The goal of the first year design studio is to familiarise the student with the basic tools of architecture. The studio combine a series of exercises that relate one to the other. The exercises address a variety of architectural issues, from very basic ideas to complex challenges. We will explore the process of the architectural creation, the sources of inspiration, intuitive and rational thinking, understanding to potential of materials, light and shadow. We will look carefully at building elements, the interior and exterior, the floor and roof, the walls and windows and the choreography of entrances, space and arrival.

The studio will focus on providing the tools of describing in two dimension, three dimensional form: plan, section, and elevation. Different techniques will be employed: free hand sketching, har line drawing, model building and collages.

During the first semester students will design a small building, about 50 sqm. and the program will be developed together.