Transversality: Introduction to architecture

Teacher(s)

Mairy Cécile; Thielemans Benoit; Vermer Francois;

Language

French

Main themes

The aim of the ‘transversality’ courses is to bridge the approaches from the theoretical courses and from the design studios through operative concepts, reference analyses and investigation methods.
This first ‘transversality’ course introduces the basic concepts of architecture at various scales. It addresses contemporary issues such as sustainability, interventions in the built environment, and the digital transition. The course encourages a critical stance through the exploration of complementary approaches: Edification, History and Theory, Territory, Habitat and Societies.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to :

By the end of this course, students will have gained an overview of the architecture curriculum and an understanding of the studies they are undertaking. Through the question ‘What is architecture?’, students will be introduced to the following skills: Researching references (libraries, internet, etc.), Observing, reading, describing, and analyzing architecture, Identifying and connecting the constituent elements of architecture, Understanding the architectural design process, its objectives, tools, and methodologies. General Learning Outcomes In line with the program’s learning outcomes (LOs), this course contributes to the development and acquisition of the following LOs: LO1.6 Incorporate Sustainable Development requirements into the design process, at multiple scales. LO2.1 Acquire and proficiently apply the conventions of representation in two and three dimensions. LO3.1 Acquire and explain the physical and physiological principles related to architecture. LO3.2 Acquire and explain the construction and technical processes related to architecture. LO4.1 Learn and explain the concepts and methods of scientific disciplines. LO4.2 Learn and experiment with the concepts and approaches of artistic disciplines. LO6.1 Acquire knowledge of disciplinary methods in scientific research. LO6.2 Adopt a critical attitude free from any preconceptions.

Content

Approach to architecture in its multiple dimensions through the observation and representation of buildings chosen for their functional, heritage, constructional, ecological, symbolic, landscape and other interests. 

Teaching methods

Observing through drawing :

• Observing, drawing, touching materials, experimenting with uses, cooperating, etc.
• Observing through freehand geometric drawing to record and understand
• Representing through geometric drawing ‘with instruments’ (= guided hand) at several scales (location, layout, volume, construction details)
• Representing materials, textures, colours, etc.

Progression – successive exercises

•     Surveying a simple object:
•     Surveying parts of the Lemaire building and its surroundings
•     Surveying a kiosk in its urban context

Semi-independent research :
Observation and understanding of the kiosk in its context, focusing on the following areas:

•     Construction: basic construction principles, spatiality,
•     Territory: location within the territory, part of a system or exception, etc.
•     Society: uses, frequency of use, appropriation, etc.
•     History, theory: significance, belonging to a movement, etc.

On-site survey

•     Answering the questionnaire (on-site section)

Semi-independent research in the workshop

•     Additional information needed to complete the questionnaires is sought from the resources available on Moodle.

Presentation of research results

•     Graphical representation of research results
•     File: completed questionnaire

Question and answer sessions
Working methods

• The work will be carried out in groups of four students.
• Each student will produce an individual reflective piece of work outlining their contribution to the group work.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Evaluation methods

The two complementary parts of the exercise (‘observing through drawing’ and ‘semi-independent research’) will each be displayed and assessed in an interim formative assessment specified in the course programme schedule. The comments made to each group of four students will enable them to improve their work.
At the end of the term, the complete exercise will be displayed and assessed for certification purposes.
Each student will also be assessed individually on the basis of their reflective work.
General remarks on artificial intelligence:
"If generative artificial intelligence (AI) is used, it must be used responsibly and in accordance with academic and scientific integrity practices. This means that anyone who uses generative AI in a manner that does not comply with the uses specified in the course description for the teaching unit in question is committing an irregularity within the meaning of Article 107 of the RGEE (non-personal production by the student in the context of an assessment)."

Other information

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Online resources

Information available on MOODLE:

• Course description
• Activity schedule
• Course materials posted online after each class
• Semi-autonomous research questionnaires
• Document database for semi-autonomous research

Faculty or entity

> LOCI