ProjectOur term project this semester will be the design of a new YMCA on Golden Gate Avenue. The current location of Shih Yu-Lang Central YMCA, has been open daily at the corner of Golden Gate Avenue and Leavenworth Street since Thanksgiving Day, 1910. In his remarks while laying the cornerstone for the Central YMCA on October 5, 1909, United States President William Howard Taft called the YMCA a "Character Factory," as it shaped the spirit, mind, and body of men and boys in San Francisco. The Central YMCA is currently planning a new home directly across the street from their current location. This will be the site upon which we will plan.
This very urban site mediates between the districts of Hayes Valley and Civic Center to the West and South and the Tenderloin and Polk Gulch to the North and East. Directly, adjacent is U.C. Hastings School of Law, which has an agreement with the YMCA to provide services for their students and staff. This population mixes with the other extremely diverse constituencies that make up the users of the Central YMCA.
The Central YMCA offers programs in health and fitness, education, community-building, leadership development, volunteerism, and wellness. Facilities include an indoor pool, a European-style budget hotel, and a cafe which offers nutritious and economical meals to members and guests. To the extent made possible by generous donors, financial assistance is available to many members. YMCA staff typically serve as volunteers on various community boards, community enrichment programs and are advocates for legislation and positive social change.
As a CBD studio, a parallel emphasis will be on the integration of the programmatic richness, material assembly, and pragmatic regulations.
Students will be required to investigate and demonstrate how their architectural design and tectonics can continue to enhance the YMCA’s goal of providing balance and well being for the community and individual spirit, mind, and body. Engagement of the urban context and mediation of environmental factors through sustainable design will be emphasized. Concepts will evolve into a Comprehensive Building Design Report integrating detailed structural, environmental, and building envelope systems.
Abstract
“The future of Architecture is in the City.” Massimiliano Fuksas
“I am excited by the idea that sculpture creates space, that shapes intended for this purpose, properly scaled in a space, actually create a greater space. There is a difference between actual cubic feet of space and the additional space that the imagination supplies. One is measure, the other an awareness of the void – of our existence in this passing world.” Isamu Noguchi
“The drawing is a lens that reveals otherwise imperceptible aspects; it’s a method for understanding how things can change and evolve and serve, not for crystallizing a form in a definitive way, but to demonstrate the possibilities of what it can become.” Zaha Hadid
Place
Much like the Internet, the City, and indeed society, we’ve come to understand is a living, biological network that is constantly in change. It is a system, much like other systems, that is constantly evolving-a complex adaptive system.
Within this ever shifting reality, we as Architects are challenging with defining ‘place.’ Many assert that the definition of space in the physical denotes a definition within the mental. Does this limit the objects possibilities or increase them?
Making
Do we draw to define what we already know or do we draw to define its realm of possibilities? There is the realm of drawing and the realm of building. If I say this is a drawing of a building, could I not also say that this is a building of a drawing?
Tectonics
The traditional use of materials examined primarily ‘first cost’ as it’s definition of value. With the significant degradation of the earth’s environment, many have come to question that definition of ‘value.’ New modes of thought have engendered a biomimetic or recombinant approach to materials.
We will examine these questions and issues within the context of the making of a project.
Readings
Jorge Luis Borge, The Library of Babel & The Garden of Forking Paths, Ficciones
Hakim Bey, The Temporary Autonomous Zone, Ontological Anarchy, Poetic Terrorism Victoria Ballard Bell, Materials For Design
Kenneth Frampton, Studies in Tectonic Culture
Herman Hertzberger, Space and the Architect
Janine Benyus, Biomimicry
Edward Ford, The Details of Modern Architecture
Bruce Mau, Massive Change, http://www.massivechange.com/
Read the Energy, Movement, Urbanization, & Wealth and Politics sections.
Blaine Brownell, Transmaterial, http://transstudio.com/
Mike Davis, City of Quartz
.
Program
Coed Gymnasium
Women’s Gymnasium
Massage Rooms
Racquetball Courts
Indoor Track
Locker Rooms w/Sauna and Steam Rooms
Indoor 25M sized pool
Senior Center
Full service Café/Restaurant
Community Meeting Rooms
Administrative Offices
Hostel Rooms
Rooftop Garden
Products (meant as a framework-TBD)
Conceptual Model(s)
Building Model
Site Plan
Site Sections, minimum of two
Plans, each level
Wallsections, minimum of two
Reference Building List
The Chapel of St. Ignatius by Steven Holl
http://www.seattleu.edu/chapel/
Integration of design intent and construction material methodology
Tilt up concrete / Light / Beeswax / Site context
Dominus Winery by Herzog and de Meuron
http://www.floornature.com/articoli/articolo.php/id12/sez3/en#
Material construction adaptation of modular gabions
Depth of breathable skin / Light / Environmental control / local
Salk Institute by Louis I. Kahn
The Neuroscience Institute by Tod Williams + Billie Tsien
Environment / material to spatial placement
Samual Mockbee/Rural Studio
San Francisco GSA Federal Building plaza, 450 Golden Gate Ave.
Coed Gymnasium
Women’s Gymnasium
Massage Rooms
Racquetball Courts
Indoor Track
Locker Rooms w/Sauna and Steam Rooms
Indoor 25M sized pool
Senior Center
Full service Café/Restaurant
Community Meeting Rooms
Administrative Offices
Hostel Rooms
Rooftop Garden
Products (meant as a framework-TBD)
Conceptual Model(s)
Building Model
Site Plan
Site Sections, minimum of two
Plans, each level
Wallsections, minimum of two
Reference Building List
The Chapel of St. Ignatius by Steven Holl
http://www.seattleu.edu/chapel/
Integration of design intent and construction material methodology
Tilt up concrete / Light / Beeswax / Site context
Dominus Winery by Herzog and de Meuron
http://www.floornature.com/articoli/articolo.php/id12/sez3/en#
Material construction adaptation of modular gabions
Depth of breathable skin / Light / Environmental control / local
Salk Institute by Louis I. Kahn
The Neuroscience Institute by Tod Williams + Billie Tsien
Environment / material to spatial placement
Samual Mockbee/Rural Studio
San Francisco GSA Federal Building plaza, 450 Golden Gate Ave.
.
Attendance Policy
Studio Schedule:
Attendance in studio classes from 3pm to 7pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is mandatory. Any course deviation from this schedule must be approved by the Coordinator of Advanced Studies and will be announced during the lottery presentations at the beginning of the semester. Students are expected to remain working in studio for the full duration of the class; do not arrive late or leave early. In addition, we strongly encourage you to work in studio. This is essential to developing a studio culture in which you can learn from one another.
Instructor Schedule:
6-credit studios require a total of 12 hours instructor contact time. 3-credit studios require a total of 6 hours. Typically in team taught courses, each instructor will be in studio two of the three studio meeting days each week.
In general, two instructors will be in each studio class, when we will have pin-ups, reading seminars, and reviews. All instructors will be present the first week and during mid and final reviews.
Absences:
A student will be asked to withdraw or will receive a failing grade for the course for three unexcused absences. The instructors must be notified in advance of excused absences. Excused absences are as follows:
- Personal illness --please notify the instructor within one week after the period of illness; verification may be required.
- Serious illness or death of a member of the student's immediate family --please notify the instructor within one week after the funeral or period of illness; verification may be required.
- Official College trips --notice must be given prior to the event or no later than one week after the event; verification may be required.
- Major religious holidays - a student must notify the instructor in writing of these dates; please submit to the instructor no later that the last day for adding class.
Etiquette:
All cell phones and beepers are to be turned off during class meeting hours.
Statement on Collaboration & Professional Ethics:
The studio system for architectural education at CCA strives to create a laboratory for exploration and the vibrant exchange of ideas. In its best form, the studio creates a collaborative community in which we learn from and propel each other forward. We value and promote this.
The formal presentation of student work, particularly at the end of each semester, is an important component of this collaborative ideal in that it inspires dialog within the school and the architectural community beyond. It also serves, however, as an opportunity for reflection on the development of a student’s education and architectural production. In order for this process to be useful, the presentation of work should offer an accurate reflection of a student’s own educational progress. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each student to present his or her work in a way that allows for a precise and useful critique.
In this light, we would like to encourage students to acknowledge of the extent of collaborative efforts in their presentations. Similarly, we expect that students understand that, for example, financial compensation in exchange for help with presentations goes beyond the ideal of the collaborative community, creating a model more appropriate to professional endeavors. We encourage all students to think carefully about the goals of their CCA education and to act with respect towards the collaborative community we are attempting to foster.
Plagiarism of the work of others will result in automatic failure.
Evaluation:
Your performance will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- substantial new work prepared for each class meeting;
- sustained and thoughtful response to criticism;
- ability to develop a clear and workable idea and move it forward in a coherent and inspired manner;
- sustained quality of work from beginning to end of exercise;
- completeness of work at each class meeting, pin-up, and review;
- success of collaboration in joint/group projects; constructive class participation;
- attendance and promptness, ability to meet deadlines;
- and, significant progress over the semester within your own frame of reference. Please note that criteria are process oriented: every day affects your grade.
You will receive a verbal midterm evaluation from your professor and an official CCA pass/fail midterm grade so that you are aware of your standing in the course during the semester.
Grading
Final Grades will be based upon:
- active engagement with the work of colleagues as well as with group discussions, pin-ups, & reviews;
- consistency of effort and work product throughout the semester;
- development of critical thinking exhibited through studio assignments;
- progress of architectural skills over the course of the semester;
- completion of all required studio work, including readings;
- attendance at all scheduled studio hours.
- respect for your own work, your classmates, and instructors.
Documentation:
Document digitally all of your work (computer work + all hand drawings and models) as it progresses through the semester. You are required to submit high quality scans on CD or DVD to your professors at the end of the semester. Your professor may use this documentation to publish your studio project.
Email Communication:Students are required to open a CCA email account for normal communication with their professors and CCA. Course syllabi, schedules, reminders, job postings, etc. will be via email. You will need these email accounts to access CCA computers and plotter.
Attendance in studio classes from 3pm to 7pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is mandatory. Any course deviation from this schedule must be approved by the Coordinator of Advanced Studies and will be announced during the lottery presentations at the beginning of the semester. Students are expected to remain working in studio for the full duration of the class; do not arrive late or leave early. In addition, we strongly encourage you to work in studio. This is essential to developing a studio culture in which you can learn from one another.
Instructor Schedule:
6-credit studios require a total of 12 hours instructor contact time. 3-credit studios require a total of 6 hours. Typically in team taught courses, each instructor will be in studio two of the three studio meeting days each week.
In general, two instructors will be in each studio class, when we will have pin-ups, reading seminars, and reviews. All instructors will be present the first week and during mid and final reviews.
Absences:
A student will be asked to withdraw or will receive a failing grade for the course for three unexcused absences. The instructors must be notified in advance of excused absences. Excused absences are as follows:
- Personal illness --please notify the instructor within one week after the period of illness; verification may be required.
- Serious illness or death of a member of the student's immediate family --please notify the instructor within one week after the funeral or period of illness; verification may be required.
- Official College trips --notice must be given prior to the event or no later than one week after the event; verification may be required.
- Major religious holidays - a student must notify the instructor in writing of these dates; please submit to the instructor no later that the last day for adding class.
Etiquette:
All cell phones and beepers are to be turned off during class meeting hours.
Statement on Collaboration & Professional Ethics:
The studio system for architectural education at CCA strives to create a laboratory for exploration and the vibrant exchange of ideas. In its best form, the studio creates a collaborative community in which we learn from and propel each other forward. We value and promote this.
The formal presentation of student work, particularly at the end of each semester, is an important component of this collaborative ideal in that it inspires dialog within the school and the architectural community beyond. It also serves, however, as an opportunity for reflection on the development of a student’s education and architectural production. In order for this process to be useful, the presentation of work should offer an accurate reflection of a student’s own educational progress. Ultimately, it is the responsibility of each student to present his or her work in a way that allows for a precise and useful critique.
In this light, we would like to encourage students to acknowledge of the extent of collaborative efforts in their presentations. Similarly, we expect that students understand that, for example, financial compensation in exchange for help with presentations goes beyond the ideal of the collaborative community, creating a model more appropriate to professional endeavors. We encourage all students to think carefully about the goals of their CCA education and to act with respect towards the collaborative community we are attempting to foster.
Plagiarism of the work of others will result in automatic failure.
Evaluation:
Your performance will be evaluated using the following criteria:
- substantial new work prepared for each class meeting;
- sustained and thoughtful response to criticism;
- ability to develop a clear and workable idea and move it forward in a coherent and inspired manner;
- sustained quality of work from beginning to end of exercise;
- completeness of work at each class meeting, pin-up, and review;
- success of collaboration in joint/group projects; constructive class participation;
- attendance and promptness, ability to meet deadlines;
- and, significant progress over the semester within your own frame of reference. Please note that criteria are process oriented: every day affects your grade.
You will receive a verbal midterm evaluation from your professor and an official CCA pass/fail midterm grade so that you are aware of your standing in the course during the semester.
Grading
Final Grades will be based upon:
- active engagement with the work of colleagues as well as with group discussions, pin-ups, & reviews;
- consistency of effort and work product throughout the semester;
- development of critical thinking exhibited through studio assignments;
- progress of architectural skills over the course of the semester;
- completion of all required studio work, including readings;
- attendance at all scheduled studio hours.
- respect for your own work, your classmates, and instructors.
Documentation:
Document digitally all of your work (computer work + all hand drawings and models) as it progresses through the semester. You are required to submit high quality scans on CD or DVD to your professors at the end of the semester. Your professor may use this documentation to publish your studio project.
Email Communication:Students are required to open a CCA email account for normal communication with their professors and CCA. Course syllabi, schedules, reminders, job postings, etc. will be via email. You will need these email accounts to access CCA computers and plotter.
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