ARCH 400 • FALL 2003     Beacon Hill North Branch Library Design Studio     Click below for   Schedule Analysis Concept Design Detail Design Final Design Selected Student Work 2002         Overview of the Studio In this studio, you will gain an understanding of some of the broader determinants of architectural form, including its urban, social, ecological, and regulatory context, while also helping develop your ability to critically assess your own work. You will develop a site design, building design, and detail for the Yesler Community Center, a project that is currently on the drawing boards at Mithun Architects, and you will keep a journal that records and reflects on your progress. The schedule and evaluation methods are organized so that you will have sufficient time and feedback to produce portfolio quality drawings and models. Specifically, the goals of the studio are to help you develop the ability to Base a design concept on an analysis of the site and project, including identification of its programmatic and architectural precedents; Develop a design concept that reflects knowledge of structure, accessibility, and codes; Develop a large-scale detail to illustrate how the design concept extends into the experience of space; Reflect critically on the progress of your work; and Produce strong portfolio material.     Overview of the Design Project   THE NEW CENTER@YESLER TERRACE Yesler Terrace in the Central District of Seattle was the first integrated public housing project in the United States. It has about 580 units housing approximately 1250 people on fifty acres and is located on prime property just north of the International District and south of First Hill. Sometime in the next ten years, Yesler Terrace will be redeveloped as a higher density Hope VI Project. The first step of this process is the replacement of the neighborhood's community center, which will set the stage for future redevelopment. The New Center@Yesler Terrace will be built adjacent to the existing site, which is located along East Yesler Way, a street with historical significance. To the immediate southwest is the blight created by Interstate 5, but in the distance are spectacular views to the city and Mt. Rainier. The western edge of the site adjoins the proposed Blue Ring, a series of linked open spaces around the city's downtown area. The New Center may incorporate the existing gym, which is at the foot of Broadway, or that building may be demolished. includes a segment of the proposed Blue Ring, a series of linked open spaces around the city's downtown area that will reflect Olmsted's Green Ring around the city's outer area. The site is zoned L3-30, which has a height limit of thirty feet. The center is to contain 20,000 square feet.     THE PROGRAM The goals of the New Center@Yesler Terrace are to Engage the mind, body, and spirit of the neighborhood's culturally diverse citizenry; Promote innovative uses of information technology for community problem-solving; Create a gateway to what will become a higher density community, while connecting it to the city via the proposed Blue Ring; Conserve energy and natural resources; and Makes visible the history of this important place in Seattle's development. Interior Spaces Entry Reception Administrative Offices Mind Spaces Distance Learning Lab Simulation Lab Body Spaces Gymnasium Dance Studio Game Room Storage Spirit Spaces The Great Hall Community Kitchen Community Laundry Art Studio Music Studio Storage Special Use Spaces Teens' Room Children's Room Exterior Spaces Small and Large Social Spaces Children's Outdoor Play Area Parking   Studio Goals and Structure   This studio will help students develop the ability to   Conduct an analysis of the site and project, including identification of its programmatic and architectural precedents; Develop a design concept that reflects knowledge of site design, universal design, and codes; Develop a large-scale detail to illustrate how the design concept extends into the experience of space; Reflect critically on the progress of their work; and Develop strong portfolio materials.   The studio project is broken into four assignments: Analysis, Concept Design, Final Design, and Detail Mock Up. During Concept Design, the three 400-level studios will meet as a group for one hour on Wednesday for short lectures by the studio instructors. The group will also come together for the mid-term review at the end of Concept Design, which will be an informal walk-about with student dialogue in small groups. The review of the Detail Mock Ups will culminate with a display. The Final Design will be reviewed by local practitioners. Throughout the quarter, you will have opportunities for exchanging ideas with the Mithun architects who are designing the actual community center. In consideration of your need to develop portfolio-quality drawings for applying to graduate school, a substantial amount of time has been allotted to Final Design.   THE REQUIREMENTS Four Design Assignments A separate hand out will be provided for each. A Journal The journal is a record of your ideas and your self-evaluation of your assignments. It should exhibit thoughtfulness and high quality, not quantity. Most of all, it should be a learning tool that helps you understand/discover your own unique approach to the design process. The journal should include: Sketches and notes related to the four assignments Sketches and notes documenting and assessing the reviews (of other students and yourself) A self-evaluation of your progress on each assignment Any strong feelings you have about the assignments or studio Space for the instructor to provide a written evaluation of each assignment The journal can be bond, loose-leaf, or boxed; it can be handwritten, computer generated, or collaged (8.5" x 11: is much preferred). Whatever the format, it should be YOU! Your journal will be due at the end of each review and will be used by the instructor to provide a written evaluation of your progress.   STUDIO DOCUMENTATION At the end of the quarter, you should provide the instructor with a digital record of your work.   GRADING PROCEDURES Although you can reiteratively improve your work as the quarter progresses, your final grade will be based on the following:   Analysis Site and project analysis; case study analysis leading to design goals (in teams) 10 Percent Concept Design Application of technical information to design concept; contribution to class model 25 Percent Detail Mock Up Application of the design concept to a building element 15 Percent Final Design Refinement of the design; development of presentation drawings and model 35 Percent Journal Self-evaluation of progress in the studio 15 Percent     CREDITS Six   CLASS TIMES Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 01:30 - 05:30 PM   LOCATION TBA   INSTRUCTOR Sutton