Form & Space

Arch 1301 · Coordinators: Pratana Klieopatinon + Terah Maher

Design Studio 1, posits that form & space are the architect's primary materials; and that an essential task of the architect is the use of form to delineate and shape space.

The Studio explores architectural representation - the drawing and the model - as the primary vehicles through which architects practice critical perception, critical analysis, transformation of ideas, and the communication of spatial intention. The methodology of abstraction is the foundation of all architectural representation, and therefore the studio will introduce and emphasize a language of architecture, to support the clarity, precision, and quality of architectural ideas.

The studio will utilize a variety of representational methods, both analogue and digital, to develop and describe 3 studio projects that examine the relationship between form and space. Methods of representation employed throughout the semester include hand-drafted drawings, physical models, diagramming, photography, vector drawings, and digital collage.

Intermodal Hub City

Arch 3602 · Coordinator: Lauren Phillips

Instructors: Adrian Anaya · Logman Arja · Roberto Becerra · Marshall Drennan · Deborah Pittman · Ke Sun, Ph.D. · Sara Velasquez

ARCH 3601, Architectural Design V, builds on students' previously developed skills in architectural representation, analysis, composition, and tectonic articulation. The semester will be sequenced as three related phases, each building on the last, culminating in the design of an intermodal urban hub and urban observation platform in downtown Lubbock. Throughout the course of the studio, students will produce iterative design documentation including analytical and speculative drawings and models, drawings describing site constraints and urban context, and high-quality architectural drawings and models describing the design of spatial, structural, and tectonic systems addressing public and private programs on an urban site.

To Revere or not to Revere?

Arch 4601 · Instructor: Lenora Ask, AIA

This section will explore the context of Texas Tech University and the HCOA's role within that context, not only as it pertains to this addition and renovation, but in our roles as design leaders on campus and in society. Students will be challenged to question whether a strict contextual response for the HCOA building renovation is the solution or is a more constructivist approach to be taken, shattering conventions, and creating design solutions that challenge homogeneity. The answer may be a subtle offering based on reverence but forward moving, a respectful transition to innovation and modernity. Based on careful study of the campus context, its history and the history of the architectural building itself, students in this section will be encouraged to make thoughtful and bold decisions about appropriateness, or not, of strict reverence as the best way to honor, connect and represent our college and its role on this campus.

Architecture for Architecture

Revitalization and Expansion of the Huckabee College

Arch 4601 · Instructor: Jimmy Johnson, AIA

This studio will be conducted much like an architect's office. Each student will be expected to create and develop a design that will fulfill the course objectives, but also to be part of a group project as well as to dive into specific background research relating to the semester design proposal.

The studio will be formulating a response to the renovation and substantial expansion to the Huckabee College of Architecture. We will study the unique challenges in the design of building renovations and how codes, accessibility, and existing unknowns influence design decisions.

Desk critiques will occur daily by assigned groups divided into a series throughout the semester which will ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity for constructive criticism. Class time not spent on desk critiques will be used for individual Q&A, focused studio lecture, or additional exploration of feedback on student projects.

Architecture for Architecture

Revitalization and Expansion of the Huckabee College

Arch 4601 · Instructor: Gary Stephens

The creation of architecture is an interesting union of pragmatic and creative processes. On the one hand, you have the practice of architecture. The integration of engineering systems, architecture systems, building materials, code compliance, cost effectiveness, et el. After all, the building must be “buildable”. One the other hand, architecture is a creative process; intuitive, novel, perhaps even whimsical. Isn't the purpose of architecture to inspire and stimulate?

Often the practice is labeled as the practical side of the architectural process and in conflict of the creative design process. History informs us differently. Great architects have had the unique ability to embrace the pragmatics to inspire the design process.

As 4th year students you have a well-developed understanding of the design process. Perhaps not as well developed is the pragmatic process. My intention and hopes for this semester are to expand your understanding of the practice of architecture. Not to dwell on the pragmatics, but understand it, perhaps to inspire and stimulate, even intuitively, lead you to a higher level of design.

CeramixCool

Investigating 3D Printed Ceramic Evaporative Cooling for Residential Design

Arch 4601 · Instructor: Erin Hunt

Phoenix, Arizona, has experienced significant impacts from climate change, with an average temperature increase of 2.6 degrees Fahrenheit leading to droughts, water shortages, and wildfires. The city's temperature could increase by 5.5 to 8.5 degrees by the end of the century, making it one of the American cities most susceptible to extreme heat. Low-income communities and communities of color are expected to be significantly affected. Students will research numerous neighborhoods to determine suitable sites for their architectural interventions. Clay, a sustainable material, has been used historically in Phoenix for evaporative cooling. Some of these systems have recently been replicated using irrigated 3D-printed ceramics. Students will research new ways to use clay 3D printing in their building's façade. They will design and test their proposed systems iteratively throughout the semester to create innovative evaporative cooling and vertical gardens engaging in architectural research. This studio will focus on passive housing designs.

Studio Mexico

Arch 5603 · Instructor: Joe Aranha

The pedagogy of the studio is based on learning from a short immersive experience in a culture and context different from one's own. Students will travel to Mexico City and Puebla where they will visit selected noteworthy modern and contemporary buildings, have guided walks in a selection of neighborhoods and public spaces. They will spend several days in Cholula, a rapidly growing town classified as Pueblo Magico (Enchanted Town) because of its historical, archeological, cultural, and architectural significance. In Cholula planned interactions with faculty and students of architecture, from Universidad de las Americas, Puebla. (UDLAP) will complement investigations and assist in critical analysis of proposed sites, They will study local architectural typologies, uses of space and materials. Upon return, students will develop a program, explore ideas, and propose designs for a contemporary community building and adjacent related public spaces in Cholula.

Caring Homes For Meaningful Lives

Arch 5603 · Instructor: Lingyi Qiu, Ph.D.

In this studio, students are invited to reimagine the future of elderly care. For the design of the second phase of a medical resort in Oklahoma City, OK, the focus will be on implementing the innovative "Green House" model. This approach seeks to shift away from traditional clinical nursing facilities and emphasizes community-integrated, home-centric solutions for seniors. Drawing from evidence-based design principles, students will be challenged to conceive homes that address not only the physical needs of the elderly but also their emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The journey will be enriched by on-site explorations, where students can visit the project site, the Phase I medical resort, and the design firm, interacting with residents, medical staff, the property manager, and the architects. Through rigorous research, analysis, and design synthesis, students are expected to craft environments where aging becomes a graceful intertwining of architecture, landscape, and community.