PLANT SCIENCES BUILDING
BY MITCHELL & STOUT ARCHITECTS
ASSIGNMENT 2
40% COURSE ASSESSMENT
HAND-IN:
Wednesday 9 May 1.30pm.MEASURE / RESEARCH / OBSERVE
This assignment uses three important techniques of investigation. These are techniques you will use time and time again when you study buildings.
PART A: 20%
In groups of three:
Choose one space which is part of the Plant Sciences Building. This could for example be a stairwell, the entrance, part of the covered walkway around the courtyard. It can be an be outside. If the space is large just choose part of it.
1A. MEASURE UP THE SPACE
(or a significant element in the space)
Two people hold the tape and read off the measurements, and one person records the numbers. When you are done photocopy your measurements for each person in your group.
If you require more time you will need to do this outside of class. You may choose to take photographs to refer to when you are drawing.
2A. DRAW UP
(In your own time)
X1 Plan,
X1 Section,
X1 Elevation
(of the space / element you measured).
- Each person in your group will be responsible for one drawing.
- Scale 1:20 (if you chose a small space or element)
Scale 1:50 (if you chose a large space or element)
- Present each drawing on A3 paper.
3A. LABEL
(Each drawing must be clearly labelled)
Consider layout, labels and style of drawings as a group, so that your drawings will match as a set.
• Name of Building
• Name/location of space
• Title of drawing (plan, section A or elevation 1 etc)
• Drawn by: (your name + ID number)
• Other group members:
• Scale
• Date
4A. SUBMIT :
- Presentation is everything!!! These drawings must be neat and tidy.
- Layout must be considered as a group and they must read clearly. Please use
bulldog clips to bind your set of drawings
- Hand in your drawings as a set .
- Submit one photocopy of your rough measure-up notes (this will not be
assessed as a drawing but will demonstrate understanding of the ‘measure-
up’process).
PLAN (Your plan must show):
• thicknesses of walls
[if you can’t measure them make an educated guess]
• built-in or moveable furniture [where applicable]
• all major dimensions
• section line + elevation tag + north point
• titles + scale
SECTION (Your section must show):
• thicknesses of walls + floors
[if you can’t measure the floor thickness make an educated guess]
• built-in or moveable furniture [where applicable]
• labels + legend of materials
• vertical dimensions
• titles + scale
ELEVATION (Your elevation must show):
• built-in or moveable furniture [where applicable]
• labels + legend of materials [you will use the same legend as above]
• title + scale
PART B: 20%
Work individually:
You will complete this part of the assignment on your own.
1B. RESEARCH this building and the designers.
Write a paragraph giving important background information about
the project [designers, location, when it was built, any awards,
purpose etc].Include the designers’ key ideas behind the project.
Explain the types of building materials and construction used.
Include references.
All quotes or sources must be referenced correctly cited in MLA
style – refer to attached guide].
2B. OBSERVE your chosen space closely
Make detailed notes of the senses and perceptions that are at play in the space. Remember you will often ‘observe’ more with your eyes closed’ – you may choose to take sound recordings on if you are observing sound. You may also need to return to the space at different times of the day or in different weather conditions.
3B. DESCRIBE (Choose 3 sets from of the following list ):
• touch / texture / tactility
• smell
• sense of privacy / exposure
• aural / sound
• perception of light / darkness
• perception of shadow
• perception of colour
• sense of familiarity / unfamiliarity
• thermal / temperature
• sense of orientation
• sense of privacy / exposure
Write one paragraph for each sense / perception that you have chosen from the list:
1. Describe your experience of that sense / perception. Observations may be positive or negative.
2. Discuss how x3 aspects of the design contribute to that sensory experience or perception.
Consider:
Qualities of materials and finishes, choice of furniture, artificial or natural lighting, ventilation, layout of the building, orientation of the building on the site, proportions of the space, arrangement of openings, building structure, landscaping… [there are many other aspects of the design]
3. Conclude by discussing how well you think the design impacts on each sense /
perception.
For example if you choose Aural / Sound you paragraph might include the following:
You might find the space to be very noisy - observing loud building sounds, voices and the sound of the wind.
You may deduce these building sounds are due to the plumbing vibrating in the space. You might write about the sound of people’s voices travelling due to the proximity of your space to a communal space which has large windows or doors permanently opened. Then could discuss the sound of the wind whistling because of some loose materials under the eaves just outside your space which is a sign of poor maintenance. You may observe all the sounds being amplified do to the inappropriate choice of hard reflective wall materials and uncarpeted floors.
OR if you choose Thermal / Temperature your paragraph might include the
following:
You might find your space to be very cold. You may deduce this is because the room is located to the south of the building and the walls are too thin and may have no insulation. You could also observe that the colour of the walls is visually cold contributing to your physical sense of coldness. You could also observe the windows
produce cross-ventilation meaning there is a constant draft in the room.
[NOTE: These are only hypothetical examples and are not based on observation of this building in any way].
4B. SUBMIT X4 written paragraphs
- Typed with double line spacing and a 5cm left hand margin for marking.
- Your assignment must be clearly named:
Each page must include your name, student ID number, the name of the course, assignment name, date and page numbers. It is good to put this information in the header or footer.
Hand written assignments will not be accepted.
Written responses are to be formal paragraphs - not notes or bullet points. Correct spelling, punctuation and grammar is expected.
HAND-IN:
Wednesday 9 May 1.30pm.
Your names will be checked against the class list and any assignments not recorded will be marked as late and grades duly deducted.
CHECKLIST:
PART A:
• Set of 3 drawings per group including, plan, section, elevation
• One photocopy of rough notes.
PART B:
• 1 paragraph of research with citations of references,
• 3 paragraphs about senses & perceptions.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THIS BRIEF
To understand the relevance of measuring, research and observation as methods of investigating the build environment.
To develop accurate measuring techniques.
To develop understanding of plan, section & elevation, scale, dimensioning, and clear layout of drawings and use basic technical drawing skills.
To develop research skills and learn how to cite references correctly.
To develop observation skills and understand the role of the senses and perceptions in the built environment.
To understand how design decisions impact on the sensory experience of a space.
To develop the ability to communicate clearly in writing.
ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
The following assessments apply to this course:
25% Participation The student has participated fully in the assignment related tutorials and worked co-operatively in group work. All parts of the assessment have been completed.
25% Process The assessment tasks have been carried out according to instructions. Part A rough notes demonstrate a logical approach to the ‘measure-up’ process, and drawings demonstrate basic understanding of the drawing process. Part B written paragraphs demonstrate research processes and show evidence of careful observation.
25% Comprehension The aims and objectives of the assessment task have been grasped.
25% Critical discussion The written paragraphs in Part B of the assessment evidence thorough research and careful observation of the building, and successfully draw conclusions about the role of specific design decisions in the sensory experience of the chosen space.
Late Hand In
Late hand in penalties will apply as per the Bachelor of Design Quality Assurance Manual. Work handed in up to seven calendar days late will be dropped two grading steps, for example B will be registered as C+. From eight to fourteen calendar days late the overall grade for the work assessed will drop four grading steps, for example B will be registered as C-. Work submitted more than fourteen calendar days late will not be assessed.
Of course if you have genuine reasons for being unable to complete work on time you should apply for Special Assessment Circumstances. The paperwork for this can be obtained from the school offices in both building 1 and 76 and if you find yourself in this position you should seek advice from either myself or Kathy Waghorn, Programme Coordinator for the Bachelor of Design. You may contact either of us directly or through your studio tutor.
Lotte Wotherspoon (BA, BDES)
rm: 2140
e: lwotherspoon@unitec.ac.nz
m: 0275 705 812
