Weekly Session Breakdown

Week 1: What Makes Architecture Different?

Big Question: Why do some spaces make you feel amazing while others feel awful?

Session Structure (90 minutes):

• Studio Tour & Introduction (20 min): See our working practice, current projects

• Feeling vs. Analysis Exercise (30 min): Students photograph and discuss spaces that affect them emotionally, learn to articulate why

• Local Architecture Walk (30 min): Document Stevens area buildings, identify what makes each unique

• Sketch Introduction (10 min): Basic architectural sketching techniques

Take-Home: Photo journal assignment - find one building that "works" and one that doesn't, sketch both

Learning Outcome: Students can articulate why spaces succeed or fail beyond "I like it"

Week 2: Reading Buildings Like Books

Big Question: What stories do buildings tell about the people who made them?

Session Structure:

• Review Take-Home Work (15 min): Students share their building analysis

• Architectural Detective Work (35 min): Using local examples, decode clues about age, function, social status, cultural values

• Introduction to Architectural Drawing (30 min): Plan, section, elevation concepts using our studio as subject

• Hand Drawing Practice (10 min): Students sketch studio space in plan view

Materials Provided: Architectural scales, sketch paper, pencils

Take-Home: Measure and draw floor plan of one room in their house

Learning Outcome: Students understand buildings as cultural documents, can create basic architectural drawings

Week 3: From Hand to Computer

Big Question: How do architects use technology to think about space?

Session Structure:

• Hand Drawing Review (10 min): Quick critique of home room plans

• AutoCAD Introduction (50 min): Students digitize their hand-drawn room plan, learn basic 2D commands

• Physical Model Making (25 min): Build cardboard model of their room, understand 3D implications of 2D drawings

• Compare Digital vs. Physical (5 min): Discuss what each method teaches

Software Access: Individual AutoCAD workstations

Take-Home: Students choose a simple building type for final project (shed, treehouse, tiny house, etc.)

Learning Outcome: Basic digital literacy, understanding of plan-to-3D relationships

Week 4: Why Buildings Look The Way They Do

Big Question: How do climate, materials, and culture shape architecture?

Session Structure:

• Project Planning Discussion (15 min): Students present their chosen building type, get initial feedback

• Material Exploration (40 min): Handle local materials (stone, reclaimed wood, brick), understand properties and cultural meanings

• Woodshop Introduction (30 min): Basic safety, tool familiarity, students cut and join simple wood pieces

• Design Principles (5 min): Proportion, scale, materials working together

Hands-On Making: Simple wooden frame construction demonstrating basic joinery

Take-Home: Research historical examples of their chosen building type

Learning Outcome: Understanding of material properties, basic woodworking confidence

Week 5: From Sketch to Structure

Big Question: How do buildings actually stand up?

Session Structure:

• Historical Research Sharing (10 min): Students present examples of their building type through history

• Structural Forces Demo (25 min): Using wood blocks and weights, understand compression, tension, and how loads transfer

• Rhino 3D Introduction (45 min): Students begin 3D modeling their final project

• Construction Logic Discussion (10 min): How structure affects architectural form

Software Training: Basic Rhino navigation and 3D modeling

Take-Home: Continue developing 3D model, consider how their building touches the ground

Learning Outcome: Basic structural understanding, 3D digital modeling skills

Week 6: Making Buildings Smart

Big Question: How is technology changing architecture?

Session Structure:

• 3D Model Progress Review (15 min): Individual feedback on student models

• Sustainability & Energy (35 min): Calculate energy embodied in different materials, discuss sustainable design principles

• Advanced Rhino Techniques (35 min): Students refine their models, add details and context

• AI & Architecture Discussion (5 min): How computers help architects, what remains uniquely human

Focus: Environmental responsibility in design, advanced digital modeling

Take-Home: Finalize 3D model, begin thinking about construction details

Learning Outcome: Environmental consciousness in design, refined digital skills

Week 7: From Computer to Construction

Big Question: How do you actually build what you design?

Session Structure:

• Digital Model Presentations (20 min): Students present their 3D models, get peer feedback

• Construction Details Workshop (40 min): Using examples from our practice, understand how buildings go together

• Physical Model Building (25 min): Students build scale models of their projects using woodshop tools

• Next Steps Planning (5 min): Prepare for final presentations

Hands-On Focus: Translating digital designs into physical models

Take-Home: Prepare final presentation materials

Learning Outcome: Understanding construction logic, ability to move between digital and physical representation

Week 8: Presenting Like a Professional

Big Question: How do architects communicate their ideas?

Session Structure:

• Presentation Skills Workshop (30 min): Learn professional presentation techniques, graphic layout principles

• Individual Coaching (40 min): One-on-one help preparing final presentations

• Practice Presentations (15 min): Students rehearse with peer feedback

• Setup for Final Week (5 min): Prepare exhibition space

Focus: Communication skills, professional presentation development

Take-Home: Final presentation preparation

Learning Outcome: Professional presentation skills, confidence in public speaking

Week 9: Exhibition & Future Pathways

Big Question: Where does architecture education lead?

Session Structure:

• Final Presentations (45 min): Students present projects to invited audience (parents, local professionals)

• Group Critique & Celebration (25 min): Reflect on learning journey, celebrate accomplishments

• Career Pathways Discussion (15 min): Architecture school, related careers, next steps

• Course Evaluation & Alumni Network (5 min): Feedback collection, staying connected

Special Event: Mini-exhibition of student work, community invited

Portfolio Piece: Students leave with professional-quality project documentation

Learning Outcome: Confidence in design abilities, understanding of architecture career paths