ION MINCU UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM, BUCHAREST

DEPARTMENT OF INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN THE FIRST

ACADEMIC YEAR, 2014 - 2015
EXERCISE 5
Structure / space (free plan or plan structure)
ATELIER AN ARTISTS HOME
The theme of Exercise 5 is a vertical extension of the free plan or structure dealt with in its
horizontal approach in the previous exercise. The vertical approach adds a new dimension
connected with multi-dimensional multiplication of both spaces and visual axes, making a
spatial route or what Le Corbusier would call architectural promenade.
1. Objectives
1.1 To teach free plan or structure and the relationship between constructive structure and
spatial form; relations along the vertical, diagonal visual directions, spatial route;
1.2 To teach house space as function (filter/distribution/concentration), use (served
spaces/servant spaces), zoning (day/night); dimensional elements;
1.3 To teach the definition of space (strong/weak limits, real/virtual transparency); spatial
qualities (closed/open, light, shade); architectural form (geometry, materiality).
2. Programme
Students are required to design a house, including a plastic artists home and atelier, on a 15.00
x 25 m flat rectangular terrain, with its short side facing the street.
The terrain, located in a green area with no buildings nearby, could be delimited partially or
totally by a precinct wall or let as it is, with no boundaries whatsoever. No matter what, the
terrain limits should be taken into consideration as being part of the design. The element that
sets the plan in order is a 10.80 x 10.80 m structural grid composed of 3.60 x 3.60 m 27 squares
inter-axis. The structural grid is the dominant element, while its formal and spatial expression is
the defining element of architectural conception. The vertical load-bearing structure is made of
reinforced concrete composed of square section posts (0.30 x 0.30 m) placed on the
intersections of axes. The horizontal load-bearing structure is of reinforced concrete and made
of square section beams (0.30 x 0.30 m) placed along the axes and apparent reinforced concrete
flooring, having a total thickness (concrete + flooring) of 0.30 m, equal to the height of beams.
The total thickness of the roof (slab, insulations, attic) will vary according to the intentions of
each design.
Exterior closing will be done with walls (non-load bearing) and glazed areas. The exterior
closing wall will be 0.30 m thick, while those of interior compartmentalization will be of 0.15 m
thick. Walls will be places only along the two perpendicular axes of the grid, along or parallel to
them, inside or outside the 10.80 x 10.80 perimeter, without extending more than 1.50 m
beyond. If justified by the architectural solution, free or structure, by elements of structure like
posts or beams, they can be incorporated within exterior or interior walls. Equally, one can do
without them, yet only if they are place inside, as it is the case of spaces stretching up along
more than an upper level, necessary for the staircase or other major functions. However, the
presence of grid as a space ordering element should not be affected.
Students should design a three floor atelier, containing the ground floor and two upper floors.
The design should contain spaces stretching up on more than one level than those necessary for
the staircases. The elevation o interior flooring is of 0.30 m as to the exterior level of the terrain.

ION MINCU UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM, BUCHAREST

DEPARTMENT OF INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN THE FIRST
ACADEMIC YEAR, 2014 - 2015
The free interior height is of minimum 3.30 m, while some spaces must stretch up along 2 floors
at least. The upper closing is horizontal, unbroken or uneven as to height; in the latter case, the
unevenness of different zones should be geometrically and structurally correlated with the 3.60
x 3.60 m grid.
Students should take into consideration the following spaces:
1) an access and distribution space;
2) a major space for work;
3) a space to welcome visitors, for discussions, etc.;
4) a dining area with a kitchenette;
5) exhibition spaces disseminated in the spaces mentioned in 2,3 and 4;
6) a resting space with a king-size bed and clothes storage;
7) a restroom (WC, basin and shower) located in such a way that can be accessed both from the
work area, the welcoming guest area, and the resting area; (depending on the solution, a
restroom or a bath is accepted);
8) spaces connecting interior and exterior roofed or unroofed terraces.
Interior spaces mentioned in 1-7 should cover cca. 200 sq m and will be located/freely
associated according to grid, their reciprocal relations and functional logic. In principle, the
emphasis will be laid on the continuity of space and visual relations among various levels.
3. Exercise content
3.1 Drawings:
- ground floor plan (including the entire terrain and exterior arrangements) and plans of the
first floor and second floor, respectively scale 1:50 (plans should be furnished, not marked in
terms of elevation);
- 4 elevations- scale 1:50;
- 2 sections - scale 1:50.
Students are free to choose how to group pieces on each drawing and, implicitly, the number of
drawings.
1
Students could draw in touche ink or other techniques, colour, on white
50x70cm format paper. Collages are not accepted; computer drawn images are only accepted as
additional pieces, besides the compulsory ones.
3.2 Scale model
The model is the principal piece, both as instrument of study and final representation. It will
include both the whole terrain and exterior arrangements and will be made to a 1:50 scale.
A scale model does not imitate reality; it is not a naturalistic representation of the object.
Materials that imitate or have direct reference to natural colours/textures like fixed carpet,
photo wallpaper, stone, etc., are not accepted. The model will be made exclusively of two
materials, such as wood, cardboard, plaster. If one material is chosen, students are allowed to
use two colours of the chosen material. Additionally, for glazed areas transparent plexiglass
sheets will be used.

4. Evaluation criteria

ION MINCU UNIVERSITY OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBANISM, BUCHAREST

DEPARTMENT OF INTRODUCTION TO ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN THE FIRST
ACADEMIC YEAR, 2014 - 2015
-respecting the structural grid and the principle of free or structural chosen plan,
approached vertically;
-logic of functional solution;
- quality of spatial composition, coherence of architectural expression;
- accuracy and quality of graphic representation and model.
5. Unfolding of the design work
Vineri 27 martie 2015 theme brief
Vineri 15 mai 2015 - submission of designs followed by presentation in front of the jury of the
year of study.
6. Bibliography
CURTIS W.J.R. Le Corbusier. Ideas and Forms, Phaidon Press Ltd, London, 1986, capitolele
6 Houses, Studios
and Villas i 8 Villa Savoye.
FRAMPTON K. Le Corbusier, Hazan, Paris, 1997, capitolul 5 Une maison, un palais.
ROWE C. Transparency:Literal and Phenomenal in The Mathematics of the ideal Villa and
Other Essays, MIT Press,
Cambridge Mass., 1982.

ef lucr. dr. arh. Dan MARIN