Design concepts, such as symmetry, axis, rhythm, repetition, and spatial organization are also presented. Readings include Wright, Mumford, Jacobs, Le Courbusier, and others. Students develop two analysis projects, including a slide or photographic essay, and a sketchbook of maps, diagrams, and images, exploring the urban environment. Students also create an architectural design, a small structure for a park, roof terrace, or public space, in drawings and models. The final project focuses on public problems and services.
Students examine a complex urban issue, such as recycling, or the homeless.
Existing conditions are discussed, and various solutions are analyzed in a short paper. In some years, public service concepts are implemented through class projects. This workshop seeks to bring students from varying backgrounds together to engage in developing digital new media for the Internet. Because these Web sites are highly visual in character they are referred to as a Virtual Museum. Each student brings to the class a set of experiences and skills, such as research, writing, design, video, audio, photography, film, performance, illustration, computer literacy, software experience or Internet experience.