1st Year

2018 – 2019

EXERCISE 2
SPACE_Synthesis/ Typology/Composition

DESCRIPTION
The theme of this exercise aims to continue the spatial exploration commenced in the
previous one which, through the updrawing of a given space, sought to facilitate the
space understanding and decoding. Additionaly it aimed to develop a certain
familiarity with the rules of representation in architectural drawing.

COMPONENTS
This exercise brings together the synthesis, observation and expression of some basic
typologies / principles of the architectural space.
Exercise 2 has 4 constituent components as follows:
1. synthesis of the previous exercise space;
2. analogy with real space;
3. reimagining a space;
4. space representation in model.

OBJECTIVES
1. synthesis of the previous exercise
- understanding and expressing spatial relationships from Exercise 1;
- deepening the size of space organization principles: repetition, alternation, supra
and sub modulation, symmetry, asymmetry, equilibrium, etc.;
- expressing the character of the previously studied space through a synthesis;
- documentation - in the history of universal architecture (from ancient to
contemporary) on sources available in the the IMUAU library by hand-drawn notes –
of space characteristics using: plans, elevations, sections, axonometries, diagrams,
perspectives and flow sequences (no photocopies);
- spatial definition of hierarchies (major space, secondary space / servant space,
served space / secondary principal);
- spatial qualities expression (closed / open, light / shadow) and the architectural
form (geometry, materiality).

2. analogy with real space precedents

- identification in Bucharest of a real space (interior or exterior) whose compositional
laws concur with the previously expressed synthesis;
- expression in study models and manual drawings of the real space analogy with the
synthesis space.
3. reimagining a space
- the composition of a new space whose character / typology overlaps with the
synthesis space and the real space studied in the previous phases (components).

4. visual representation of the reimagined space in layouts (minimum 3)

- demonstrating the evolution of the project as a learning process;
- developing the skills to express three-dimensional space and to substantiate its
character / typology;
- creativity, originality;
- progressive study in variants.

COMPULSORY ITEMS for each component:

- diagrams;
- isometric axonometry;
- plans;
- 4 elevations;
- 2 sections (one transversal and one longitudinal).
Components might be drafted and presented at scales 1/200 or 1/100 or 1/50
depending on the dimensions of the studied space.

FORMAT
Grouping of drawings on each 50 / 70 cm paper format and implicitly the number of
boards is at student’s choice.
Work might be sustained in teams of max. 3 students having both group and
individual parts.
The drawings will be drafted in ink and other techniques on white paper - 50 /
70cm.
Collages are allowed but drawings or images generated by computer are only
allowed as additional items.

THE MODEL
The model is an essential piece - both as a study tool and as a final representation – it
essentializes the space. It will be built at 1/100 or 1/50 scale or even 1 / 20 if the
studied space requires this degree of details.
The model is not an imitation of reality nor a naturalistic representation of the
object / project. Materials that mimic or refer directly to natural colors / textures are
therefore not admitted: carpet, photo, wallpaper, stone, tiles, grass, and so on.
The model layout will be made in up to 2 of the following 3 possible materials:
balsa wood, cardboard, plaster.
If only one material is used, it is allowed to use MAXIMUM two colors of the
same material.
In addition, transparent plexiglass or transparent film might be used for
glazed surfaces.

2
EVALUATION CRITERIA
- the accuracy of the spatial principles / typologies;
- the richness of variants that informs on the progress;
- the quality of the spatial composition of the reimagined space and the coherence of
the architectural expression;
- correctness and quality of graphic representation and layout.

EXERCISE SCHEDULE
October 22 – Exercise briefing
November 22 – Project delivery

NOTE
Taking into account the 5 weeks dedicated to this exercise and its degrees of
complexity, it is recommended that each architectural design studio organizes a
review / panel discussion once a week. This evaluation will be PART of the final
grade.

Author:
Assoc.Prof. PhD Arch. Françoise PAMFIL