ARCH2111
Introduction to Arch. Design I Studio – Measure
Target Students BSSc 2
Course Term 1
Course Type Studio
Venue Studio
Teacher(s) FERRETTO, Peter W. / XU, Liang / SHINJI, Wataru / WUETHRICH, Caroline / GHELICHI, Pedram
ISSUE
Architecture is a collective effort, not merely the work of an individual. It is a collaborative process that involves various stakeholders, including architects, engineers, clients, contractors, and the community. The two introductory design studios aim to challenge the conventional, individual-based learning approach by encouraging students within the same section to collaborate on a single project, reflecting real-world architectural practice. This collective approach enables students to address complex design challenges more effectively by sharing unique skills and perspectives, assuming different roles, and supporting one another throughout the process.
The first studio centres on the concept of “measure.” Measurement is a fundamental activity that permeates our daily lives. From an early age, we observe our parents measuring our height and weight to track our growth. As we mature, we continue to rely on these measurements to choose appropriate clothing, helping us recognise subtle changes over time. This practice extends beyond our physical selves to how we interact with our living environments. For example, we might reposition a table to “measure” its fit with other furniture in a room. Such measurements are vital, as they engage our bodies and shape our understanding of the spaces around us.
In architectural practice, measurements are equally essential, whether concerning the dimensions of a brick or the layout of elements on a construction site. In Studio Measure, students will explore the fundamentals of architectural design through the lens of measuring the city of Hong Kong, specifically the Central area, which reflects the region’s urban development since the mid-18th century. This hands-on engagement with the urban environment will provide students with first-person experiences, enabling them to interact with and examine the built environment. Such exploration will deepen their understanding of the richness and complexity of the city's spatial dynamics and foster insight into the significance of each dimension and its relationship to human activities.
