Living Architecture (IS_Summer 2022)

Architecture forms the fabric of our cities with buildings that not only provide protected spaces to live, work, learn, worship, and be entertained, but also create urban character. Beyond the advent of steel structures, architecture hasn’t changed very much in the last few hundred years: most buildings have concrete or stone foundations, solid structures made out of wood, steel, or reinforced concrete, glass windows that either open or are sealed shut, and floors that hold people and equipment. Now that we spend most of our time at home, how can we alter this environment to become more responsive and adaptable to our current needs?

In this studio, students will connect with experts in living and responsive architecture, and through materials based research. Students will propose ways we can we break out of the status quo and prototype architectural elements that are adaptable and sustainable. We will research designers such as Philip Beesley, who creates ‘living’ sculptures that breath and undulate in response to the environment and the Prairie House in Illinois that uses color changing cladding technology that darkens and lightens in response to outside temperature. This studio will explore what it means for a structure to be alive and connected to its inhabitants.

In Living Architecture, students will explore the social impact that architecture can have.  They will look at examples of architecture with a social purpose.  Then, students will reflect on common spaces they use as Armenian-Americans and come up with suggestions to improve them for use.  Students will leave this studio with a shifted perspective of their role in their community where they can be active agents.