KEAN UNIVERSITY MICHAEL GRAVES COLLEGE SCHOOL OF PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE

ARCH 2304 Representation 4: A Digital Lexicon | Professor Steenblik

This representation course is closely connected to the accompanying studio and thus seeks to allow for experimentation regarding both the content and the presentation of your work. With the internet continually moving further into ubiquity we seek for a digital presence from this studio. As a part of the complimentary representation course we will be exploring with different novel methods of representing architectural work. As we explore, it will become clear which methods are most compelling / successful. We imagine that those methods will become more heavily leaned upon for the key studio reviews. The intention is that the studio will leave behind an archeological record of your best work. Thus you will be required to maintain your own github webspace for the entirety of the course. That space will be evaluated periodically at key moments throughout the semester.

Much of what drives design are performative aspects of the outcomes, yet if we are only driven by the utilitarian requirements, we will never allow ourselves the opportunity to imagine alternatives. By pushing beyond what is possible we enable new possibilities for the future. This can be referred to as the development of possible futures. This studio builds on the heritage of the digital studios pioneered by Bernard Tschumi. We see the legacy of that effort going on to create such projects as the digital Guggenheim, New City, and has even influenced Hollywood world building see examples from Alex McDowell and the World Building Media Lab at the University of Southern California. Yet this is not the only lineage of computation influencing the future of urban conceptions. We have seen, particularly in the last ten years, the influence of computational methods such as parametric, procedural, and machine learning rework the possibilities of creativity to incorporate computation as a collaborator. Beyond those technical aspects driving creativity and innovation there are other stirrings including more cultural ones such as the post-digital movement which has worked to flatten and colorize predominant conceptions of our future.

The course will focus on technologies that are on the cusp of being incorporated into the architectural lexicon of tools (a digital lexicon). These tools include: Github and its Markdown, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Applications, Photogrammetry, Gaming Engines, Animation, Photospheres / GIF, VR / AR, Real Fake (Premiere/After Effects), and Projection mapping.

SCHEDULE (This schedule is flexible to address the needs of the studio, as revisions and iterations are necessary, some assignments may be revisited for further clarity of the ideas presented):

In addition, the following criteria will guide the determination of the student’s Final Grade:

Grading is based on careful consideration of all the factors listed above and evaluation of all class assignments and course requirements. Please be aware that unexcused and/or excessive absence from class will also impact your grade. Students are responsible for all assignments, even if they are absent. Late assignments, failure to complete the assignments for class discussion and/or critique, lack of meaningful contribution to class discussions or active participation, and lack of preparedness for in-class discussions, presentations, pinups, and/or critiques will jeopardize your course evaluation.

Final grades will be determined by a combination of quality as assessed against all assessment criteria, participation, and individual student growth and performance in determining your final grade. Students need to maintain a Grade Point Average of 3.0 or better to remain in the Program. Students enrolled in the ARCH, BFA and BID [design] programs are required to maintain a 3.0 grade point average in major requirements to continue in the program and to receive the degree. See page 240 in the catalog for more information: http://www.wku.edu.cn/en/org/office-of-registrar/undergraduate-catalog/

Kean University’s Grading Policy is based upon a 4.0 Grade Scale. Kean University’s Grade Scale is as follows:

Information will be provided to students by the instructor via KeanWise. Please see the 2020-2021 Undergraduate or Graduate Catalog for more information.

1. Attend class and reviews on time and participate in discussions. Arriving more than fifteen minutes late or leaving more than 15 minutes early is recorded as an absence. Unexcused absences will affect your Final Grade (three or more will result in a failing grade for the course).

2. Adhere to the Studio Culture Policy of the School of Architecture, which emphasizes creative thinking, ethical behavior and personal commitment.

3. Develop the design project weekly through sketches, drawings, physical models, diagrams, renderings, and other representation techniques; read assigned texts and complete assignments on time.

4. Attendance at all Field Trips is Mandatory. All students should come fully prepared for each Field Trip with

5. Participation in the Thinking Creatively Workshops/Mini-Conference are both mandatory and counted as

6. The assumption is made that all students will strive to acquire a mastery of each assignment. If the work

produced by a student is deemed unsatisfactory, that student will be required to “re-do” the assignment as is necessary until its mastery is achieved. The student will then be invited to commence work on the next

7. Produce all required deliverables to a high level of resolution for each Weekly Pin Up/Review and for both

the Midterm collection of work for evaluation and the Final Review; failure to submit work for Midterm

evaluation or to attend the Final Review on time, with the completed required deliverables, will result in a

8. No mobile device/tablet/laptop use allowed during Studio Class Meeting time, except for Studio Work.

Violations will incur impoundment of offending devices and/or dismissal from the Studio session.

9. Appropriate behavior is expected of all students while in Studio. Any inappropriate behavior will result in

Students are responsible to review and understand the University Academic Integrity Policy (available at the

Students should review the Student Code of Conduct, as it discusses expectations of appropriate conduct in the classroom: http://www.kean.edu/KU/Code-of-Conduct

Kean University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution. Students with documented disabilities

who may need special instructional accommodations or who may need special arrangements in the event of an evacuation should notify the instructor as soon as possible, no later than the second week of the term. Students may contact the Office of Disability Services to discuss special needs.

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs or activities. Sexual harassment in any form will not be tolerated at Kean University. Sexual harassment by students should be reported to the Office of Affirmative Action Programs, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs or the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct immediately.

Information about the University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy may be found at the following:

Wenzhou-Kean University Non-Discrimination Policy: Wenzhou-Kean University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.