The Poetics of an Idea: Theory in Practice

The studio considers perceived expectations of tertiary education, in relation to actual practice. The exercises proposed focus on extending the theoretical approach encouraged during the university experience, into post graduate and professional projects.

University curriculum recognises the potential for innovation and discovery through an acknowledgement of flexibility in project briefs, and allowance for individual interpretation.

The position taken by this studio considers that this encouraged direction of testing ideas and questioning established assumptions, is somewhat dissolved as students graduate and are exposed to the multiple constraints of workplace settings.

In aiming to balance an inequality of practice and theory, ‘The Poetics of an Idea: Theory in Practice’ introduces a paralleled design process, exposing students to the practical process of architectural design, combined with a validated theoretical approach, facilitating the students with the capacity to maintain an architectural idea from inception to completion of a project.

Students will learn to formulate an
idea capable of serving (FUNCTION),
responding to a place (CONTEXT),
resolving its geometry (COMPOSITION)
and materialising itself(CONSTRUCTION).

Site & Concept -

Students are given the option of choosing between various sites, justified through an emphasis on design response principles and site specific projects. The site condition acknowledged, the actual response encourages bilateral thinking and the formation of a considered opinion by justification.

Concept Development -

Positions are investigated in relation to social, environmental, and economic conditions, identifying the relevance and implications of proposed program. The studio questions established assumptions in relation to form, function, and their changing role in the presence of evolving technologies.

Construction Documentation -

The course covers intention and legibility of concept, through excercises focusing on materiality, conveyance of form, and documentation. Perception and approachability are explored and implemented in the final documented works, adapting to various presentation methods.