbue meaning and in this aspect it differs from the albeit relevant but exclusively technology-focused literature. 3. to introduce students to the importance of representing clear, legible and organised ideas to others in the construction industry.

Principles of assembly of buildings will be studied beginning through a raw material and a particular building typology. The focus will be on concrete, timber and steel construction. Practical reflections will be presented next to theoretical ones. Sober detail drawings will be introduced alongside thoughtful reflections. Basic construction concepts will be presented next to specific descriptions of construction processes. DRAWING EXERCISE: Each exercise will involve disseminating the required information the previous week. A short introduction will precede each exercise. LECTURE COURSE: A weekly lecture as well as visiting guest tutors will introduce students to properties of materials, covering descriptions of manufacturing methods, assembly and product ranges of the most important modern building materials. DIARY OF A BUILDING: Students will be asked to keep a diary of progress on each site that will involve sketches, notes and photographs. Each group will be asked to present their findings to the class at the end of the year. CASE STUDY: A building precedent will be presented to each student under the headings of concept, process and system.

At the end of this module students should be able to: * explain clearly and simply the basic principles of construction * to demonstrate a basic understanding of how architectural expression depends on constructional composition. * represent ideas in a clear, legible and organised fashion * have a basic knowledge of drawing convention and representational methods * observe and record the process of a site. * construct a 1:20 detail in model format as well as a series of detailed drawings to present to the class.

see above

see above

This course will introduce basic constructional principles through the detailed study of elements of simpler constructional technology. This technology is considered from the point of view of design intent, logic of assembly and the quality of the resulting climate/environment. The suitability of various forms of construction to different design ambitions will be considered with particular emphasis put on developing an understanding of the size and dimensions of various constructional systems.