Project II: Atelier Della Rocca-BDR

The atelier will focus on designing a building for the collectivity with a common program and location, which will be assigned at the beginning of the semester. The initial part of the course will be dedicated to research conducted on case studies, with opportunities for discussion in order to build shared knowledge. The following design phase will integrate compositional elements with construction and climate considerations to create a cohesive final proposal. Some intentions will guide our work. Starting with a reflection on typology, we will conceive of architecture as open and generous systems. With sensitivity and a critical spirit, we will question our relationship with places. We will explore the concept of clarity in construction and use resources and materials responsibly.

The atelier aims to encourage students to think critically about the course topics, explore their own insights, and develop them coherently. Certain topics will spark design thinking. Through typological study, students will develop their own position on the topic addressed during the semester. The study and understanding places with the aim of establishing a critical dialogue between the architectural object and its context.

In presence

The atelier will follow a research and design method. During the design phase, the course schedule will alternate between individual review sessions and thematic workshops. Work will take place on different scales, from construction to urban integration. Students will develop their own architectural arguments, moving freely between various design tools, such as models, sketches, drawings, and other digital representations. Physical models will play a central role in the conceptual phase and as design verification tools.

Final critiques and intermediate critiques