International Workshop: Metric Variations
Component code / course code:
Semester: winter / summer
ECTS credits: 5
Lecture hours per week (SWS): 4
Lecturer: Arch.PhD Luca Tommasi
Course language: English
Prerequisite: 2nd year students
Objectives (Learning Outcome): The architecture department offers workshops on different topics addressing the current development and challenges of city planning. The workshop attempts to learn the strategies discussed in practical application and to reflect on them critically.
Lecture topics (content): Metrische Variationen is an experimental atelier that delves into the notions of metrics, rhythm, unit and repetition. These concepts will be applied to elementary architectural themes. The students will be guided into understanding the connection between metrics and architectural figure and form, by exploring poetic, pictorial and musical composition, using drawing as the primary investigation tool. The importance of drawing will be explored, and abstraction will be analyzed and employed as a method of composition and representation. The course is an atelier where theoretical lessons will be the premise of the experimental exercises. The students will be guided into comprehension of poetry, painting, and music, by looking at comparisons and intersections with architectural examples. Every day, a different argument will be faced, and it will flow into a specific architectural element or type that will be developed: the grid, the platform, the linear building, the tower, the ensemble – conceived as the sum of the preceding.
Metrische Variationen consists of two parts: an introduction, where the students will work the first basic exercises and understand general themes and methodologies, and the atelier, where the notions will be applied to the design. An exhibition will conclude the course, to share and discuss the design results.The aim is to provide design tools that can be used regardless of typologies and dimensions: abstraction and composition tools that can be used as a starting point for each design the students are called to work on.
Teaching format (e.g. online/in person lecture/Seminar/Lab etc.): Workshop on campus and online meetings
Examination: Student research project
