Precedents: Tectonics

This 2-1/2 week assignment challenges students to research, document, and exhibit the envelope design of an architectural precedent of value to a larger conversation about Tectonics & Performance.

The designed synthesis of multiple systems in the respective architectural precedent is of particular interest.

At minimum, these integrated systems include the Structural, Architectural (Envelope), Mechanical, and Lighting systems. Students typically work in teams of 2-3 people to author two separate but related drawings:

1. Coordinated Drawing. This drawing represents the technical integration of multiple systems as found through an exterior wall section of the constructed precedent. The floor area represented is usually one-to-two column bays. The drawing consists of an exterior wall section, a rendered elevation showing light and shadow, and an associative plan. The wall section and rendered elevation ought to depict the full height of the building, including basement floors and foundations. All three orthographic drawings are sized at 3/8” = 1’ scale, and use an Adobe InDesign template file with sheet extents 6’-0” high x 3’-0” wide. Taller precedents use section splices if needed, and rendered elevations also use a specified gradient for representing the sky beyond.

2. Exploded Axonometric Drawing. This drawing depicts and separates the families of components and technologies required for constructing the architectural envelope of the precedent. These drawings utilize an Adobe InDesign template file with sheet extents exactly 3’-0” high x 3’-0” wide, and incorporate a specified graphic standard for notation font, linetypes, material call-outs, and call-out legend.