1.1 Studio build

What is a unit space for?
* Working studio
* Teaching
* Presentations
* Information
* Display
* Storage

Studio Aalto by Alvar Aalto

2nd Oct: Charrette
5th Oct: Pin-up and development
9th Oct onwards: cleaning, demolition, prototypes and construction

This first project contains all the elements of any architectural project:
You are both client and collaborator.
Carry out site analysis.
You will not only be designing but also constructing improvements to the unit space.
Unusually, you are able to spend time in the site and make prototypes and other full-size tests.
Document how the space is used, what it is like to be in, how it could be used, test your ideas.

Consider the dimensions of the space, ergonomics, comfort, usability and construction. How effective is your proposal - does it contribute to making the studio space somewhere more appealing to study and work in? Light and noise are important to comfort. Think of functionality and also delight.

Progress to drawings for production and construction, use them to investigate how something is built. Even though this is a collaborative project, it is important that you are all producing individual portfolio work. Cutting and quantities diagrams, construction drawings, details of connections and spatial tests, documentation of prototype production and testing should all form full-size drawings at appropriate scales.

Refer to: The Details of Modern Architecture vol.1 & 2, Edward Ford (MIT Press) [724 FOR]
as well as looking for inspiration in other architects (Miralles/EMBT, Prouvé, Aalto have been mentioned)

from top:
Sketch of Year one group tutorial (from "Basics Architecture: 03 architectural design" by Jane Anderson; Table Manners by Sarah Wigglesworth;
Sogn Benedetg chapel by Peter Zumthor; Assembly from 2-4-6-8 by Morphosis