Course Description

Figuring out how a building is built is liberating! ARCH 326 will look at core construction principles

from the perspective of poetic intent and the pragmatic response to the complex issues of site, context

and programme.

Through a series of lectures and case studies we will review key principles of construction from the

ground to the roof; how to keeping weather out, allow light in, create shade etc, with an overview of

systems; load bearing masonry, light timber frame though to heavy frames and ?composites?.

We will explore the possibilities of the depth of surface in the ?ambiguity between the building as

frame, and the building as wall?1 to gain an understanding of materials, systems and intersections ?

and how one might be pursued over another in a specific design response, above and beyond

necessity.

Readings

Readings will be compiled from a number of sources, including: Mitchell Building Series (Pub. Longman) ?Building Construction Illustrated?, Ching, Francis D.K. (Pub. Wiley 2001) ?Modern Construction Handbook?, Watts, Andrew (Pub. Springer-Verlag 2001) ?Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials & Methods?, Allen & Iano (Pub. Wiley)