Architectural Design Basics Syllabus 2004

K u w a i t U n i v e r s i t y
College of Engineering and Petroleum
Department of Architecture
ARCH 105: Design Basics in Architecture
Instructor: Dr. Yasser Mahgoub

Course Syllabus
Course Title : Design Basics in Architecture
Course Number : 0690-105
Credit Hours: 3-6-5
Prerequisites : None
Semester : (2) 2003 - 2004
Time: Saturday, Monday, Wednesday 2:00 to 4:50 PM
Office Hours: Saturday, Monday, Wednesday 1:00 to 2:00 PM
Telephone Number: 4811188 - 7601

Catalog Course Description

The objective of this course is to familiarize students with architectural graphics and to introduce
them to the principles and processes of sequencing of exercises emphasizing development of basic
skills, ideas, and techniques used in the design of simplified architectural projects.

Course Activities

Lecture, studio, research, presentations and field trips.

Teaching Methodology

A series of small exercises and projects are used to illustrate the design basics and develop students’
skills.

Course Textbooks
Francis D.K. Ching, Architecture: Form, Space, & Order (Second Edition)

Method of Evaluation
Attendance is a must according to university regulations.
Assignments 40%
1st Exam 30%
2nd Exam 30%

Dr. Yasser Mahgoub - Architectural Design Basics- KU (2) 2003-2004 1

ARCH 105: Design Basics in Architecture - Course Schedule
Week
S. 14 Course Introduction (Syllabus: Contents, Schedule, TA’s, Textbooks, Grading,
Studio, Equipment list to obtain, Concepts Notebook, Design Studio and Courses
Week 1 Manual) - Assignment 1 (Elements and Principles of Design) (Start) Aptitude test
M. 16 Free Hand Sketching Exercise (2D shapes)
W. 18 Free Hand Sketching Exercise (3D Shapes)
S. 21 Vacation (New Hijra year)
Week 2 M. 23 Free Hand Sketching Exercise (Buildings)
W. 25 Vacation (National Day)
S. 28 Ching 1 (1-32) - Presentations 1a
Week 3 M. March 1 Points, Lines and Planes Exercise
W. 3 Points, Lines and Planes Exercise
S. 6 Ching 2 (33-71) - Presentations 1b
Week 4 M. 8 Bas Relief & Carved Cubes
W. 10 Bas Relief & Carved Cubes
S. 13 Ching 3 (72-90) - Presentations 1c
Week 5 M. 15. The Grid exercise (Pencil)
W. 17. The Grid exercise (Ink)
S. 20 Ching 4 (91-119) - Presentations 1d Assignment 2 (Typological Study Using
Elements and Principles of Design) (Start)
Week 6
M. 22 Abstraction
W. 24 Abstraction
S. 27 Ching 5 (120-151) - Presentations 1e
Week 7 M.29 Staircase Sculpture (Start)
W. 31 Staircase Sculpture (Submit)
S. April 3 Ching 6 (152-176) - Mid Term Exam
Week 8 M. 5 Nine Square Matrix Exercise
W. 7 Nine Square Matrix Exercise
S. 10 Ching 7 (177-207) - Presentations 2a
Week 9 M. 12 Nine Square Matrix Exercise
W. 14 Nine Square Matrix Exercise
S. 17 Ching 8 (208-226) - Presentations 2b
Week 10 M. 19 Final Project: Umm Al Mardim Tourists Center
W. 21 Final Project (Concept)
S. 24 Ching 9 (227-251) - Presentations 2c
Week 11 M. 26 Final Project (Concept) Pinup 1
S. May 1 Vacation
Week 12 M. 3 Ching 10 (252-276) - Presentations 2d
W. 5 Final Project (Concept) Pinup 2
S. 8, Ching 11 (277-301) -Presentations 2e
Week 13 M. 10 Final Project (Concept)
S. 15 Final Project (Drafting)
Week 14 M. 17 Final Project (Drafting)
W. 19 Final Project (Drafting)
S. 23 Final Project (Drafting)
Week 15 M. 25 Final Project (Submission)
W. 27 Final Project - Jury


Design Basics
KNOWLEDGE ABILITIES SKILLS
Information Think Do
Memorize and Understand Analysis and Composition Communication
Names of things Analysis of Buildings Media of Communication
Elements of Architecture • Elements • Drafting
• Floor • Functions • Writing
• Wall • Context • Freehand Sketching
• Ceiling • Image • Models
• Door Functional Relationships • Pictures
• Window • Space Planning • Computers
• Others (Stairs, ramps, • Circulation Drawings
elevators) • Relationships • Plans
Environmental Factors Creativity • Section
Human Factors • Ideas • Elevation
• Scale and dimensions • Concepts • Perspective
• Physical needs • Process Graphics
• Biological Composition of Forms • Shapes
• Psychological • Grid • Forms
• Perceptual • Order • Scale
Building Systems • Balance • Measurements
• Structural • Symmetry Visual Illusion
• HVAC • Rhythm Information
• Electrical Visualization • into Drawings
• Sanitary • 2D from/to 3D • from Drawings
• Mechanical • Reality from/to
History of Architecture Drawings
• Buildings Looking vs. Seeing
• Architects Estimation
Theory of Architecture • Distance
• Movements • Area
• Trends Interpretation
• Styles • Intentions
• Philosophies • Meaning
Disciplines within Architecture
• Urban Planning
• Urban Design
• Architecture
• Interior Design
• Landscape
Other Disciplines
• Engineering
• Humanities
Social and Cultural Factors
The Profession
• Education
• Accreditation
• Professional License
• Professional Practice


Kuwait University
Course #: ARCH 105 Course Title: Design Basics in Architecture

Portfolio Requirement

Each student must maintain a record of his or her work in the graphics/studio
sequence.
This must be in the form of a 8 1/2" by 11" portfolio.
The portfolio must include examples of at least one major project from each semester
of the design sequence starting with the graphics studios in the first year.
It is recommended that all major projects be included in the portfolio as well as
selected examples of work from other courses such as building technology,
construction documents, and architectural photography.
The portfolio is a prerequisite for advancement in the studio course sequence and
may be requested by the studio critic (instructor) on the first day of class.


Kuwait University

Assignment 1: Elements and Principles of Design
Architectural Design Basics course has several facets. Besides design exercises and projects
conducted in the studio setting, the students also undertake design and graphic studies. Design
studies explore the place of ideas and concepts in formal invention and judgment. Graphic studies
explore the media for communicating and visioning the ideas. This is done in the "conventional"
and digital way.

The cliche "a picture is worth a thousand words" is a truism that derives from the image embodying
an ability to communicate ideas through the photographer's thought, feeling and sight. The
following exercises are intended to explore your way of seeing the world and will demonstrate that
the decisions you make composing form and space as a photographic image is not far from
composing these elements in architecture.

Although a picture is worth a thousand words, in this exercise you are only required to
communicate only two words. With your digital camera and your decision-making abilities,
photograph 21 different combinations of the following elements and principles of design. You have
to use each subject at least once.

ELEMENTS PRINCIPLES
Background Balance
Colour Contrast
Foreground Direction
Form Dominance
Grid Economy
Light Emphasis
Line Fragmentation
Mass Harmony
Material Hierarchy
Path Movement
Plane Order
Point Pattern
Shadow Proportion
Shape Repetition
Solid Rhythm
Space Scale
Structure Symmetry
System Time
Texture Unity
Type Value
Void Variety

Requirements: Produce; 1) a power point presentation of all resulting photographs and 2) print one
A3-size paper containing all pictures. Include the subject title, date and your full name.

Submission: To be presented according to scheduled presentations.


Kuwait University

Assignment 2: Architectural Typological Analysis
Using Elements and Principles of Design
Assignment

• Develop a typological analysis of several buildings of your choice to illustrate
the common features of their design style using your version of elements and
principles of design.
• Select at least 10 buildings from Kuwait to illustrate and prove your “theory”.
• Analyze the buildings and illustrate their common design features.
• You can expand the list by adding other elements and principles as needed.

Requirements

• Produce a PowerPoint Presentation of your study illustrating your analytical
study and results
• Write on A4 size paper a summary of your theory no more than 500 words and
5 pictures.
• Include the title of the exercise, date and your full name in the presentation and
the summary.

Submissions

• Written summary 40%
• PowerPoint Presentation 60%
• To be presented according to scheduled presentations.


Kuwait University

Exercise: Free Hand Sketching
Objectives:
Knowledge: To know the importance of freehand sketching.
Ability: To draw free hand sketches of shapes, objects, buildings and people.
Skills: Train students to use pencil and pens to draw sketches.

Assignment:
Using 4 "A4" size white paper, draw freehand sketches of:
1. 2D Shapes: lines, squares, circles, triangles, …
2. 3D Forms: cubes, cylinders, pyramids, …
3. Draw an exterior perspective of one of Khaldiyah campus buildings using pencil or marker
pens.


Kuwait University

Exercise: Points, Lines and Planes
Objectives:
Knowledge: The formal and informal organization of points, lines and planes.
Ability: To organize shapes in a meaningful way.
Skills: Train students to use points, lines and planes to produce patterns and shapes.

Assignment:
Using A4-size white paper develop an abstract pattern, a portrait of a building, a person, or an
object using the following elements:
1. Points or dots of different or equal size using black or colored pens.
2. Lines of same and different thickness or width, cut from black or colored papers.
3. Planes of same of different sizes and shapes, cut from black or colored papers.
4. Points, Lines and Planes of same of different sizes and shapes, cut from black or colored
papers.

Materials:
- Colored paper
- Cutting knifes
- Glue


Kuwait University

Exercise: Bas-Relief and Carved Cubes
Objectives:
Knowledge: Bas- relief technique.
Ability: The goal of this exercise is to improve the students imagination abilities.
Skills: Imagine a three-dimensional form with the help of two-dimensional sketches.

Assignment:
Soft materials can be selected for the creation of Bas- relief work. A two-dimensional sketch or
composition can be drawn on the flat surface. The student starts carving out the surface and tries
to explore different types of volumes. Triangular shape can be carved out as a concave pyramid
or a square can be converted to a square based empty cuboids.
You are required to develop 2 assignments :
1. using a 30 cm x 30 cm, 2.5 cm thick board and
2. a15 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm cube.

Materials:
• Soft material like foam or clay.
o 30 cm x 30 cm, 2.5 cm thick board.
o 15 cm x 15 cm x 15 cm cube
• Carving tools
• Cutting knifes


Kuwait University
Time: Saturday - Monday - Wednesday 2:00 to 4:50
Exercise: The GRID
Objectives:
Knowledge: To learn about the "GRID" as an important tool in organizing architectural spaces.
Ability: To be able to select the appropriate grid for a project.
Skills: To accurately draft different types of grids.

Assignment:
1. On a white 50x70 cm sheet, draw the following grid patterns with pencil and then with ink.
2. Trace the same assignment with ink on a calc paper.


Kuwait University
Exercise: Abstraction
Introduction

Abstraction is a technique adopted by artists from historical times to bring out the essential
aesthetics of the subject. The basic visual element of the line itself is the most primitive abstract
artistic expression. Daily newspapers, magazines, books have several illustrations in the form of
advertisements. Experienced professionals of visual art design all these advertisements. The
subjects in these illustrations are also full of variety, they contain human beings, animals, trees,
flowers, leaves, mountains, rivers, sand dunes and numerous such subjects. The subjects are either
artificially composed or photographed as a composed object.

Objectives:
Knowledge: Abstraction as an artistic technique.
Ability: To be able to perform abstraction from original forms.
Skills: To develop abstraction of a from or subjects.

Assignment:
Students are asked to select a number of such compositions in the form of printed photographs,
pictures, advertisements and illustrations from the available books and magazines. Initially their
selection is based on the logic "I like it" and "I don't like it". These pictures are supposed to be the
pictures that are "the best" from student's point of view. Subsequently students are asked to make
sketches, based on these compositions and to create an abstracted version of the original picture in
exactly 5 steps.
Students are asked to adopt following 5 techniques for abstraction:
1. To eliminate details.
2. To convert three-dimensional picture into two-dimensional line work.
3. To draw the same picture by using dots.
4. To draw the same picture by using technique of smudging and undefined hazy shapes.
5. To eliminate the colors or adopt new color scheme.

Materials:
- Select five pictures from (preferably architectural subjects) suitable for the different types of
abstraction.
- 50 x 70 cm white cardboard.
- Draw the following border and perform the abreaction for each picture.

Due dates:
Monday, March 22, 2004 Border, selection of pictures and abstraction schemes, start.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004 Completion and submission of assignment


A Eliminate Abstract Original
details
B
S Convert
T 3-D to 2-Dl

R
A
Re-draw
50 cm using dots

C
T Re-draw
smudging
I
O Adopt a new

N
color scheme

Kuwait University Department of Design Basics in Arch. Name:
College of Eng. & Petroleum Architecture Ex. 5: Abstraction Date:

70 cm


Kuwait University
Exercise: Stairs and Staircases Design
Objectives:
Knowledge: To know and understand the design requirements of staircases.
Ability: To design different types of stairs and staircases.
Skills: To draft and make models of staircases.

Assignment:
1. Design open steps that connects to the entrance of an elevated ground level in plan, section,
and elevation. The ground floor is elevated 1.20 m above the ground level.
2. Design a typical staircase to serve 5 typical floors 3-m high. Draw Ground Floor Plan,
Typical Floor Plan, and a Section.
3. Design a spiral staircase that connects a ground level of a villa to the upper floor only. The
ground floor height is 3 m (floor to floor). Draw Ground Floor Plan, Upper Floor Plan, and a
Section.
4. Make models of your staircases.
5. All drawings and models should be scale 1:50 on 50 x 70 cm size paper as indicated.

Readings:
Ernst Neufert, Architect's Data, p. 191-194


Open Steps

Typical staircase Spiral staircase

50 cm

College of Eng. & Petroleum Architecture Ex. 6: Staircase Date:

70 cm


Kuwait University
Exercise: Nine Square Matrix
Introduction
The nine-square problem has a rich history. It supports communication objectives in the areas of
model building, layout, and concept diagramming, and draws on general design principles
previously introduced and explored. The project's theoretical focus is the definition of architectural
space. Its key objectives include being able to define a hypothesis or strategy for investigating
complexity in spatial definition; being able to consciously manipulate the number, attributes, and
organization of architectural elements to create spatial compositions of relative complexity; and
being able to communicate in words and diagrams the hypothesis investigated, concepts employed,
and discoveries made in the investigation. The project provides students a formal format for
exploring basic issues of architectural design related to simplicity and complexity, proportion and
scale, and the defining of sets of relationships between parts and the whole.
Requirements
In this exercise the student is to design and construct a total of nine architectonic compositions of
spaces, each illustrating combinations of floors, walls, and roofs defined in a matrix provided by
the faculty. The horizontal edge of the matrix consists of three "continua" of simple to complex
solutions. The vertical edge establishes the combinations of the basic architectural elements of
floor, walls, and roof to be investigated. The use of the matrix and continua ensures that the models-
the externalization and representation of ideas--become sources of understanding and discovery.
Design decisions are seen not as right or wrong but appropriate or inappropriate given the
context and goals.
The project is given an explicit research or investigation orientation. It requires the student to
consciously identify a set of factors to be investigated, and to explicitly communicate them to
others. This process builds both vocabulary and the ability to translate ideas into words and
diagrams. It also aids in building an understanding of the difference between a concept and a
specific manifestation of that concept. The project's meaningfulness grows in direct proportion to
the degree to which students invest themselves in some discovery.
The solution to each continuum is to exhibit three clearly different and evenly spaced levels of
complexity, with a smooth gradation across the continuum. Each composition within a continuum
must contain a minimum of three visually accessible, inhabitable spaces, as well as scale human
figures.
Solutions to the exercise are presented in models constructed of white or colorless opaque,
translucent, or transparent materials. The models must be accompanied by a two-dimensional
presentation that communicates in words and diagrams the complexity hypothesis; the specific
concepts employed in its exploration; and observations on the successes, failures, and discoveries of
the investigation. This component of the presentation is an essential part of the research orientation
of the project. Its role is to make explicit the hypothesis or positions that the investigation is
exploring, identify the specific concepts being manipulated and reflect on the exploration's
discoveries. The process of making project-thinking explicit facilitates conscious decision making
and meaningful learning.


THE INTENT OF THE PROJECT
This project provides students with a formal format for exploring basic issues of architectural
design related to simplicity and complexity, proportion and scale, and making sets of relationships
between parts and the whole. The project is designed for a guaranteed level of success to encourage
beginning students.
THE DURATION OF THE PROJECT
The project lasts for two week in a sixteen-week sequence. The "Nine-Square Matrix project is
presented near the beginning of the second eight weeks. It sits as an architectonic project in the
middle of an abstract-to-architectural continuum that begins with basic design principles and builds
to encompass a broad range of architectural issues.
THE PROJECT
The student is to design and construct a three-dimensional composition of spaces for each
combination of floors, walls, and roofs at each level of complexity identified in the investigation
matrix-a total of nine compositions. Each simple-to-complex continuum (1/2/3, 4/5/6, and 7/8/9) is
to exhibit three clearly different and evenly spaced levels of complexity; they should present a
smooth gradation from simple to complex. Each simple-to-complex continuum and/or the matrix as
a whole is to test a defined hypothesis concerning the perception of spatial complexity. The models
may be constructed only of white or colorless opaque, translucent, or transparent materials. The
sites/bases may be nine individual, three horizontal, or one inclusive unit. The compositions may
not extend horizontally past the boundaries of their individual sites and/or the base. Each
composition must contain a minimum of three visually accessible, inhabitable spaces, each of which
employs its assigned combination of floors, walls, and/or roofs. A minimum of one scale figure
must be placed within one of the inhabitable spaces of each composition. An inhabitable space is
any space with no dimension less than the height of the scale figure.
The models must be accompanied by a two-dimensional presentation that communicates in words
and diagrams the complexity hypothesis; the specific concepts employed in its exploration; and
observations on the successes, failures, and discoveries of the investigation.

Simple Complex
N
i
n
e 15x 15 cm
Floors
S
q
u
a
Floors
50 cm r
and
e
s Walls

M
a
Floors
t
and
r
Walls
i and
x Roofs

College of Eng. & Petroleum Architecture Ex. 5: Abstraction Date:

70 cm


Kuwait University
Course Title: Design Basics in Architecture Course #: ARCH 105
Exercise: Room Design
Objectives:
Knowledge: To know the design requirements of different residential room types.
Ability: To be able to design different types of rooms according to their function.
Skills: To correctly draft and make models of rooms.

Assignment:

1. Design six types of rooms used in a residential unit using a generic room design.
2. The rooms should include:
a. bathroom
b. kitchen
c. bedroom
d. living room
e. dining room
f. office
3. Draw scale 1:50 a plan and 2 sections, showing doors, windows, wall thickness and interior elevations, for each of
your rooms on a 50 cm x 70 cm white board (Canson) sheet with pencil and then ink.
4. Make a model of one of your designs.

Readings:
Ernst Neufert, Architect's Data, p. 245 - 306


Kuwait University
Project: Visitors' Center in Um Al-Maradim Island
Objective:
Knowledge: To know how to solve a small architectural project.
Ability: To analyze and learn from architectural precedence and to express and discuss architectural
design ideas and concepts.
Skill: To draw a complete small architectural project and present architectural drawings using
pencil and ink.

Assignment:
Students are required to design a Visitors' Center for Umm Al-Maradem Island. It should contain an
exhibition, three-dimensional model of the island, interactive touch-screen exhibit, a tower with
telescopes for viewing the island, picnic area, gift-shop, and toilets for men and women.

Program:
1. Exhibitions area 100 m2
2. Toilets for men 15 m2
3. Toilets for women 15 m2
4. Gift-shop 20 m2
5. Watchtower 10 m high
6. picnic area around the center 200 m2

Requirements:
1. One cardboard 100 x 70 cm each student is required to draw the following:
1. Layout scale 1:200
2. Ground Floor Plan scale 1:100
3. Entrance elevation scale 1:100
4. Side elevation scale 1:100
5. Section scale 1:100
6. Interior or Exterior perspective or isometric
2. Model scale 1:100

Submission date
Monday, May 24, 2004 at 2:00 PM

Jury
Wednesday, May 26, 2004 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM


Visitors' Centers Examples
San Francisco Bay Visitor Center, Sausalito, California S.F. Bay Model Visitor Center
Information

Overview of the Model and Visitor Center
The model , located on Richardson Bay in Sausalito, California, is a unique scientific tool for exploring water
movement patterns in the San Francisco Bay-Delta Estuary.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the bay part of the model in 1956 to test a series of barrier and water quality
proposals. This tidal hydraulic model has since been expanded to include "The Delta" and is used to test the effects of
oil spills, salt-water intrusion and pollutant dispersion.
The San Francisco Bay Model Visitor Center offers the public a variety of opportunities to learn about the estuary, the
natural environment and the role of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. An orientation video features computer-
generated images of the bottom of the bay. Audio tours are available in English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish
and Russian. Each month the Visitor Center has exhibits, and programs for adults and school-age children.


Jewel Cave's Visitor Center

Jewel Cave's Visitor Center was first opened in June of 1972. The Visitor Center is home to the Headquarters and
offices for the Monument, as well as the main visitor services. Located in the Visitor Center is a small museum area
with displays and information about the cave, a large-scale map of passageways of Jewel Cave, a small bookstore
managed by the Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, interactive computers and more.
The Visitor Center is the main contact station for the Monument, and all Monument information is available at the
Center. It is the starting point for all of the Monument's hiking trails, as well as the starting point for the Scenic and
Spelunking Tours. For more information about these, see TOURS. For information about the hiking trails and other
activities on the surface, see SURFACE

MAINLAND HEADQUARTERS AND ROBERT J. LAGOMARSINO VISITOR CENTER

The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center on the mainland features a museum, living tidepool exhibit, three-
dimensional models of all the park islands, interactive touch-screen exhibit, a tower with telescopes for viewing the
islands, picnic area, a bookstore, and an outdoor native plant garden. Visitors will enjoy the 25-minute park movie, "A
Treasure in the Sea", throughout the day in the auditorium. Every Saturday and Sunday park rangers present free
interpretive programs on the natural and cultural resources of the park. Throughout the week, other programs and
school visits may be scheduled by calling the visitor center. All facilities are fully accessible.
Every Saturday and Sunday we offer several scheduled programs. Programs include Tidepool Talk at 11:00 a.m. and
Recreating at Channel Islands National Park at 2:00 p.m. At 3:00 p.m., rangers offer programs that look in depth at a
variety of topics about the park. Programs are free to the public.

NASA Visitor Center

NASA Visitor Center offers exhibits, tours, interactive presentations, and programs to show visitors from around the
globe what the Goddard Space Flight Center is all about.


Picnic tables are available to the public, which offers a wonderful view of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center
Campus. Smoke free facility Handicap accessible.


Kuwait University
Exercise: Design and Materials
Objective:
Architectural composition depends on the designer’s selection of appropriate materials in order to
express certain design ideas. Linear form, organic, sculptural, traditional, hi-tech, … are some of
these expressions that can be provided by the use of different materials. The physical characteristics
of the material provide certain qualities and potentials for making the desired architectural
compositions and expressions. Some of these
characteristics are as follows:
• Kind: Wood, metal, paper, textiles, etc.
• Form: Linear (1D), Planar (2D), Volumetric (3D), etc.
• Surface: Color, texture, transparency, reflectivity, etc.
Types of Architecture:
• Walls Architecture: Design depends on vertical planes supporting roofs and defining spaces
and activities.
• Mass Architecture: Design depends on addition and subtractions to a basic mass in order to
express design ideas.
• Layered Architecture: Design depends on floors (layers) supporting activities and functions.
• Elements Architecture: Design depends on collection of elements to form spaces and
sheltering.

Exercise
The student in this assignment is required to make four different compositions for imaginative
monuments or buildings using four different materials. The design element in this exercise is to
provide an interior space while developing the exterior volume.
The student may use certain materials with different effects of Color, texture, transparency, or
reflectivity. All four compositions will be placed on one base that is 50X70 cm wooden board.
Examples of possible materials that the student can use - but not limited to - are as follows:
• Wooden cubes
• Wooden sticks
• Play-dough
• Cardboard
• Foam
• Plastic
• Glass
• Other --------


Kuwait University
Exercise: Archimedean

Objectives:
Knowledge: To know about regular solids and semi-regular solids
Ability: To visualize 3D solids from drawings.
Skill: To draft and make models of solids and semi-regular solids.

Exercise:
Use white thick paper to make 2 pieces of each or 12 pieces of only one of the following shapes.
Draft using your drafting tools with the greatest accuracy and neatness.
Use a square unit of 5 cm as your basic unit.
Add 1-cm flaps where needed.
Make a creative model using your 12 pieces.


Kuwait University
Exercise: Survey of an Existing Space
Objectives:
Knowledge: Conventional plans & elevations as three dimensional surfaces.
Ability: To develop drawings and models of existing spaces.
Skills: To survey, measure and draft plans and elevations of existing spaces.

Exercise
Team exercise: Measure design studio room in detail. Record data on blackboard.
Individual Exercise: Draw plans & elevations from measured data per diagram below. Draw plans
& elevations on board in ink from field measurements to scale at 1:50. Cut out & fold.

True ceiling plan

Window elevation

End Elevation End Elevation

Plan

(Above drawing is diagrammatic only)


Kuwait University
Exercise: The Color Wheel
Objectives:
Knowledge: To learn about the basics of colors and their use in architectural graphics.
Ability: To be able to select the appropriate color scheme for a project.
Skills: To accurately color a color wheel.

Assignment:
On a white sheet, draw the attached color wheel exercise.


Kuwait University
Exercise: Neighborhood Poster

Introduction
Studnets are required to design and compose a poster that illustrates the important environmental
and architectural features of their neighborhoods.

Objectives
Knowledge: To learn about the context of their everyday life experience. To develop ways of
looking at architectural features of the environment.
Ability: To be able to select and photograph the appropriate buildings and environments that
represent their neighborhood.
Skills: To make composition of graphics and draw accurately from pictures, drawings and maps.

Assignment
On a transparent sheet 100 x 70 cm using B&W ink only, develop a composition of graphics, maps,
photographs, drawings, and any other suitable illustration to illustrate the important architectural
features of your neighborhoods.
1. Take several photographs ( 2-3 rolls of films or a large number of electronic shots) of the
important architectural features of your neighborhoods. Mark the location of your photo on the
neighborhood map. Discuss with instructor to select appropriate images.
2. develop a composition that contains at least the following:
- Name of neighborhood
- Neighborhood map
- At least 3 images of the important architecture features of the neighborhood (public buildings,
shopping centers, parks, landmarks, distinguished villas, ... )


Kuwait University
Project: Roundabout Improvement
Objective:
Knowledge: To know how to solve a small architectural problem using precedence. To find
information related to an architectural project or architect.
Ability: To analyze and learn from architectural precedence. To express and discuss architectural
design ideas and concepts.
Skill: To draw a complete small architectural project. To present architectural drawings using pencil
and ink.

Assignment:
Students are required to design a landmark for one of Kuwait’s roundabouts.


Kuwait University
Exercise: The Analysis of an Existing Space (1)

Objective:
Train students to document and analyze existing spaces.

Assignment:
The next series of problems will involve the documentation and analysis of one of the six existing
spaces on campus. In order to prepare for this exercise you should visit all of the spaces listed
below. In your sketch book you should record your observations about the space. Do not merely
draw a "picture" of the space but try to describe it in as objective a way as you can. Some questions
might be:
• What is the underlying geometric order of the space?
• What are the proportions of the space?
• How is light brought into the space?
• How is the space defined?
• What is the relationship between sub-spaces?
• How does the space relate to the context of both the building and the campus?

1. The entrance of Khaledyah Llibrary
2. The entrance of Khaledyah Administration Building
3. The entrance of the engineering building 14 KH
4. The courtyard between the library and administrative building
5. The male students' cafeteria

N.B. No Photos are allowed for this exercise. Use only "sketches".


Kuwait University
Exercise: The Analysis of an Existing Space (2)

Objectives:
To promote the conception of space as a positive entity and understand its definition. To develop an
ability to observe and record architectural phenomena. To introduce analytical and abstract
thinking. To introduce basic drawing and model conventions. To introduce the role of precedent.

Assignment:
Objectives:
Project: Day 1 - During drawing class Each of you will be assigned to an existing space on campus.
You are to record the space in its context in plan and section through direct field observation, with
particular attention payed to the way in which the space is defined and articulated.
Day 2 - On white horizontal 11x17" sheets of paper draw the plan and section, using freehand soft
pencil (B) lines.
Day 3 - Make an abstracted axonometric drawing of the space.
Days 4, 5, 6, and 7 - Make a model of the space. The model is to be made of white board. Make any
required revisions to your to your drawings.


Kuwait University
Exercise: The Abstraction and Analysis of an Existing Space (3)

Objectives:
To encourage abstract thinking. To introduce diagrams as an aid to architectural thinking To
encourage speculation about architectural phenomena

Project:
Now that you have observed, recorded, and represented an existing space you are to engage in a
process of critical speculation about the space. Develop a series of analytical diagrams that
elucidate the issues listed below. In addition to the diagrams you are to draw a cut away worm's eye
axonometric. All material is to drawn using freehand pencil lines on 11"x17" white paper.

Issues:
Geometry - regulating lines
Geometry - form square, circle
Symmetry v. Asymmetry
Space primary/secondary
Multiple and overlapping spatial readings
Center v. Edge
Circulation - sequence and movement
Implied tectonics
Light
Hierarchy
Program
Proportion
Material
Scale
N.B. This list is not exhaustive and you may add other issues

In general the process of abstraction entails the leaving out of information that is not pertinent to a
particular category and the representation of elements that are.


Kuwait University
Exercise: A Studio House

Objective:
This project, the final project of the semester, represents the application of all previously discussed
information regarding form and space, into one project.

Assignment:
This project, the final project of the semester, represents the application of all previously discussed
information regarding form and space, into one project.
The project, a small dwelling, represents the first application of these issues into an architectural
solution. Along with concerns for spatial definition, formal strategy, and a value for craftsmanship
the student is now concerned with the relationships of these formal and spatial ideas to the practical
aspects of architecture, including program, site, and structure.


Architectural Design Basics Syllabus 2004

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