Material / Practice

3 units

The seminar will provide each student a heightened understanding of material translation and detailing strategies that amplify conceptual design intent and that is sympathetic to the needs of professional practice. Content will endeavor to examine, at an advanced level, the intersections of design strategies with modes of professional practice. The semester will begin with an investigation of emerging practice trends, researching impacts on collaboration models, design approach, delivery methods and construction. The course will then shift to analysis and translation of conceptual design thought through to material, performative and experiential realization. Critical speculation of the underlying modes of practice and project delivery will parallel the analysis. The semester will conclude with material and detailing discourse in support of each student's studio work. Seminar dialogue will examine the overlap of practice and project delivery through the lens of design-thinking in lieu of the traditional lens of risk management. Where possible the course will bring-forth experts from leading practices around the United States.