Course Syllabus

The Dutch Boy’s lead party : a paint book for girls aand boys. 1923. Harn, O. C. (Orlando Clinton), 1871-1zZ

RATIONALE:

Hoping for answers to the origins and cures of human diseases, the Human Genome Project was initiated almost two decades ago. Surprisingly, it revealed that genetic information accounts for only 10% of human illnesses, while the remaining 90% are caused by what we eat, what we wear and most of all which environment we live in. Contrary to general beliefs, many conventional building materials today contain harmful substances, most of which actually comply with regulatory frameworks. Part of the problem might be that the selection of materials during the design process is often subsumed under the rubrics of aesthetics, performance and price. This seminar seeks to retrieve the inherent values of materials by specifically focusing on questions of health, ranging from the scale of the construction detail to broader social and political implications. 

 

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

We will kick off the semester by investigating the domestic environment and highlight challenges associated with a specific material’s application or production. Informed by research, group discussions, readings and input lectures, students will develop a thorough understanding of materials’ composition, production and local application, as well as their associated global issues. Inspired by the wide range of smart, carbon-free, regenerative, healthy, circular, durable and/or affordable alternatives, the seminar will address the stated design problem through material research and product design. Students will investigate and trial questions such as how to produce materials and determine their specifications, how to evaluative their ongoing development within the bigger context, and how to integrate the findings into design projects. The majority of the semester will be dedicated to hands-on experimentations, connecting to (local) resources and designing a low-tech production processes. One of the seminar’s outcome will be a collective database of material samples and datasets. Moreover, each student will develop an individual response to the initial challenge through the design of an (architectural) product utilizing and celebrating the developed material.  

This building technology course is a combination of architectural analysis and in-depth material research, supported by innovative design components as a result of the two former steps. The course will comprise of input lectures, students’ presentations and discussions, as well as weekly assignment work. The seminar will conclude with a final review in an exhibition/ installation format.

This elective calls for very motivated participants, manually and digitally well-versed, with strong interest in novel materials and sustainable circular architecture. 

 

COURSE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES:

Throughout the course of the semester, we will:

• Develop a basic awareness of harmful matter within the built environment

• Understand where and why chemicals of concern are used in building materials and at which 

stage of their life cycle they are most harmful to the occupants’ health and the environment 

• Gain the ability to assess the materials' compositions

• Learn about the new developments in the material industry

• Figure out how the innovative existing and/or self-produced materials could be integrated in the 

construction sector and how this, in the long run, could change the way we build

• Create a physical and digital library of innovative materials

• Address the economic and social injustice in respect to sustainable and healthy homes and

question how designers, architects and engineers can initiate and support change 

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND POLICY:

1. Class attendance and participation policy: Students are required to be present during seminar hours, to attend all scheduled classes, presentations, discussions, reviews, workshops, guest lectures, etc. scheduled during seminar hours in accordance with all University guidelines and protocols. Punctuality for each class is expected. Two or more unexcused absences are grounds for a course failure. 

In case of a justifiable absence (illness, family emergency), please inform your instructor as soon as possible, at least a few hours before class starts. In case of pre-certified religious holidays or pre-certified athletic events, please inform your studio instructor at the beginning of the semester.

2. Course readings: For a list of required and recommended readings, please refer to the additional handout.

3. This is a 3 credit course. 

 

ASSUMPTIONS:

The course is dedicated to students with deep interests in materiality, sustainability and a healthier built environment. It is directed towards advanced students in architecture and related disciplines. 

The students need to have the ability to: 

• Conduct individual in-depth research and draw satisfying conclusions

• Present the findings in form of well-versed presentations, supported by compelling, 

original graphics

• Conduct hands-on experimentation with care, creativity and self-motivation

 

GRADING PROCEDURES:

Grades will be based on: 

• critical thinking, 

• active participation, 

• creative work,

• commitment, 

• team work, 

• quality of production and presentations 

• submissions on time

 

Students missing any required assignment may be subject to grade penalties or failure.

 

20% General class participation (readings and input lectures response/ discussions)

35% Research and presentation assignments

45% Final presentation (content/ presentation/ graphic formatting)

 

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY & PLAGIARISM:

Plagiarism is defined as the use of work or concepts developed by other individuals without proper attribution or citation. Unique ideas or materials taken from another source for either written or oral use must be fully acknowledged in academic work to be graded. Examples of sources expected to be referenced include but are not limited to:

 

1. Text, either written or spoken, quoted directly or paraphrased.

2. Graphic elements (figures, charts, graphs, images).

3. Mathematical proofs and/or scientific data.

4. Concepts or material derived from the work, published or unpublished, of another person.

 

Students should take advantage of plagiarism checkers available on the library website, and for editing and writing assistance they should contact the Columbia Writing Center https://www.college.columbia.edu/core/uwp/writing-center. 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES:

If you have a disability and are registered with the Columbia Disability Services, please use their online system to notify me of your accommodations and discuss your needs with me as early in the semester as possible. I will work with you to ensure that accommodations are provided as appropriate. If you suspect you may have a disability and would benefit from accommodations but are not yet registered with Disability Services, I encourage you to contact them at disability@columbia.edu

 

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS’ HEALTH & WELL-BEING:

I encourage you to take care of your body and mind. Do your best to maintain a healthy lifestyle throughout the semester by eating regularly and well, exercising, avoiding drugs and alcohol, getting enough sleep, and reserving some time to relax. This will help you achieve your goals and cope with stressful situation.

 If you or anyone you know experiences any academic stress, difficult life events, or feelings like anxiety or depression, we strongly encourage you to seek support. Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) is here to help 24/7: call 212-854-2878 and visit https://health.columbia.edu/content/counseling-and-psychological-services

 

RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS:

I am committed to supporting students who wish to practice their religious beliefs. Students are advised to discuss religious absences with their instructors well in advance of the religious holiday so that arrangements for making up work can be resolved before the absence.

A list of religious holidays can be found here:
https://religiouslife.columbia.edu/news/religious-holidays-2023-2024-calendar