Nature and Artifice (ARC2112.01)

Donald Sherefkin

Because architecture seeks to establish a degree of permanence in the world, it is by definition, not natural, a work of human artifice. But our structures are very much of the earth, and the history of architecture is a record of the manifold ways in which cultures have understood, and responded to, their relationship to nature.

This course will explore the ways in which the natural world has been interpreted and modeled. Slide lecture and discussion format. Weekly responses to the readings are required, which will include both writing and drawing. A final presentation is also required.


Learning Outcomes:
The objective of this course will be to develop a deeper understanding of some of the conceptual underpinnings of architecture, both as a communicative language and as an aesthetic pursuit. An essential aspect of this study will be to develop a drawing practice. Through drawing, you will learn to read the orthographic projection systems that are used to describe buildings. An understanding of scale, proportion and order will be gained through these weekly drawing assignments.


Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 2
Tu 2:10PM - 4:00PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: Once a year

Categories: All courses , Architecture , Environment , Fully In-Person
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