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ARCH 3314 Syllabus Louden 2009

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3314. Contemporary Issues in Architecture (3:3:0). Contemporary issues in architectural theory and history utilizing precedents from early 20th century to present. (Writing Intensive) Faculty Information:

Dr. Elizabeth Louden
Architecture Building Ofc. 1008F
806-742-3136 x241
Office Hours: Wednesdays 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and by appointment

Course Information:

Scheduled Class Meeting Times
TTR – 3:30 to 4:50 PM
Class location: 007 ARCH Bldg.

SYLLABUS

DESCRIPTION: The most pressing contemporary issue for architecture demands a focus on environmental impacts of building design decisions. One way to address the complex and myriad of issues within designing and decision-making with the consequences to the environment in mind is to look at the industry standards and practices developed by the U. S. Green Building Council through the The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.

“Buildings account for forty-eight percent of U.S. energy consumption and generate far more greenhouse gas emissions than any other sector,” said R.K. Stewart, FAIA, facilitator of the AIA Sustainability Summit Task Force. “As architects, we must accept responsibility for our role in creating the built environment. We feel it is incumbent upon the architecture profession to alter our actions and encourage both our clients and the entire design and construction industry to join us in plotting a course of measurable changes that will improve the quality of life for everyone.”

Most of the buildings architects will work on in the 21st century already exists and The American Institute of Architects predicted continuation of this trend in its Vision 2000 study. Kirk Cordell, executive director of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT) of the National Park Service has stated that more than 90 percent of construction already involves existing structures, many of which are historic.

In another round-table meeting of the AIA Historic Resources Committee, Sharon Park of the National Park Service Technical Services presented the following:

Top Ten List of Benefits of Continued Utilization of the Existing Built EnvironmentItalic text

1. Preservation of cultural heritage.
2. Reuse of existing monumental public buildings where the vents of our lives occur; landmarks define identity.
3. Conservation of livable, walkable communities as urban amenities.
4. Maintenance of a sense of place and continuity in communities; existing buildings provide reference points.
5. Cost of rehabilitating existing buildings is often less than that of new construction.
6. Preservation of existing buildings on campuses sustains institutional life.
7. Adaptive reuse leads to positive dialogue between new and old; the future is enriched by its elders.
8. Reuse saves the embodied energy of an existing structure.
9. Historic buildings were designed to save energy with climatic factors in mind, e.g. passive ventilation and daylighting.
10. Reuse saves the cost of demolition, disposal of debris, and waste costs.

With these ideas in mind, the contemporary issue for this class will be the LEED EB certification process with the intension that students will be prepared to take the examination and to become LEED certified Associate Professionals.

Procedures and methods of qualifying for LEED certified will be discusses. Focusing upon physical structure, it investigates problems inherent in the adaptive use, restoration, and “green” building design decisions. The course also addresses the various techniques of LEED ED building certification.

PREREQUISITE: ARCH 2311 and 2315.
INTENT: The intent of the course is to provide the student with knowledge of procedures employed in LEED certification work.

Restoration deals with materials and standards. Included is discussion of problems causing deterioration of building fabrics, detection of problems, research necessary for their solution, and processes for stabilization or restoration. Forces of weathering, mechanical faults, and chemical intervention also are considered. Finally, standards of historic restoration, including those imposed by the National Park Service are discussed.

Documentation deals with a thorough analysis of structures and available resources contributing to the preparation of measured drawings, and the extent required of these drawings. The sources for obtaining information about structures will be included along with the format for architectural and historical data sheets, and the role and methods of photo documentation.

METHODOLOGY: The course consists of lectures, discussions, student research, and student presentations. Lectures by the instructor focus on the LEED EB Reference Guide, case studies, surveys various processes of preservation, methods of adaptive use and sustainable materials.

Class discussions require participation of students. Lectures and student presentations provide the points of departure for these discussions.

Research projects will be based upon LEED EB reference guide materials, case studies for adaptive use projects for historic buildings, sustainable materials and technology. The research will be presented to the class, along with a typed outline and a bibliography. Each presentation should be illustrated with visual examples.

As a writing intensive class, a research paper will be required that provides multiple opportunities for the student to revise and improve their writing skills. We will also use the TTU Writing Center for preliminary reviews and assistance.

TEXT: LEED Existing Buildings - Operations and Maintenance

See .pdf attachments

GRADES: Grades will be based primarily upon research papers, class presentations and tests.
SUBJECT MATTER

LEED OM certification material Secretary of the Interior Guidelines for Historic Buildings Secretary of the Interior Technical Briefs

"Any student who, because of a disability, may require some special arrangements in order to meet course requirements should contact the instructor as soon as possible to make necessary accommodations."

Criteria for Grading:

Determining the final grade in the course.

Comprehensive and complete submissions.
Late submission of work will result in reduction of a 10 point deduction from the assignment grade for the first to following 24 hours and for each 24 hours or portion thereof until the instructor sees the submitted assignment.
Grades will be based on grading sheets to be posted in class at the beginning of each assignment. Grades will be returned to the students within two weeks of submission. Texas Tech University Operating Policy 34.12 states that instructors may not post grades for any examinations, including final examinations, unless permission is granted by the department chairperson and a substantiated random identification procedure is in place. Missed deadlines-see bullet item 2.
Opportunities for extra credit may be given at the instructors discretion based on educational opportunities that may arise during the semester such as guest lecturers and other events, readings, exhibitions, etc. Extra credit activities will offer points (depending on the activity) to be added to an assignment grade.
  • Participation in the field trips and submission of all phases of the project are required to PASS the course.
High levels of class participation are expected to be consistent throughout the semester and are counted in the grade. Participation includes but is not limited to the following activities:
Student asking instructor questions
Student answering instructor questions
Student responding to other students’ questions
Student initiating discussion
Studio participation
External requirements such as field trips, lecture/concert attendance
Discussion group participation
Participation in group projects

The Texas Tech University Catalog states that students are expected to spend approximately two hours in preparation for each hour of lecture. For lecture classes, you are expected to spend an equivalent amount of time in preparation for class requirements. Students are expected to be prepared with work to discuss with the instructor, and to have required submissions prepared and presented at the stated time. Excuses of other computer delays, loss of work, etc. are not acceptable and demonstrate a lack of planning, preparation and professionalism. Class Attendance:

Absence and tardy policy – Attendance is necessary for your success in this course & is mandatory for all scheduled class meetings, for the full class period.
You are expected to be on time. You are expected to be in attendance for the duration of the class meeting time.
You are expected to work on nothing but the contents of the assignments of this course. Working on anything but course work for this class, arriving tardy, or leaving early will result in a recorded absence.
As architecture students, you are expected to be independent thinkers, self-starters and responsible for your time management. As pre-professional architects, it is your responsibility to take an active and pro-active role in the educational process by making the most of this opportunity to interact with communities, state and local agencies as well as professional firms. Professional conduct in all situations is expected and required.
In accordance with the policies of the University & the college (see Undergraduate Bulletin page 137 for the detailed attendance policy of the college), a student will either drop the course with a grade of W or WF (if the relevant deadline hasn't passed) or receive a failing grade upon their fifth absence. This policy will be strictly upheld.
Note: You are expected to be prepared to work in studio during class on class assignments only, & are highly encouraged to consult & discuss studio work with your peers.
Policy regarding make up exams – If exams are given and must be missed, the student is responsible to contact the instructor and arrange a retake time that is convenient to the instructor within 15 days of the original missed exam time.
Absence due to religious observance - The Texas Tech University Catalog states that a student who is absent from classes for the observance of a religious holy day will be allowed to take an examination or complete an assignment scheduled for that day within a reasonable time after the absence (p.49). Notification must be made in writing and delivered in person no later than the 15th class day of the semester.
Absence due to officially approved trips – The Texas Tech University Catalog states that the person responsible for a student missing class due to a trip should notify the instructor of the departure and return schedule in advance of the trip. The student may not be penalized and is responsible for the material missed. (p.49)
Whether an absence is excused or unexcused is determined solely by the instructor with the exception of absences due to religious observance and officially approved trips described above. The Center for Campus Life will notify faculty, at the student’s request, when a student is absent for four consecutive days with appropriate verification of a health related emergency. This notification does not excuse the student from class, it is provided as a courtesy. The service is explained as follows and can be found on the Center for Campus Life web site at: http://www.campuslife.ttu.edu/crisis/
Students are expected to be punctual and to attend each session in its entirety. Failure to do so will be considered as an absence. In a number of instances, the instructor will be conducting University related research and attending a conference. Other instructors will be available for questions and support. Students are expected to continue their work and meet submission deadlines.
Typically there will be something due at each class meeting & each student will be expected to present their progress for informal reviews during the course of the project. At the end of the project there will be a formal review of each student's work. At this time the student is expected to present their project's drawings & ideas to the class or group. This presentation is mandatory to make a passing grade for the project. Students should understand that this event is to be treated with complete academic & professional respect.
Students must pass the graduate studio course with a grade of "B" or better to advance to the next level of design studio.

Illness and Death Notification: The Center for Campus Life is responsible for notifying the campus community of student illnesses, immediate family deaths and/or student death. Generally, in cases of student illness or immediate family deaths, the notification to the appropriate campus community members occur when a student is absent from class for four (4) consecutive days with appropriate verification. It is always the student’s responsibility for missed class assignments and/or course work during their absence. The student is encouraged to contact the faculty member immediately regarding the absences and to provide verification afterwards. The notification from the Center for Campus Life does not excuse a student from class, assignments, and/or any other course requirements. The notification is provided as a courtesy. Academic Integrity Academic Misconduct: It is the aim of the faculty of Texas Tech University to foster a spirit of complete honesty and a high standard of integrity. The attempt of students to present as their own any work that they have not honestly performed is regarded by the faculty and administration as a serious offense and renders the offenders liable to serious consequences, possibly suspension. Texas Tech University Catalog (p.49) and (OP 34.12): See the descriptions of Cheating and Plagiarism found in the Texas Tech University Catalog: (p.49) Interpretations of plagiarism and academic misconduct especially relevant to architecture – plagiarism is NOT using another architect’s work as a case study or as an inspiration for your design work as long as you give appropriate credit. The correct citation of someone else’s work, in fact, is encouraged and desirable.