Architecture Design Studio VI

Code: ARQ02532I

12 ECTS

Duration: 15 weeks/312 hours

Scientific Area: Architecture

Teaching languages: Portuguese, English

Languages of tutoring support: Portuguese, English

Regime de Frequência: Presencial

Sustainable Development Goals

Educação de qualidade - Assegurar a educação inclusiva, e equitativa e de qualidade, e promover oportunidades de aprendizagem ao longo da vida para todos.

Cidades e comunidades sustentáveis - Tornar as cidades e os assentamentos humanos inclusivos, seguros, resilientes e sustentáveis.

Learning Goals

This course unit aims to synthesize the knowledge acquired during the undergraduate program through architectural projects of intermediate complexity and scale, in real-world contexts, with a focus on collective housing, working from the urban scale to building design.
Objectives:
1. Consolidate critical observation and analytical skills and promote the integration of knowledge across conceptual, functional, and constructive domains.
2. Foster design complexity by questioning collective living, integrating different scales (urban, building, and detail), overlapping vertical programs within the same building, and exploring its urban relationship.
3. Develop design skills: master various design tools; refine the ability to communicate the project effectively; resolve spatial and programmatic dimensions; and address the technical, structural, and constructive components of the project (in coordination with the course unit Architecture and Technology II).

The programmatic content is implemented through:
1. Preparation of an analytical essay on collective housing and/or redesigning representative cases as a tool for knowledge acquisition and critical analysis.
2. Development of practical exercises focused on critical interpretation and design on the theme of collective living.
3. Mastery of design tools (freehand drawing, technical hand drawing, CAD, models, 3D simulation tools such as photomontage and collage) to explore innovative and poetic solutions and communicate the project.
4. Understanding and interpreting the characteristics of urban space and its integration with the project.
5. Theoretical classes, participation in conferences, workshops, and study visits, which complement the students' practical training.
The aim is for students to question the qualities of the collective housing program in contemporary times, at the urban scale, the building scale, and the housing unit scale, developing up to technical and material solution

Teaching Methods

Laboratory practice classes, active learning methodologies, and co-teaching. Weekly workload of 12 contact hours, supplemented by 6 hours of tutorial support. A dialogical approach based on content exposition, debates, group discussions, and short workshops focused on solving real-world problems and the collaborative design of projects. In addition to Problem/Project-Based Learning, Studio-Based Learning will also be incorporated into real-world projects. Use of digital resources: utilization of Moodle and Zoom to organize materials and facilitate learning and communication. Use of CAD/BIM software and 3D simulation tools. Transversal skills: communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving. Individual and group support, encouraging collaborative learning. Self-assessment and peer evaluation. Drawing and models as tools for testing and conceptual experimentation.

Assessment

Continuous and formative assessment, encouraging self-reflection and improvement. Assessment is based on project presentations, oral expositions, models, reviews, participation, workshops, study visits, and conferences. Criteria are communicated at the start of the semester, ensuring transparency and student understanding. Students will be encouraged to engage in self-assessment, peer evaluation, and in defining evaluation moments and criteria, fostering their autonomy and critical reflection. Attendance is mandatory (75% of classes). Feedback will be provided throughout the semester, allowing for adjustments and continuous improvement in students? work.
Final Grade=(0.50×nAI)+(0.50×AF), with a minimum passing grade of 10 points.
Where:
N ? number of interim assessments;
AI ? to be agreed upon with students within the first 15 days of the semester;
AF ? regular exam or resit exam.