Syllabus

Course Description

This course is an introduction to physical and performance characteristics of materials, manufactured components and assemblies; and concepts, conventions and processes of construction. It is also designed to lay the groundwork for subsequent courses in architectural technology and design. Material and construction issues will be in studied in the context of:

• meaning, spatial and sensory qualities defined by and associated with particular systems, materials and assemblies,
• issues of health and life safety,
• environmental consequences related to the production and use of the materials,
• economy, efficiency and maintenance, and
• integration with other building systems.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this class, students should

• understand basic principles and appropriate application and performance of construction materials, products, components, and assemblies, including their environmental impact and reuse.
• have an introductory understanding of the complex relationships between construction technology and architectural design
• be well-prepared for more advanced courses in building structures and environmental technologies.
•be prepared to integrate issues of construction materials and structures in building design.

Course Organization and Teaching Methods

This course is organized into four units. Each unit includes lectures, in-class participation, readings, a project and an exam. Each component is summarized below, and additional information is available by clicking on the links.

Required Text & PRS

Mehta, Scarborough & Armpriest. Building Construction: Principles, Materials and Systems. Prentice-Hall, 2008.

Interwrite PRS - a handheld electronic transmitter also known as a "clicker" is required for use during each class. Students are must have their PRS transmitter by the second class session and are expected to have mastered all functions by that time. The only model that will work is the Interwrite PRS.

Note: The required text is bundled with a coupon that will provide a rebate on the purchase of your Interwrite PRS. It may be possible to purchase a used copy of the text on line and a used Interwrite PRS at the bookstore.

Recommended Texts

Both of the following texts will be valuable, especially as studio resources, in the years to come.

Francis D.K. Ching. Building Construction Illustrated, Third Edition. New York: John Wiley & Son, 2001. Recommended readings are provided, and this may be helpful resource for several of the projects.

Bell, Victoria Ballard & with Patrick Rand. Materials for Design. Princeton Architectural Press, 2006.

Expectations

By now, all students should understand and be committed to the learning process: taking responsibility to get the best education possible. Therefore, each person will have expectations for his or her performance, as well as expectations for the quality and content of each course. I expect that students will

• attend all classes, arriving on time and prepared.
• produce individual and team work of high quality: carefully conceived and presented.
• participate in all required activities and complete assignments on time.
• complete all required examinations.
• ask questions and seek clarification as needed, taking advantage of all course and university resources.
• conform to all university policies and regulations for behavior and academic honesty. Student Code of Conduct.

Late Work

There will be no late work accepted for full credit, and no make-up exams or early final exams, except in truly exceptional circumstances (i.e. birth of a child). Schedule your travel plans based on your final exam schedule. If a project is late, one point will be deducted for each school day it is late. (The weekend counts as one school day.)

Disability Support Services

Reasonable accommodations are available for students who have a documented disability. Please notify the instructor during the first week of class of any accommodation(s)needed for the course. Late notification may mean that requested accommodations might not be available. All accommodations must be approved through Disability Support Services located in the Idaho Commons Building, Rm. 333. (885-7200, or email dss@uidaho.edu)

For Additional Information

The class schedule and readings, project descriptions, grading policies, "clicker" policies and study aids are all available on the class website. Also be sure to check the site for class updates, notices, etc.