D E S I G N + C O N S T R U C T I O N II - W I N T E R 2 0 0 5
School of Architecture - McGill University


Sifnos, Greece, Photo © RLC

PROFESSOR RICARDO L. CASTRO, MRAIC
Teaching Assistant: Mr. Vedanta Balbahadur, M. Arch. 1

SYNDESIS, TOPOTHESIA, AND WABI-SABI:
Drawing, Building, and Thinking

PROJECT 1B (Individual) BRIEF:
Designing and building a sensorial device in concrete.

DATE ISSUED: Monday 04 January 2005
DUE DATE: Monday 07 February 2005, at 9:00 a.m., Room TBA

PROJECT BRIEF

This, the first of two term's project will involve the design of a sensory device. The particular aspects of its program will be analyzed and developed during the first two weeks of the term.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
The theoretical framework that we will attempt to address throughout this term will be informed by explorations of the concepts of "topothesia," tectonics, and "wabi-sabi."

PARTICULAR OBJECTIVES: To develop a comprehensive design solution utilizing concrete in combination with other simple materials. To implement the concept in a small building/object/device 1:1. The project will serve to complement the Japanese idea of "Shakkei" or borrowed views that will be developed in the second project and will be conceived following the principal ideas expressed by the concept of "wabi-sabi."

NOTE: Projects 1 and 2 will run simultaneously.

RLC/D&C2/05