Social and Environmental Responsibility-Demonstrate knowledge of the history of architecture and understanding of the historical development of architectural theories

Demonstrate knowledge of the history of architecture and understanding of the historical development of architectural theories

Create a visual argument demonstrating the ability to synthesize knowledge across historical frameworks addressing the social and environmental responsibility of architectural design
Field journals are a valuable tool to record observations and build arguments across many disciplines. Architects use field journals to record thoughts, reactions, and observations on-site and to explore a wide range of issues related to architecture.

These can include exploring environments, charting changes in styles, materials, form, and ornament, building connections, and constructing visual arguments.

Create a field journal of architecture that explores an issue or theme related to the social and environmental aspects of architectural design. You are encouraged to explore new interventions in the built environment that would promote social and environmental responsibility. Resources on Canvas examine some of these approaches, including Tactical Urbanism.

Your journal should include photographs and/or sketches and other visual material that addresses your topic or theme and integrate a total of approximately 300-500 words that explains and explores your topic. You may explore space physically or digitally.
Helpful Hints:
Pay close attention to social and environmental factors.
Focus on more than just façades – pay attention to architectural details (doors, windows, hardware, architectural decoration/ornament, etc.), to systems (heating, plumbing, lighting, etc.) and to interiors when possible.
Reflect on the experience of the space, not just visuals – how does it sound, smell, or feel; how is it used; what are people’s attitudes, etc.?
How would different times of day, different seasons, or other factors change your perceptions of the space?
You are encouraged to include urban planning and landscape design in your conception of “architecture” if appropriate to your topic.
Selected Approaches:
Select an area and observe how people use it, take pictures of the space, and explore its architectural/urban design contexts (what do the buildings look like, what styles, uses/functions, etc.). You may want to ask yourself: what seems to work well and what could use some improvement?
Find a parking lot, abandoned/empty lot, or underdeveloped area (even a street or block if you want to do something temporary) and do one or more of the following: turn it into a park, design a community engagement event to use/transform the space (like a festival, fair, or cultural celebration), or turn it into some space that benefits the community.
You could also take an existing building that could use a little love and design a new façade (maybe using a mural, mosaic, or other art/decorative feature), new landscaping, outdoor programing (stage, exhibition space, sculpture court, etc.).
You could also take a street or block and use painted crosswalks, street furniture (light poles, benches, bus enclosures, etc.), landscaping, and art/design elements to improve the pedestrian experience, engage in placemaking, and create a beneficial resource for the local community.

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