S’12 Courses

Spring 2012.

Please see here the list of courses available for next semester:

ARCH4850
Architecture Acoustics 2

In the spring semester, students will have the opportunity to design their own performance hall. This process will include continued studies of acoustics measurements, simulated sound fields, community noise issues, and professional practice in acoustics consulting. The course will also have detailed lectures on concert hall acoustics, sound quality, and synthesized sound fields. Students will be introduced to a variety of simulation software and measurement equipment in the Acoustics Research Laboratory. After both Architectural Acoustics 1 and 2, the student should be prepared for a basic entry-level position in either acoustics in architecture or in acoustical consulting. Prerequisite: ARCH4840 or instructor approval. Todd Brooks. F 10–1:50 pm.  Cr 4.

ARCH4930
Structural Morphology

This course explores design and developments of complex, static and dynamic free forms in context of their structural feasibility.  Efficiency of topologies is of the special interest. The form finding investigation and the evaluation will include iterative process of, building physical models, use of laser scanner to generate computer models, and refine the models based on results of load-deformation tests. Various optimization techniques will be explored. Fragility of the forms will be conceptually addressed. This course is a based on research projects and is open for explorations of specific student interests. The course may include a field trip and international collaborators. Ivan Markov. T 12-1:50 pm. Cr 2.

ARCH4932
Duchamp Seminar: Anarchism Umped

Explore the life, work and influence of Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968), inventor of the readymade and  father of conceptual art.  By examining his ideas and those of his peers we will critically map his  influence on 20th century art and architecture. Speculated as “the world’s first feminist artist” by curator Helen Molesworth, Duchamp continues to impact art discourse, 44 years after his death. Readings, response papers, field trips (to the Philadelphia Museum of Art) and discussions with two of the world’s leading Duchamp authorities, Francis Naumann and Michael Taylor. Michael Oatman. W 10–11:50 am. Cr 2.

ARCH4933
Equation-based Morphologies

A scripting-based approach to modeling geometry utilizes features of programming including logical and mathematical operations. The ability to model with mathematical operations allows  unprecedented accessibility to the generative possibilities and comprehension of equation based geometry. This seminar will build on precedents for equation-based geometry in architecture, speculate on new possibilities enabled by script-based geometry techniques and explore the return of  mathematical intuition in contemporary architecture. Andrew Saunders. MR 12-1:50 pm. Cr 4.

ARCH4961CIVL
Bedford Seminar (taught w/CIVL4961)

The Bedford seminar is an interdisciplinary Architecture and Engineering course. The course is focused on technology as a form generator with particular emphasis on structural engineering and advanced structures. The content of the lectures bears direct relation to practical experience and are considered to be supplementary to the other courses in the respective engineering and architecture  departments. Specific types of structures will be examined with the help of suitable existing project  examples clarifying and critically analyzing the basic engineering and architectural principles behind  them. The course consists of a lecture by the instructor about the actual subject, presentations by the  students of relevant projects and immediate open discussion of those projects and presentations. The  students will be exposed to the collaborative methods inherent within the architect/engineer  relationship. Limited Enrollment: 8 Arch / 8 Civil Eng students (selection based on seniority). Prerequisites: Architecture Students – Arch 2330 Structures 1, Arch 4330 Structures 2. Civil  Engineering Students – Civil 2670 Intro to Structural Engineering. Michael Stein. R 6-8:50 pm. Cr 2.

ARCH4962.01
Living Versus Artificial Living

Based on the universal Darwinism, studies will investigate differences and similarities between living and non-living systems; if and to what degree they are incompatible, and whether the possibilities exist of coalition, or even merging of these systems. Grounded within contemporary discourse regarding the future of planet Earth, the seminar will try to compare the exponential expansion of  human technologies and the infinitely slow, yet perfectly precise forces of evolution. Zbigniew Oksiuta. W 10-11:50 am. Cr 2.

ARCH4963.01
Indigenous Landscape Systems

The seminar will explore a new convergence of landscape and architecture through transdisciplinary biocomputational design. Integrative ecological and environmental systems modeling and  visualization, accompanied by the development of geographical information systems and cartographic mapping, has changed the discipline of landscape architecture. The course will explore  this development in juxtaposition with computational design. Identifying their mutually beneficial  relationships will be the launching point into the design of indigenous landscape systems. Julia Watson. F 12-1:50 pm. Cr 2.

ARCH4964.01
Urban Data Analysis and Visualization

This course examines digital and physical design processes via Computer Numeric Control processes such as milling, and laser cutting. Students will learn the history of Rapid Prototyping and the fast growing world of Rapid and DIY Manufacturing, the practical usage of mesh and NURBS geometries, the process of translating geometries into Gcode for machining, and the basics of motion control. Students will be expected to produce a final project for grading. Ted Ngai. F 12-1:50 pm. Cr 2. GR210.

ARCH4965.01
Architecture and Mobility

This seminar introduces students to forms of theory and design as it relates to the influence of science and technology on issues of mobility in architecture.  The seminar examines the design culture of the 1950’s and 60’s as a means of assessing current trends in architecture.  In this way, the seminar  will explore issues of technological futurism as it relates to both postwar and contemporary design, using history as a lens through which to evaluate the present state of the discipline and ultimately its future. Chris Perry. R 12-1:50 pm Cr 2

ARCH4968.01
Sustainable Building Design Metrics

A review of current and anticipated metrics associated with sustainable building design will be  covered as well as changes in the building industry will be discussed. A review of how sustainable design practices can mitigate the climate change in a positive way will also be addressed. An  understanding of energy terminology is useful for this course. Course Objectives: Impact of building  design and construction on the environment and associated climate change concerns. Design  considerations for architecture and engineering in new construction and renovations. Opportunities for improvements in renovation projects. Oliver Holmes. T 9–9:50 pm, Cr 1.

ARCH4969.01
Twisted Siblings – Examinations of Cont Relationship

Painting has arguably been the single most important parallel practice to architecture for the past five hundred years. This relationship has been at times uneven and quite contentious, leading to some of the greatest works in the history of both disciplines. Through analytical explorations and  readings of contemporary and historical models, we will examine the possible ways of imagining a contemporary exchange between painting and architecture. We will explore recent exchanges and collaborations between architects and painters such Aranda/Lasch & Matthew Ritchie, Greg Lynn & Fabian Marcaccio. Anthony Titus. M 12-1:50 pm. Cr 2.

ARCH4974.EXC
Chinese Language & Culture

China Students Only. Cr 4.

ARCH4975-EXC
Calligraphy – Painting

China Students Only. Cr 2.

ARCH6110
Design  Explorations 1

Case studies – Investigations into architectural knowledge using case study methods. Selective architectural works will be deconstructed are analyzed in order to uncover the knowledge invested in them. Case studies will be Individual buildings are subjected to modes of inquiry that will reveal their deep content from conception to realization, including the mental frameworks of the designers, The  methods of representation, the technological knowledge employed, the methods of production, and the ingrained cultural values.  Students to develop methods of inquiry that will enable them to pursue similar investigations of any architectural work. Ted Krueger. MR 12-1:50 pm. Cr 4.

ARCH6330.OC
Built Ecologies 2

In this seminar, students develop and analyze an ecologically sensitive built system related to their thesis topic with particular attention to the architectural, social, and political implications of the work  and their inter-relationships. An awareness of the political and economic forces that are instrumental in the development of contemporary built ecologies creates opportunities for innovation in the cultures of making. (Taught at CASE in NYC) Anna Dyson. T 2-4:50pm.  Cr 3.

ARCH6890
Aural Architecture

In this course, design processes in architectural acoustics will be studied from a psychoacoustical perspective. Different concepts to create physical and virtual acoustic spaces will be discussed based on perceptual design goals. Topics include ecological psychoacoustics, sound quality, auditory  virtual environments, and auditory computational modeling. Jonas Braasch.  T 1-3:50 pm  Cr 2.

LGHT4770
Lighting Tech and App

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the components of advanced lighting systems and enables them to critically explore applications of those components. Through lectures,  readings, assignments, and application projects, students acquire working knowledge of the relevant  products and techniques for lighting application and develop solutions to lighting problems. Students will undertake practical applications of advanced lighting technologies and develop skills in the application of photometric data, use of manual and computer-based lighting calculations, and the development of lighting specifications. Nadarajh Narendran. TF 10–11:50 am. LRC Gurley Bldg.  Cr 4.

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Dean

Evan Douglis, Professor

Address

School of Architecture
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street - Greene Bldg.
Troy, NY 12180 - USA

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Front Desk: (+1) 518-276-6466
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