Class Process

This is a studio course, which means that we meet and work together for extended periods of time.You are expected to be in class during the entire period of every class. Class activities and processes will include lectures, discussions, assignments, possible field trips, in-studio work time, some computer demonstrations, and feedback on the quality of your work. Being in class allows you to make the most effective use of your time and mine. In addition to these in-class activities I am available during office hours or by phone at home after 6:30 am and before 9:00pm.

Studios are unique experiences within the University. In order for this one to be successful, we must create a safe space — safe for the free expression of ideas that could be "wrong" or that someone else does not agree with, and physically safe from theft of materials and equipment. There will be no replacement budget for University property that is "lost" over the quarter and no one likes it when someone "borrows" their equipment without permission. It takes a great deal of cooperation and teamwork to make the studio experience the high point of your education, but in most cases each group is able to work it out to their satisfaction. The computer is to enhance the class and must be protected and used with care.

Studios are also unique in that the sharing of ideas and coaching each other to improve each product is encouraged and expected. Mere copying and plagiarism will not do; but, to borrow an idea and embellish it and enhance it to fit your own particular application is a way of learning that is richer than doing a project in isolation.

Class Lectures
Lectures will present fundamental concepts, demonstrate skills, and define issues. You are encouraged to ask questions when something is not clear and to contribute your ideas and knowledge. You are also encouraged to attend all school lectures.

Discussions
Discussions will provide opportunities to exchange ideas. This may be done in small groups and/or with the class as a whole. Any topic related to environmental design may be addressed. Participation will be encouraged and is expected. If the class lessons are not covering an area or question of great concern to you, bring it up and we will either schedule time to talk about it or will discuss it when it is presented. The only dumb question is the one not asked. The classes with the most vitality are the ones that create their own lines of inquiry. Everyone has something valid to contribute. Disagreements are perfectly appropriate for such a subjective topic as design; listening to different points of view teaches us all something.

Feedback
All your work counts toward your grade. Sometimes we will make all comments in class as we review the projects. General comments concerning class performance, typical mistakes, and suggestions for improvement will be made to the whole class. It is your job to use this feedback to inform your own design improvements. In addition, you are encouraged to ask for additional feedback during desk crits or by setting up an appointment to meet with me outside of class. Ask, if you are not getting enough. You are in charge of a large part of your own learning.

Individual Conferences
I will be glad to talk with you concerning the course or anything else you would like to discuss. I am a good advisor if you cannot get an appointment with the advising center [05-216]. Feel free to set up an appointment. Because of the limited time I have outside of studio it is necessary for you to schedule an appointment for my office hours. You are welcome to call me at home or leave a message on my answering machine [543-7166]. Please call before 9:00pm. E-mail is also a good way to ask questions, but I usually answer it during lunch hour.

HARMONY

The recognizeable similarity among the parts.