Space writing 1A

Duration

Atelier 1 : Croquis d'observation : 4h Th, 8h Pr
Atelier 2 : Recherches plastiques : 4h Th, 8h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Atelier 1 : Croquis d'observation : Patrick Bribosia, Mariette Dorthu, Gérald Dupagne, Michele Hougardy
Atelier 2 : Recherches plastiques : Sarah Behets, Carine Driesmans, Aniceto Exposito-Lopez, Benedicte Henry

Coordinator

Sarah Behets

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

The 'Writing space' learning units are part of the offering in the field of Art and drawing techniques, available to students in blocks 1, 2 and 3.
Writing space
These classes are about writing, describing and recording architecture. Drawing is also a language with various applications (with multiple intentions) for  the architect who looks, decides and designs with graphic, digital and three-dimensional means of expression.
Students are introduced to drawing during the first year. The exercises they are given develop their sense of observation, proportions and precision, and exercise their visual acuity. Classes are sometimes held in the workshop and sometimes outside. Students keep a notebook in which they record everything they have learnt: situating yourself in space by placing the horizon line, linear perspective and architectonic lines, composition, framing, the study of colours and forms, light contrasts.
The learning unit 'Writing in space 1A' is divided into two parts, workshops 1 and 2, with each one developing complementary points of view.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

1st part: link with the competency framework
Everything learnt in DE 4 allows the student to develop the competences specified in the faculty's competency framework, by providing tools that help in the development of the following competences: 'investigation', 'elaboration' and 'interaction'. The workshops provide an introduction, which students can build on through their practice, especially in the architectural project.
INVESTIGATE an architectural issue
- study the different components of the theme and the context: graphic and plastic approach - identify the spatiality that the components generate, their relationship with the context and their meaning in relation to the function
ELABORATE a spatial response
- appropriate graphic languages as tools to design, structure, verify and provoke thought - introduce an aspect of experimentation - translate spatially - retranscribe and look for an initial proposal in the form of diagrams and models that will evolve over time
INTERACT with all those involved
- master the graphic and plastic elements as tools to share ideas through experimentation, conduct a mature development of a project, express the essential and explicitly formulate an approach.
2nd part: learning outcomes of the learning unit described from an operational point of view
Since 2D and 3D representations are the obvious essential languages in an architect's training, observing, designing and formalising are the three fundamental complimentary objectives pursued up until B3.
At the end of the course, students will therefore be able to:
-tackle an observation subject by defining a precise field of investigation
-structure their view and organise information in hierarchical order
-construct a sketch in accordance with the rules of perspective
-develop a graphic language that is autonomous and coherent with the subject
-make proper use of the terminology specific to the workshops
-adapt their work to the format
-choose their tools and make proper use of them
-associate elements to create volumes
-tackle and understand objects, spaces, environments
-understand and master the proportions of bodies (mineral, plant, animal)
-create by combining shapes, materials, colours, etc.
-control the evolution of their work process as the project advances
-use the research instructions in such a way as to exceed them, and freely and creatively explore the defined framework
-promote their research
-apply all the necessary care required to present it
-synthesise an approach, structure, organise and communicate

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Students must take the following units in parallel with this learning unit:
Block 1: - ARCH03266-1: Writing space 1B
Workshop 1 ('Observation sketches') and workshop 2 ('Plastic explorations') are indissociable and are based on what the students have learnt and practised in parallel.
Students are also invited to make useful links with the courses in aesthetics, theory of architecture, history of architecture, history of the town and landscape, i.e. with everything aimed at developing the understanding of forms, be they open spaces or places of everyday life.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

This course is organised in the form of workshops.
Our workshops are envisaged as 'laboratories' where the students 'successfully make as many mistakes as possible'. We are more concerned with raising awareness than the 'correct' answer to any requirement. We favour the approach more than the expected result. We encourage creative and committed personal initiatives. In short, we aim is to develop 'plastic intelligence' through the following three aspects: observation (knowledge, learning), research (exploration, formalisation), communication (layout, argumentation, clarity).
In some classes, small presentations will introduce the notions that will be applied afterwards, during the exercises.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

It is absolutely essential that students attend the workshops on a regular basis. This is where the permanent dialogue is created that is required for the training. While students can finish some work or preparatory research at home, most of the work, in terms of exchange, exploration and validation, takes place within the workshop.   

Recommended or required readings

Students are informed of the recommended texts at the beginning of the year according to the themes dealt with. Additionally, the titles of certain works or fields of reference are given to students during the workshops; indicative documentation is made available.
Students are strongly advised to read the works, which can be consulted in the faculty of architecture's library, as a complement to the course. Students can also buy them if they so wish. Examples (non-exhaustive list):
It is compulsory to read the 'graphic communication' syllabus. This syllabus is available on eCampus and includes the different methods and conventions of drawing and representation. Students are strongly encouraged to go and see exhibitions.
Recommended reading and bibliographic guidelines:
- La représentation du projet, Approche graphique et critique, collection école d'architecture de Grenoble, Editions de la Villette, Paris, 2003.
- Francis D.K. Ching, Van Nostrand Reinhold, Design Drawing, NY USA, 1998
- Maurice MERLEAU-PONTY, L'Œil et l'Esprit, collection Folio essais n°13, Gallimard, 1964
- Wassily KANDINSKY, Point et ligne sur plan, essai de 1926, collection Folio essais n° 168, Gallimard,1991                            

Assessment methods and criteria

Assessment is continuous. Participation in the workshop and the quality of the approach are taken into account as much as the result. Every thematic exercise is assessed. This assessment is weighted according to the extent of the piece of work. Therefore, it is essential that students attend the workshops. Any unjustified absences will lead to a score of zero.
The assessment criteria connected with the learning outcomes are as follows:
-subject scoping
-structuring
-respect for the rules of perspective
-work coherence and autonomy
-mastery of the terminology specific to the workshops
-sizing and layout
-tools and materials
-volumetry
-relationship to the subject
-study of proportions
-composition
-design procedure
-production autonomy
-communication
-care
-synthesis
The permanent dialogue required for the training is formed in the workshop. While students can finish some pieces of work or preparatory research at home, most of the work, in terms of exchange, exploration and validation, takes place in the workshop.
The assessment is based on the evolution that takes place from one class to the next. There is no extra assessment at the end of each quadrimester. For workshop 1, 'architectural sketches', students must hand in their sketchbooks at the end of the quadrimester on the day of the exam.
The test during the second session will allow students to improve on the work for that year; hence, it is based on what they have learnt during the workshop and therefore, can't replace it. The exam in September lasts 4 hours. If the September exam is in the form of a file that has to be submitted, students will be informed in advance. Both are worth 50% of the points for the year.
As for students who are taking the course because of remaining credit and are finding it difficult to attend regularly because of timetable clashes, they must inform the teachers right at the beginning of the quadrimester.  An adapted follow-up can be set up according to an agreement made between teaching staff and the student repeating the year.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

In total, 12 two-hour classes per quadrimester, i.e. 24 classes for the block, including both workshops 1 and 2.
Location: Botanique site, 'basement' workshop (garden level) or floor +1
Students must be punctual. Late arrivals won't be admitted owing to the problems this causes.
Students are asked to respect the time relating to the group to which they belong. It is forbidden to change groups upon your own initiative.
Mobile phones must be switched off during the workshop, and earphones are forbidden.
Students are required to respect the equipment and spaces at their disposal; they must use the relevant recycling bins and make sure they tidy up the workshop.
Unjustified absences will lead to a score of zero.
Anyone who is absent must obtain all relevant information relating to the following workshop.

Contacts

Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the May-June 2020 session

Teaching methods implemented : distance-learning

Assessment subjects

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Assessment methods

Contacts

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Adaptation of teaching commitments following the COVID-19 pandemic for the Aug-Sept 2020 session

Assessment subjects

Assessment methods

Contacts