1. SRD 263 Architecture 2A . 2009 Project 1 Outline
James Coulson . School of Architecture & Building . Deakin University 1
Project 1 : Tectonic Design Studio (30%)
La Petite Maison
du Weekend is a
prototype self-
sufficient minimal
dwelling. It can be
relocated to
virtually any
outdoor site, where
it will provide the
basics for
everyday life:
sleeping for two,
kitchen, shower,
and composting
toilet.
Made of a variety of materials and pre-manufactured components, it generates its
own electricity, collects and distributes rainwater, and composts human waste using
only the natural dynamics of the site. The project by Patkau Architects was
constructed in 1998 for the Fabrications Exhibition at the Wexner Center for the Arts,
in Columbus, Ohio.
Task
The first project is an exercise in architectural design with an emphasis on linking
design with material composition and construction thinking. The tectonic design of a
single function space set in a specific context.
Brief
Select a project function and a project context from the list provided below.
Project Function:
greenhouse street vendor bicycle station
reading room bathhouse garden shed
music room tea room viewing room
media room aviary prayer room
yoga studio massage studio urban shelter
Project Context:
street garden jetty
foreshore court plaza
Process
Lectures each week will expand upon and clarify the project objectives. Weekly
tutorials will assist development and articulation of your concept according to the
following the program:

2. SRD 263 Architecture 2A . 2009 Project 1 Outline
James Coulson . School of Architecture & Building . Deakin University 2
Week 1-2 Conceptual Design
Select and nominate a project function and context. Research your function and
context. Develop images, ideas and concepts (visually). Explore your design concept
by creating massing models, dissections of the model and drawings that reveal the
spatial qualities of your concept in horizontal section (plan) and vertical sections. You
should be able to visually present your concepts, explore form and structure of your
project.
Week 3 Design Review
The major component of this phase is the development of the project at nominated
scales. The section is a slice view that cuts through your building envelope showing
how your internal environment is related to the external environment. Thought for
transition to construction is as important as the conceptual exploration of function and
context.
Presentation
The representation of your project must comprise orthographic projections of your
scheme on 6 x A3 sheets and including the following:
Site plan @ 1:200 / 100 / 50
Show major features (street, garden, plaza) and your scheme (roof plan, openings,
level changes etc.) Clearly show the distinction between ground and your scheme.
North orientation must be shown facing vertically up the sheet.
Main Floor Plan @ 1:50 / 25
Show structure, envelope, openings and level changes.
Section and Elevations @ 1:50 / 25
Pay particular attention to the details that are necessary to bring out your section.
Clear indication of intended materials and construction technique is desirable.
Additional 2D and 3D images can be incorporated. Physical models can be brought
to the reviews but should also be photographed for inclusion in the final presentation.
Limitation
Your project must be no larger than the volume enclosed by a 3 metre cube.
Submission process
Register your work in the A+B Studio on Friday between 9.30 am -10.30 am. Staff
will note that you have completed your project and assign a submission stamp on the
back of each of your A3 sheets. Once you have obtained the stamp, take your
assignments to your group context space and pin-up the work on the boards
provided in the studio.
Review Program
This review is for individual projects displayed in groups of individuals (3 x 5 minute
presentations + 5 minutes feedback).
Following reviews, 20 projects will be selected and allocated to groups formed with 6
students per group to proceed to the next project. Final presentations from Project 1
will be available to subsequent project groups.