Form, Structure and Aesthetics

The central, essential theme in the studio is to come to spatial expression through Form, Structure and Material. Form can be literally seen as a shape but can also be seen as a visibly readable expression as a translation of the central themes of the studio. Structure can be read as construction of the building but also as precise placement and proportional measurement. Material will work as an inspiration and as an ongoing challenge to innovate and to be true to the material.

The individual assignment is based on a design for a cultural, public building, located in a transitional area in the Netherlands. Working together with Building Engineering Studios, the Form Studies studio can focus on the spatial expression, while sustainable, circular, technical solutions are being discussed in the BES studio. The assignment very much embraces the integrated, sustainable design, which leads to a discourse about aesthetics.

The Form, Structure & Aesthetics Studio and the Building Engineering Studio (BES) will grade the students separately. This can result in different marks in the two disciplines. Nevertheless, both studio’s tutors will discuss the level of integration of the technical, sustainable solutions and their expression. This will influence the grading.

The following matters are considered in the grading process for Architecture:

Coherence and significance

Development of form and use of structure and material are physically unified in the design. The position taken is visibly readable as a spatial expression and identity of the design project.

Correctness and elaboration

The experimental physical models in given scales show their own appropriate level of expression and detail. The design will be elaborated on as a technically inspired and integrated solution, suitable in the direct context and directly related to the design brief.

Presentation

The physical models will communicate the process and main design features. Drawings and diagrams as an addition to this can add preciseness and annotations. The visual work should be sufficient to explain the project.

Study

The student will be able to use a research approach to generate concrete results that feed the design process. The student will be able to select and prioritize the relevant study results, particularly in relation to the design.

Inventiveness

The innovations in the design can be seen as new representations of solutions that have been found in research and model assignments. Personal expression, if related to a relevant and clear narrative, can also add to the immersion of the design.

Mark and repair

The design project is awarded a grade that is a whole or half number between 1.0 and 10.0. Students pass the course with a 6.0 or higher. With a grade below 6.0: students who presented assessable work during the course are allowed to do a repair to change the grade into a ‘pass’. The repair is unsupervised and needs to be completed within 2 weeks after the end of the course. When the repair is unsuccessful, the student needs to follow the entire course again.