Firm Members John-Michael Gucwa, Lauren Blodgett, Mani Kordestani, Brian Heller, Brian Dionne, Liliana Rios
Instructor Michael Hill
Arch 402 Comprehensive Building Design Studio The Comprehensive Building Design Studio (CBDS) explores conceptual and technical aspects of architectural form and the integration of the various building assemblies and systems. During the CBDS, each student shall bring the knowledge, skills, and understanding gained from all previous coursework and experiences to the development of a conceptually coherent, comprehensive, integrative, and buildable architectural design proposal. Studio work will include schematics: integrating major building systems and sustainable strategies with design at a conceptual level shown in conceptual drawings of structural, mechanical, passive environmental and lighting systems; design development: using large scale models and drawings to test initial ideas and the integration of these ideas; studying materials and details of assembly including vertical surfaces relative to framing systems, wall sections and details of assembly; and presentation: with final models and drawings of site plan, plans, sections, and elevations.
Name: Brian Heller University: CUA Major: Architecture Email: 86Heller@cua.edu Name: Mani Kordestani University: CUA Major: Architecture Email: 81Kordestani@cua.edu Name: Lilianna Rios University: CUA Major: Architecture Email: daddylr05@hotmail.com
Name: Lauren Blodgett University: CUA Major: Architecture Email: 57Blodgett@cua.edu Name: Brian Dionne University: CUA Major: Architecture Email: 52Dionne@cua.edu Name: John-Michael Gucwa University: CUA Major: Architecture Email: 76Gucwa@cua.edu
At the conclusion of the semester, each student should be able to demonstrate an: Ability to produce an architecture project informed by a comprehensive program, from schematic design through the detailed development of programmatic spaces, structural and environmental systems, life-safety provisions, wall sections and building assemblies, as may be appropriate; and to assess the completed project with respect to the programs design criteria. Ability to assess, select, configure and detail as an integral part of the design appropriate combinations of building materials, components and assemblies to satisfy the requirements of the building program. Understanding of the principals, conventions, standard, applications and restriction pertaining to the manufacture and use of construction materials, components and assemblies. Ability to assess, select and integrate structural systems, environmental systems, life safety systems, building envelope systems and building service systems into building design as described by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) Performance Criteria.
Public Transportation Center Public transportation is undergoing rapid change due to evolving economic uncertainty and the insecurity of earths natural resources. Society is rediscovering public transportations usability, environmental kindness, and cost effectiveness. A majority of transit passengers are traveling within a local area or region between their homes and places of employment, shopping, or schools. A transportation center often serves as the citys gateway for visitors and reflects the cities heritage, people, and values.The program encourages students to merge two modes of public transportation while considering the facilitys potential symbolic aesthetics and connection to the city with its surrounding community. Students are to design a Transit Hub to accommodate the needs of their city. This will be a ground-up design facility. This transportation center will need to support two means of mass transit and should be designed to be able to expand in the future. Passengers will change or transfer between the modes of transit; convenience in getting around and through is important, since many travelers need to quickly and efficiently move from transportation and back. The center will also be a hub of interaction and a significant emblem of the nature and character of the culture it serves. The center may include convenience services such as a coffee shop, newspaper or magazine stand or other small retail.
Sustainable Initiatives The United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development stated, sustainable development attempts to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.Sustainably designed buildings aim to lessen their impact on our environment through energy and resource efficiency. The building industryencompassing the design, construction and manufacturing industriesis working to promote buildings that are healthy, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective places to live and work. The goal is to minimize natural resource use while enhancing social and economic benefits.Sustainable design innovations and ideas should be used throughout the Transportation Center including the building and exterior. Sustainably designed buildings and sites aim to lessen their impact on our environment through energy and resource efficiency. Sustainable design concepts must include at least three of the following solutions: durability, recyclability, reduced site disturbance, storm water management, heat island mitigation, optimized energy performance, indoor air quality, material use reductions, and recycled content use.
Our goal is to approach design as a complex process arrived at through a collaborative effort between our 2 x 4 Design Studio design team, the client, and consultants. A process consisting of analysis, editing, and application is vital for achieving appropriate design solutions that are aesthetically pleasing, programmatic, as well as environmentaly sustainable. Furthermore, we strive to achieve architecture that looks into the past in order to project designs that will thrive into the future.
Concepts