architecture

In our second course unit, we continued our discussion on form, narrative, and meaning with a focus

on the idea of narrative in design. We worked toward a definition of the term narrative and then

expanded our definition to include architectural narratives as they relate to design intentions. We

made a basic distinction between design intentions that seek to represent abstract quantities, terms

and/or operations and design intentions that seek to explicitly represent human experience by telling a

"story". We spent some time reviewing basic categories of architectural narratives with illustrative

historical examples and told stories about architectural making from the perspectives of structure,

materiality, inhabitation, context, convention and tradition. Finally, we began to discuss the ideas of

legibility, expressive content and representation as they relate to architectural design.

To evaluate your understanding and knowledge of what we have discussed in the final course unit,

please answer the following questions. Each of your responses should be typed, approximately 200-

250 words, and follow the basic argument form we reviewed in class (please consult the online rubric

for making a logical argument).

You will be graded on the form and content of your responses. Your typed responses should be

single spaced, use an 11-point font, and the pages should have 1" margins. Accurately type out the

question(s) being answered above your response in italics. Errors in format, punctuation, grammar,

and spelling will be negatively graded. In all your responses, you must state clear premise(s) and use

evidence drawn directly from the lectures to support your arguments. You may also defend your

arguments based on the readings and research.