Making Architecture
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Making Architecture
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What you'll learn
Develop a designer mindset as you learn to think like an architect
Hone skills in creative problem-solving that are applicable across contexts beyond architecture and design
Details to know
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There are 4 modules in this course
Making Architecture offers unique insight into the mind and work of an architect. Through this course, learners will develop a designer mindset, analyze the impact of natural and cultural environments on architectural designs, imagine architectural space by applying design principles, and craft compelling stories about their designs. By completing this course, learners will gain transformative skills in creativity and problem-solving as they apply techniques like divergent thinking while honing their capacity for empathy and observation. Ultimately, learners will be able to apply what they learn in this course to enrich their own contexts -- beyond just architecture and design.
This course is intended for a varied audience! It serves as a wonderful introduction for learners who seek to formally study architecture and for those who are interested in simply learning more about the process of design. The course is also a fantastic resource for professionals in any discipline who want to push their creative thinking, brainstorming capabilities, storytelling skills, and problem-solving.
In this course, we're not just going to tell you what the architect does — we're going to show you. You're going to actually do — on a small scale — the work that an architect does. The work of an architect is to have a certain vision about how things might be better, and we're going to give you an introduction to that mindset and to that way of working. The study of architecture engages a vast range of skills: You learn how to work in teams, you learn how to communicate, you learn how to think critically and analytically, and you learn to exercise your creativity. In this first module, we'll start by dispelling some of the myths about what it means to be an architect. We're also going to talk about what an architect does and does not do. You'll also work on short exercises to stretch your creative muscles and get you going in the design process.
What's included
15 videos1 reading4 assignments2 discussion prompts
15 videos•Total 55 minutes
- Course overview•3 minutes
- Nothing is stopping you from becoming an architect•3 minutes
- What do architects make?•3 minutes
- Between people and trees•3 minutes
- What I mean when I say "architecture"•4 minutes
- You are not alone•4 minutes
- Synchronize your design•3 minutes
- Architects do not just make buildings•5 minutes
- Let’s play a game called "finding architects"•4 minutes
- An interview with Cristoph Ingenhoven•3 minutes
- The secret art of mind-reading•4 minutes
- Creativity starts by asking stupid questions•5 minutes
- How to open up to original ideas•6 minutes
- Use your hands to think better•4 minutes
- Module 1 conclusion•1 minute
1 reading•Total 5 minutes
- Riads in Morocco•5 minutes
4 assignments•Total 30 minutes
- Module 1 graded quiz•10 minutes
- Reflecting on what the architect does•5 minutes
- Reflecting on the space between people and trees•10 minutes
- Reflecting on synchronization•5 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 20 minutes
- Inspiration is everywhere•10 minutes
- Creative exercise in divergent thinking•10 minutes
In this module, we'll discuss the work of architecture in a wider context. We'll explore the architect's relationship with the natural environment as well as the cultural environment. By the end of the module, you'll be able to think about the broader natural and social context in which a project exists and how that context can influence design. We'll also introduce the assignment structure of the course!
What's included
10 videos3 readings1 assignment3 discussion prompts
10 videos•Total 42 minutes
- Introduction to week 2•3 minutes
- How did you learn how to ride a bike?•3 minutes
- How you will work in this course: Intro to the course assignment•5 minutes
- Your first design mission: The course assignment•7 minutes
- Training the eye•2 minutes
- Reading the natural environment•4 minutes
- Finding inspiration from the natural environment•4 minutes
- Reading the cultural environment•4 minutes
- Finding inspiration from the cultural environment•4 minutes
- Prep for Assignment Part 3: How to map activities to spaces•6 minutes
3 readings•Total 20 minutes
- IMPORTANT: Key summary of the course assignment and grading policy•10 minutes
- Nigel Henderson's photographs•5 minutes
- Lucien Kroll and La Mémé student housing in Louvain, Belgium•5 minutes
1 assignment•Total 10 minutes
- Module 2 graded quiz•10 minutes
3 discussion prompts•Total 150 minutes
- Assignment Part 1: Stock up•60 minutes
- Assignment Part 2: Create your site model•60 minutes
- Assignment Part 3: Mapping the activities•30 minutes
In this module, we'll delve deeper into the technical side of architecture. We'll explore essential principles such as composition, hierarchy, balance, and space to ensure that a structure connects with people living near it and interacting with it on a daily basis. We'll also explore how architects use the natural and physical environment to stimulate their creative process by taking a look at incredible examples from renowned architects.
What's included
16 videos3 readings4 assignments2 discussion prompts
16 videos•Total 76 minutes
- Introduction to week 3•2 minutes
- Introduction to visual composition•4 minutes
- The relationship between form and space•3 minutes
- Examples of form and space•8 minutes
- Design principles: hierarchy•4 minutes
- Design principles: balance•6 minutes
- Design principles: C.R.A.P.•7 minutes
- A practical guide to visual composition•3 minutes
- Technology and technique•3 minutes
- Pufferfish, cuttlefish, and limpets•5 minutes
- How architects look to nature for inspiration•5 minutes
- Roller coasters and oil rigs•4 minutes
- Do it yourself•5 minutes
- Giving materials a second chance•6 minutes
- This week's assignment: what to do?•3 minutes
- 7 creative tips for this week's assignment•7 minutes
3 readings•Total 20 minutes
- The Bouba/Kiki Effect•5 minutes
- YouTube Video: How Offshore Oil Rigs Work, Float, and Extract Oil•5 minutes
- Izaskun Chinchilla's Organic Growth Pavilion•10 minutes
4 assignments•Total 30 minutes
- Module 3 graded quiz•10 minutes
- Hierarchy•5 minutes
- Balance•5 minutes
- Technology, technique, and nature•10 minutes
2 discussion prompts•Total 70 minutes
- What will your project become?•10 minutes
- Assignment Part 4: Compositions in space•60 minutes
In this module, we'll focus on developing the story behind your design. All great architects have great stories, and we'll give you some insight into some of those in this module. You'll also explore how you can develop your own story, which will enable you to build the necessary emotional connection to your design. You'll also learn how to use photography and relevant social media tools to make your design look as attractive as possible to a wider audience.
What's included
12 videos2 readings2 assignments3 discussion prompts
12 videos•Total 56 minutes
- Introduction to week 4•2 minutes
- Design is repetition towards perfection•4 minutes
- Design is not about falling in love; it’s about having affairs•4 minutes
- Why stories matter in architecture•4 minutes
- Discover the story of your project•8 minutes
- Design a space for your story•7 minutes
- Methods of architectural presentation•4 minutes
- What makes a good architectural image?•5 minutes
- Taking and editing architectural photos•7 minutes
- What is your brand?•5 minutes
- Your design is never finished•4 minutes
- The future architect in you•2 minutes
2 readings•Total 20 minutes
- Alejandro Aravena and his story•10 minutes
- Stuck? Try taking a shower•10 minutes
2 assignments•Total 15 minutes
- Module 4 graded quiz•10 minutes
- Design, love, and affairs•5 minutes
3 discussion prompts•Total 150 minutes
- Assignment Part 5A: Short story about your project•30 minutes
- Assignment Part 5B: Your final design•60 minutes
- Assignment Part 5C: Final presentation•60 minutes
Instructors
Explore more from Music and Art
- Status: PreviewT
The Museum of Modern Art
Course
- Status: Free Trial
Course
- Status: Free Trial
Course
- Status: Free TrialU
University of Virginia
Course
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Reviewed on Aug 4, 2020
As a future architecture student I felt the course gave me a glimpse of things I could spend during my time studying the career, but in a way it was easy to understand.
Reviewed on Jun 13, 2020
Model making and space analysis are two basic things I have learnt and further learnt various principles rules and many more life hacks for an architect
Reviewed on Jun 13, 2020
Where to begin!This course was beyond good and useful! I have learned so much! My perspective has been changed completely!Thank you so much for preparing this course for us!
Frequently asked questions
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