PROJECT 4.
COMPARING THE VALLEYS
Discussing the Art of Production
AIMS
We will report on what we find in LA:
• Develop research and contextural strategies
• Undertake on-site analysis and observation
• Engage in reportage style inquiry
• Refine techniques for conveying technical information through photographs and drawings
• Develop techniques for surveying an existing productive place
BRIEF
Become a journalist – research, report, publish
REPORT from Latin. reportare “carry back,”
The world is filled of interesting things. Some of them can be inspiration for something new in a different place. Sometimes people find an example in a certain location, find out about it, and spread the news.
You are going to find a building case study of production on your field trip, find out about it, review it – and produce a report about it for the interest of all.
The case study will relate to the form of productive architecture you are proposing within your own design brief
• How will you find out about a relevant building type in your field trip area before you leave?
• How will you gain access to the site of your building in a difficult context and with limited time available? – it is possible that you may identify your site of study in an immediate and informal way – discovering it accidentially, or during a visit to a scheduled itinery stop.
• Your form of production may even be unique. How will you identify a case study which is in some way relevant – through opposition or through association? The case study need not be an enormous example of your production.
• How will you manage to discuss both the architectural and aesthetic merits of the building as well as the technical and historical issues ?
1. Case study report
1a. Illustrated report on the architecture of the building in context
The discussion of architecture is varied, and dependant on the critics opinions, or even their mood on the day. A review of the two website refs below provide an interesting comparison. However a number of staples usually make up a typical article – which you should consider including;
1. a description of the site and immediate context. A history of development on the site, notable architectural adjacencies
2. the position of the work within the career of the designer or owner – early work? masterpiece, a point of departure
3. the buildings relationship to a regional architectural style, or movement of academic style
4. A description of material and technical choices – and their success
5. The significance of the building in relation to artistic or popular issues of the day – eg. sustainability
6. Quotes from the architect/owner in relation to the issues above
7. The critics review of measured success
Illustrations may include photography, maps, sketches and formal drawings; plan section or elevation
1b. Illustrated report on the production process in relation to the building
This might represent the ‘technical bit’ of the building study – often starting with a review by a specialist talking about the particular challenge. This is follwed by a description of the solution.
Your description should be based on detailed research of the production you find, set within a context of the development of that type of production throughout time.
discuss the importance of the case study in relation to the development of the productive process – an early example, cutting edge or old fashioned?
Illustrations often include clear and legible diagrams explaining the processes employed, supporting by further sketches or photographs. There is often a significant 3d drawing combining plan and section detail information to further explain the spatial arrangement employed.
1c. final report desk top published to resemble the paper version building study layout of the architects journal
Presentation as always is important. It enhances the attributes of the work and attracts attention. The structured and familiar arrangement of weekly articles work well for collection and comparison. In the past anthologies have been made to further the education of interested parties. All students agree on and distribute a template mimicking the aj format – and abide by its rules.
