Studio Booklet - School of Architecture

ArchitectureCUHK
Foundation
Habitation
Technics
Tectonics
Urbanization
Design Studios
2007 -2008

foundation
kelly chow
thomas chung
miho hirabayashi
johnny wong
The challenge in the foundation studio is to introduce architecture as a formal subject in
terms of the students’ prior experience. It introduces fundamental concepts and principles,
and the structure of the programme for the following years.
The city is the ultimate and most complex form in the evolution of architecture. It contains
all elements, influences and forms within the scope of architecture. Thus the city can be
regarded as a work of architecture itself as well as an embodiment of architecture as
a whole: its history, technology, and building types. It can offer a tangible context for the
study and the practice of architecture. The question of how to study architecture can
effectively be replaced with the more tangible question of how to study the city.
3

The Year I program demonstrates a simple strategy for participating in the study of architecture. The primary
agenda of the Year 1 program is to understand and illustrate the field of architecture by introducing integrative
questions for study; questions which are at once parenthetically focused pursuits, and constituents of a
continuous architectural dialogue.
The programme is structured on the thought that architecture exists in a universe of significant built forms;
the simplest of which is the house, and the most complex of which is the city. Our studies concentrate on
understanding the elements of built forms, the process of growth of form, historically, and the process of design
of form, individually.
In the first year of the program, design studios are concerned with the study and design of two basic forms;
the hut and the house. The design of these basic forms is understood as two occasions to study one thing -
architecture - and that within these two occasions is the entire field of architecture.
Organization
The course consists of studio work on projects and exercises. The work is intended to draw upon the
students previous experience and education, and serve as a basis for learning by direct observation,
experimentation and discovery. Group sessions offer the opportunity to discuss, reflect and draw from the
work done.
The class is divided into four studio groups (refer to class list).
Assessment
Grading is done collectively amongst all tutors, considering the term’s work, to arrive at a final course grade.
Evaluation of work will be based on three criteria: knolwedge, skill and focus.
knowledge of architecture
skill in the application of this knowledge in design; and
focus in the process of design.
Projects in Design are interrelated and inform each other. They are to be seen as a single work of study
continually incorporating the students’ gained knowledge and skill.
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term1
pavilion
a pavilion is a room - singular and complete in itself
a pavilion is a building, providing shelter, comfort and service
a pavilion is about itself and about the history of architecture
a pavilion embodies many things by focusing on one thing
a pavilion is a pure expression of an idea in architectural terms
The program of eduction in any subject is like a network of paths in a field. It does not cover the field, it makes it accessible.
term2
house
at the simplest level, three kinds of places seem to define the human world and are necessary
elements of any complete human environment:
• place of work
• place of gathering
• place of solitude
a house provides, in its essential form, these three places
a house is the basic unit of form architecture, as the family is the basic unit of form in society
a house is the prototypical form for all building types that follow
5

2007
Architecture is the world that we make out of
the world that we find. In architecture, as in
any field of design, FORM is the central aspect.
We design; we give form to our intentions.
We study other designs as the forms other
intentions have taken. We study the world as a
world of forms - both natural and artificial.
The hut is regarded as the zero point
of architecture. It is perhaps the purest
of built forms in that it has no particular
function and in a primitive sense can
serve all functions. As the hut is by
nature a basic architectural type, it
provides the basis for a rigourous
study of two important concerns in
architecture: the room as a unit of
space and the room as an assembly of
parts (floor, wall, roof).
A room is a recognizable entity;
a defined/definable space. It
describes an area of enclosure, and
it marks a space in a continuum.
The ROOM can also be considered
the simplest unit in the making of
buildings. Although the functions
may differ, there are common
architectural qualities. to all rooms.
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2008
家
The house is the basic unit of form in architecture,
The
as the family is the basic unit of form in society.
In its essential form, a house provides:
PLACE of GATHERING
PLACE of WORK
PLACE of SOLITUDE
rituals with an ongoing social and architectural
history. Some forms, such as rooms, are
contained within the house; other forms, such
as public buildings, are extended from it. The
house is the “ground cover” of the city; it makes
the city and is made by the city.
city is the ultimate and most complex form in the
evolution of architecture. It contains all elements, influences
and forms within the scope of architecture. Thus the city
can be regarded as a work of architecture itself as well
as an embodiment of architecture as a whole: its history,
technology, and building types. It can offer a tangible context
for the study and the practice of architecture. The question
of how to study architecture can effectively be replaced with
the more tangible question of how to study the city.
7

2007
sec 1:
sec 2:
sec 3:
sec 4:
tba
kelly chow
miho hirabayashi
johnny wong
Section Making Dwelling Case Study Pavilion
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06.09.2007
10.09.2007
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17.09.2007
19.09.2007
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24.09.2007
26.09.2007
27.09.2007
01.10.2007
03.10.2007
04.10.2007
08.10.2007
10.10.2007
11.10.2007
15.10.2007
17.10.2007
18.10.2007
19.10.2007
22.10.2007
24.10.2007
25.10.2007
29.10.2007
31.10.2007
01.11.2007
05.11.2007
07.11.2007
08.11.2007
12.11.2007
14.11.2007
15.11.2007
19.11.2007
21.11.2007
22.11.2007
26.11.2007
27.11.2007
28.11.2007
29.11.2007
30.11.2007
01.12.2007
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Introduction
Site Visit 1
REVIEW - Section Through the City
Work Shop
Life Drawing
REVIEW - Making
HOLIDAY (Mid Autumn Festival)
HOLIDAY (National Day)
Workshop - Performance
REVIEW - Dwelling
Workshop - Materiality
Workshop - Fabrication
HOLIDAY (Cheung Yeung Festival)
Workshop (tba)
REVIEW - Case Study
Site Visit 2
Life Drawing
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
8

2008
sec 1:
sec 2:
sec 3:
sec 4:
tba
thomas chung
miho hirabayashi
johnny wong
Section Case Study House
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03.01.2008
07.01.2008
09.01.2008
10.01.2008
14.01.2008
16.01.2008
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21.01.2008
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28.01.2008
30.01.2008
31.01.2008
04.02.2008
06.02.2008
07.02.2008
11.02.2008
13.02.2008
14.02.2008
18.02.2008
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25.02.2008
27.02.2008
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03.03.2008
05.03.2008
06.03.2008
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17.03.2008
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31.03.2008
02.04.2008
03.04.2008
04.04.2008
07.04.2008
09.04.2008
10.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
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Site Visit - Tokyo (03-06.01.2008) tbc
REVIEW - Section Through the City
HOLIDAY (Lunar New Year)
REVIEW - Case Study
HOLIDAY (Easter)
HOLIDAY (Ching Ming)
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
9

habitation
wallace chang
puay peng ho
eymen homsi
bernard lim
li shiqiao
esther lorenz
Habitation begins as the routines of life take place and develop significant form. The form
becomes significant as its ambiance, its conditions of light, its geometry, its relationship
to other forms embody symbolic significance. It is not merely a response to immediate
functions but also the embodiment of myths, customs, and beliefs. The distance between
two persons in conversation, the seating arrangement around a room or a table, the place
Section E
of entry into a room, the shape of gathering around an event, a procession. These are
captured in art, folklore, literature, and customs in various cultures, and have given timeless
significance to art, literature, and architecture. They enable a work of architecture to
capture the entire history and culture of a community – the past, present, and future – in
a single act.
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Habitation is a mode of design that links architectural space and human activity. Habitation transforms archetypal functions (entry,
gathering, worship, exchange, work, contemplation, etc.) into architectural spaces, using as guidelines a) the experience of space and b)
the uses of space.
The Experience of Space
The link between architectural space and human activity begins with the bodily sensation space. From this simple premise a number of
topics follow, each of which can be isolated and studied in more detail:
Space and Movement:
The sensation of movement through space (kinesthetic) orientation and alignment - the orchestration of sequences of space
- the sensation of enclosure or release - the sensation of distance and proximity - the hierarchies of space - spatial expression
through spatial dynamics - the design of the path.
Space and Sensation:
Optic sensation: the eye as the register of space, and in particular the capacity of the moving eye to confer depth, duration, and
experience to static space - the introduction of the moving eye as a design factor/tool - visual space, i.e. space that offers itself
to the inspection of the moving eye - the perception of solid and void and in particular of space as a sculpted void - the role
and uses of color.
Haptic (touch) sensation: the perception of textures, materiality, and with these the entire domain of architectural expression
through detail - the perception of weight.
Auditory sensation: highly significant parallel to visual space in the overall perception of space, especially in understanding
distance, depth, materiality.
Space and light: the presence and modulation of light, including the effect of the alternation of night and day - the role and
effect of shadows - light as an analogue to vision; transparency, translucency, and opacity.
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The Uses of Space:
The uses of space form a crucial link between human activity and architecture. These can be studied in a variety of ways in term of
how space addresses functional, symbolic, and social needs.
Symbolic Uses of space
Every human activity, and every space for that activity, possesses an ordinary as well as a symbolic dimension. If ‘programme’
can be said to refer to the ordinary dimension of use, then ‘occasion’ might refer the symbolic aspects. Both designations are
necessary. Each can be seen as a variations on the other. Each contains the other.
It is the task of design to orchestrate the ‘programme’ in the service of the ‘occasion’, and, in doing so, to reinvent their
relationship. A number of programmes may serve an occasion or, alternately, a programme may serve a number of occasions.
In all cases, however, the pair constitutes the same relationship between the ordinary and the symbolic, the everyday and the
special, the mundane and the poetic. In architectural terms this relationship has been designated in many ways: servant space
and served space, ground and figure, fabric and monument, function and expression (or representation), abstract space and
event space (or social space).
Functional Uses of Space
Plan organization is the domain of habitation design. It involves the study of the of plan in terms of use, hierarchy, relative sizes,
programme components, and general layout. It ranges from the study and layout of the diagram, with primary or archetypal
activities (entry gathering and circulation spaces), to the organization of complex spaces involving resolved relationships of
programme, site, and activity.
Organization
The Habitation Studio is organized into 3 sections, corresponding to 2nd year, 3rd year, and MArch 1 year. The
sections are independently taught, but they share design exercises (Studio Project and School Project), and are
connected through joint reviews, lectures, workshops, and other activities.
Assessment
30 % for Studio Project
70 % for School Project
The student has to pass the School Project to earn the term grade.
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2007
Both terms will investigate the threatened urban village of Nga Tsin Wai in Kowloon, currently in public debate.
The studio will focus on different aspects each term. Term one will be devoted to the theme of the village
as “place of exchange”, in conjunction with the overall design theme for the studios for Term 1. The overall
theme for Term 2 is yet to be determined. The studio will propose solutions to enhance and preserve the
village, with each student responsible for one or more structures within the collective.
Studio Project
The Studio Project is a five-week exercise that explores design issues from the habitation point of view. The
intent of the exercise is to identify basic habitation themes, to establish a vocabulary of terms, to develop a
working method, and to serve as the starting point for the School Project. The insights gained from the School
Project may be usefully extended to the School Project. Students will study the questions emphasizing the
distinctions of place. Due attention will be paid to spatial subtleties as they relate to human use.
School Project
The details for the School Projects will be handed out separately in each section. They will involve places of
exchange for Term 1, and to be determined for Term 2. The site for all three sections will most likely be the
urban village of Nga Tsin Wai.
Lectures
A series of lectures will take place on selected dates, presented by the studio faculty. The lectures will
introduce the Studio and School Projects, the themes of habitation studio, the process of design, the uses
of the diagram, the development and organization of the plan, and other studio related topics. A selection
of readings will be provided to accompany lectures. Lectures will be occasions for a gathering of the three
sections.
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2008
References Rudolf Arnheim, The Dynamics of Architectural Form (Berkeley : University of California Press, 1977)
Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space, tr. Maria Jolas (Boston: Beacon Press, 1969)
Mircea Eliade, The Sacred and the Profane (Florida: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, Inc., 1959)
Karsten Harries, The Ethical Function of Architecture (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1998)
Martin Heidegger, Poetry, Language, Thought, tr. Albert Hofstadter (New York: Harper and Row, 1975)
Henri Lefebvre, The Production of Space, tr. Donald Nicholson-Smith (Cambridge MA: Basil Blackwell, 1991)
Christian Norberg-Schulz, Architecture: Presence, Language and Place (Milano: Skira Editore, 2000)
Juhani Pallasma, The Eyes of the Skin: Architecture and the Senses (London, Academy Edition, 1996)
15

2007
year 2
year 3
march1
esther lorenz
eymen homsi
wallace chang
Studio Project
School Project
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
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12
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03.09.2007
05.09.2007
06.09.2007
10.09.2007
12.09.2007
13.09.2007
17.09.2007
19.09.2007
20.09.2007
24.09.2007
26.09.2007
27.09.2007
01.10.2007
03.10.2007
04.10.2007
08.10.2007
10.10.2007
11.10.2007
15.10.2007
17.10.2007
18.10.2007
19.10.2007
22.10.2007
24.10.2007
25.10.2007
29.10.2007
31.10.2007
01.11.2007
05.11.2007
07.11.2007
08.11.2007
12.11.2007
14.11.2007
15.11.2007
19.11.2007
21.11.2007
22.11.2007
26.11.2007
27.11.2007
28.11.2007
29.11.2007
30.11.2007
01.12.2007
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Introduction
Lecture 1
Lecture 2
HOLIDAY (Mid Autumn Festival)
REVIEW - march1
HOLIDAY (National Day)
REVIEW - year2
REVIEW - year3
Lecture 3
Lecture 4
HOLIDAY (Cheung Yeung Festival)
Lecture 5
REVIEW - march1 - midterm
REVIEW - year2 - midterm
REVIEW - year3 - midterm
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
16

2008
year 2
year 3
march1
esther lorenz
li shiqiao
bernard lim
Studio Project
School Project
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
07.01.2008
09.01.2008
10.01.2008
14.01.2008
16.01.2008
17.01.2008
21.01.2008
23.01.2008
24.01.2008
28.01.2008
30.01.2008
31.01.2008
04.02.2008
06.02.2008
07.02.2008
11.02.2008
13.02.2008
14.02.2008
18.02.2008
20.02.2008
21.02.2008
25.02.2008
27.02.2008
28.02.2008
03.03.2008
05.03.2008
06.03.2008
10.03.2008
12.03.2008
13.03.2008
17.03.2008
19.03.2008
20.03.2008
21.03.2008
24.03.2008
26.03.2008
27.03.2008
31.03.2008
02.04.2008
03.04.2008
04.04.2008
07.04.2008
09.04.2008
10.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
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Introduction
Lecture 1
Lecture 2
Lecture 3
HOLIDAY (Lunar New Year)
REVIEW - year2
REVIEW - year3
REVIEW - march1
Lecture 4
Lecture 5
Lecture 6
REVIEW - year2 - midterm
REVIEW - year3 - midterm
REVIEW - march1 - midterm
HOLIDAY (Easter)
HOLIDAY (Ching Ming)
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
17

technics
edward ng
jin-yeu tsou
andrew li
bruce lonnman
shinya okuda
Architecture is both an interior and an exterior experience. The best architecture comes
from a synthesis of all of the elements that separately comprise a building; from its
relationship to the streetscape or skyline to the structure that holds it up, the services that
allow it to work, the ecology of the building, the material used, the character of the spaces,
the use of light and shade, the symbolism of the form and the way in which it signals its
presence in the city or the countryside.
(Sir Norman Foster)
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With a focus and emphasis on the role of building technology in design, the Technics
Studio strives to address generic architectural issues holistically while applying the
knowledge of building science in the development of architectural form. Technics implies
an understanding of building science and its relationship to design. It is not a training
course for building technicians or technical staff in a design office. Students in the technics
studio engage issues involved in the making of buildings. These present both opportunities
and challenges that relate to architectural theories, design technologies, critical innovations
and pragmatic processes.
For technics studio, an investigation of generic issues provides a context for understanding
the natural environment and its impact on the design of buildings. With respect to
structure, material and form, students receive guidance on realizing the design intention
through strategic selection of what and how to make. A systematic approach beginning
with the identification of environmental factors, measurement and analysis of natural
forces, conceptual design proposals and the creation of scale model prototypes, is applied
in a progressive manner throughout the design exploration process. The pedagogy is
constructed according to specific goals, performance requirements and clear methodologies
in order to understand the design issues regarding “selecting systems, configuring the
logos, and sizing the members”. Through the collaboration between studio instructors,
research staff, and outside practitioners, these investigations are approached as spatial and
systematic experiments. Students are encouraged to conduct self-initiated learning and
to make critical judgments regarding architectural hypotheses, research directions, and
design proposals. The result of this process is not so much an “end product” but rather
a sequence of “materialized stages” towards excellence. The studio provides a setting
for students to enrich their knowledge of building technology, to design, build and test
prototypes for performance, and to acquire insight into design approaches that accept
sustainable design as a necessary goal.
Key Characteristics
1. The force of nature. The studio takes the
fundamental of natural forces – gravity, light,
wind, air movement, thermal, etc. – as the
primary design generators of architecture
and architectural ideas.
2. The being of materials and making
processes. The studio takes the quality and
tactile being of materials and studies the
composition and assembly. Since materials
themselves inspire how architecture is
created, students are to develop skills of
making things and to have “joyful” dialogue
with their creations during the processes.
3. Demos and performance-based
approach. Making prototypes and
experimental proofs for exploring the
design concepts is one important means
to understand the realm and boundaries
of natural and physical rules. With the
support of a technical advisor and research
staff, simulation tools will be applied to
design proposals to better understand the
performance and behavioral characteristics
of building subsystems.
4. Design technology and manufacturing.
The studio encourages students to enrich
the experience of design by introducing
digital technology tools, rapid prototyping
and other advanced production processes,
materials testing, architectural fabrications,
site visits and simulation into the studio.
20

Pedagogy
Organization
The pedagogy will adopt a tripartite cycle where theory-fabrication-testing in a triangular cyclic pattern,
progresses from a simple component towards a system for architecture. For studio and school project, interim
reviews will be conducted among different studio groups to encourage group learning and to feedback on
project progress. Immediate after the studio project review, an internal course evaluation will be carried
out to collect student feedback for course improvement, and the teaching team will also schedule individual
discussion session with students to advice on learning related issues.
Based on the theoretical position and educational objectives of the Technics Studio, Year 2 and 3 students will
focus on the fundamental topics of Material and Structure as a core interest. Lighting and Ventilation are seen
as derivative issues with a peripheral impact on design. On the other hand, MArch I students will develop
a comprehensive architectural solution with a specific professional focus such as sustainable design, digital
fabrication, urban ventilation, advanced structure, etc. It is intended that this approach will prepare students for
MArch 2 programs involving an individual thesis.
The undergraduate studio is organized in two formats, Studio and School projects. The studio project is
structured vertically among Year 2 & 3 students, and is conducted collectively according to a key thematic
focus, which establishes a common knowledge base for the entire studio. In contrast, the School project will be
organized horizontally by year to provide individual students an opportunity to integrate the knowledge base
with specific architectural issues. Throughout the entire term, technical subject advisors will be invited to give
lectures and conduct workshop sessions to assist students to acquire needed skills and specific knowledge.
The advisors will also be invited to join the studio reviews.
Assessment
References
Following the decision of the curriculum committee, the studio project will be 30% of the term grade and the
school project will be 70% of the term grade. As for MArch 1, design process will be 30% of the term grade
and the final presentation will be 70% of the term grade. Each student must pass the school project (final
presentation) to earn a passing term grade.
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things, William McDonough & Michael Braungart, North Point
Press, 2002.
Timber Construction Manual, Birkhäuser, 2004 (and Other ‘Construction Manual’ series ).
Refabricating Architecture, Stephen Kieran & James Timberlake, McGraw-Hill, 2004.
Studies in Tectonic Culture, Kenneth Frampton, MIT Press, 1995.
Light Structures, Joerg Schlaich & Rudolf Bergermann, Prestel, 2004.
Structure Systems, Heino Engel, Verlag Gerd Hatje, 1999.
21

2007
arc 4120
Frame and Envelope: An Investigation of Additive Assembly
The joint represents an articulation where different materials or components meet and connect. It makes
possible the assemblage of individual, often repetitive components into a larger system. In building structures
joints are essential in creating long-span supports such as trusses and frames. The joint has an important
functional requirement of insuring stable and strong connection between building components. In addition, the
design of a joint has the potential for visual expression reinforcing the tectonic character of the work.
Studio Project
The studio project will explore assembly and connection in the design of a prototype roof structure. Students
working in teams will develop, construct and test reduced scale (1:10) performance models of a proposed
roof structure and covering. A limited range of materials and fabrication processes will be employed to
investigate relationships between materials, connections and the configuration of roof system components.
Teams combining year 2 and year 3 students will collaborate in making and testing a range of prototypes
feasible for development as roof structures of moderate span (15-25m).
School Project
A Place of Exchange: Shenzhen Biennale Urbanism and Architecture 2007 (SZB)
The 2007 Shenzhen Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture (SZB), to be held from December 2007 to
March 2008, will be located in an industrial park district in Shezhen known as the Overseas Chinese Town.
The exhibition space will be housed in two former industrial buildings near the Contemporary Art Terminal
(OCAT). The Shenzhen Biennale Curatorial Committee is planning to construct a temporary pavilion to
connect two separate main exhibition site (Yr 3 project - interPavilion), as well as a bridge to connect two
exhibition buildings symbolically and functionally (Yr 2 project - roofBridge).
arc 5121
“Cradle To Cradle” - An Exhibition Booth of Tomorrow
Humans are capable of much more elegant environmental solutions than the ones we’ve settled for in the last halfcentury.
(©2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.)
Challenge:
Client:
Motto:
Design and build “An Exhibition Booth of Tomorrow”
British Council, Hong Kong
“If you show me anything that I can recognize, you will fail”
22

2008
arc 4120
Surface and Void: An Investigation of Subtractive Construction
Whereas steel and timber frame construction is essentially an additive process involving prefabricated
components and on-site assembly, monolithic concrete and masonry construction might be thought of as
subtractive in nature; openings in the exterior surface representing the absence of structure. Technics explores
the long-span technical challenge and formal characteristics of this type of construction.
Studio project
The studio project involves an investigation of structure, material and form. This exercise in making and testing
funicular form provides base knowledge informing the school project.
School project
Program and site will be determined in conjunction with the term theme. However, the project in the spring
term will involve the design of a building whose long-span structure and formal configuration are guided by
principles of structural efficiency and material conservation. In this sense the school project builds on the
knowledge and insights gained in the studio project.
arc 5121
Re-Fabricating Taipei Railway Workshop - A Place of Exhibition
Following the methodology and technology developed in the Yungang Project of the Spring 2007, another
project combining technics and humanity subjects has been formulated for Spring 2008. Taipei Railway
Workshop (TRW) was build in 1931 by Japanese engineers, it is the valuable life industrial site located in
one of the major expensive down town districts of Taipei City. The decision to make this historical industrial
building as the cultural heritages has been made by the city government, but the existing site needs to be
re-developed to address the challenge generated by the future land use development. In this connection, the
project is proposed to re-structure and innovate the original historical building site with the nearby urban
context as a new cultural landscape of the region.
This project involves the preservation of the valuable historical industrial buildings in the site of the workshop
as ‘Life Preservation’ and suitable new function programs will be investigated and introduced to the program
regarding architectural design, urban planning, preservation techniques, building programming, construction
technology, materials.
23

2007
year 2
year 3
march1
bruce lonnman
shinya okuda
edward ng
Singapore
(top)
(above)
The Esplanade
Expo Metro Station
M1 Project
march1
Studio Project
year 2+ 3
HOLIDAY (National Day)
REVIEW - Studio Project
School Project
1
2
3
Singapore (18-21.10.2007)
REVIEW - interim
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
4
5
6
7
Shenzhen Biennale Opening
8
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13
03.09.2007
05.09.2007
06.09.2007
10.09.2007
12.09.2007
13.09.2007
17.09.2007
19.09.2007
20.09.2007
24.09.2007
26.09.2007
27.09.2007
01.10.2007
03.10.2007
04.10.2007
08.10.2007
10.10.2007
11.10.2007
15.10.2007
17.10.2007
18.10.2007
19.10.2007
22.10.2007
24.10.2007
25.10.2007
29.10.2007
31.10.2007
01.11.2007
05.11.2007
07.11.2007
08.11.2007
12.11.2007
14.11.2007
15.11.2007
19.11.2007
21.11.2007
22.11.2007
26.11.2007
27.11.2007
28.11.2007
29.11.2007
30.11.2007
01.12.2007
08.12.2007
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HOLIDAY (Mid Autumn Festival)
HOLIDAY (Cheung Yeung Festival)
24

2008
year 2
year 3
march1
shinya okuda
bruce lonnman
jin-yeu tsou + andrew li
Taipei
M1 Project
Taipei (15-23.12.2007)
Studio Project
School Project
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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10
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15.12.2007
04.01.2008
07.01.2008
09.01.2008
10.01.2008
14.01.2008
16.01.2008
17.01.2008
21.01.2008
23.01.2008
24.01.2008
28.01.2008
30.01.2008
31.01.2008
04.02.2008
06.02.2008
07.02.2008
11.02.2008
13.02.2008
14.02.2008
18.02.2008
20.02.2008
21.02.2008
25.02.2008
27.02.2008
28.02.2008
03.03.2008
05.03.2008
06.03.2008
10.03.2008
12.03.2008
13.03.2008
17.03.2008
19.03.2008
20.03.2008
21.03.2008
24.03.2008
26.03.2008
27.03.2008
31.03.2008
02.04.2008
03.04.2008
04.04.2008
07.04.2008
09.04.2008
10.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
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Donguan
HOLIDAY (Lunar New Year)
HOLIDAY (Easter)
HOLIDAY (Ching Ming)
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
25

spatial sequence
computer modelling model study negative model study
26

tectonics
gu daqing
vito bertin
zhu jingxiang
nelson tam
Tectonics is a manifestation in architecture of the esthetic imperative as part of human
nature. It attends to the potential of building for qualities inherent in the material,
economy in their use, potential for elegance in resolution in their juxtaposition, and the
total compositional quality of form. It goes beyond necessity and responds to a sensibility
of a higher order as mastery and skill. It relates to the sensibility that has characterized all
fine works of architecture. It has been the quality of all work of architecture.
27

What could be the issues which the tectonic approach would specifically imply? In general terms it would be
the internal organization of the building, its parts and their relationship and hierarchy, the form and structure
of the building, and the spaces of the building and their definition, leading to further questions. What is the
relationship between space, surface, and mass? How is the material arranged in a building? Can we distinguish
elements, components and systems? What is the mutual influence between structure, material, and space? Can
we differentiate structural and spatial types, and are they related? How can space be formed, structured, and
defined? How does the built order express a conceived order?
Objectives 1. To appreciate design work from tectonic point of view,
2. To develop a tectonic working method,
3. To further consolidate basic design and presentational skills.
Organization
The organization of the Tectonics Studio varies in two formats.
ARC4130 (Year 2 and 3) will put emphasis on fundamental concepts, methods and skills relating to the so
called tectonic approach to architecture which is the further development of the previous studio project—the
Tectonic Lab. It will be conducted as a program centered team teaching in a highly structured manner.
ARC5131 (M.Arch 1) will be conducted with several possibilities, either dealing with more complex design
problems to advance design capability in tectonic approach or focusing on one particular tectonic issue for
further exploration.
Format
Assessment
Studio critic (Year 2, 3 and 4) will be conducted mainly on each Monday and Thursday afternoon. Wednesday
afternoon will be used for lectures, workshops, studio work, and thesis supervision. The lecture series provides
a theoretical background and workshops introduce working techniques. The studio will give special attention
on computer aided design by introducing SketchUp and ArchiCAD as the main design tool parallel to physical
models.
For all the years, there will be only the term grade.*
28

References
Kenneth Frampton, Studies in tectonic culture: the poetics of construction in nineteenth and twentieth century
architecture (Cambridge, Mass. MIT Press, 1995).
Eduard Sekler, “Structure, Construction, Tectonics,” Structure in Art and Science, Gyorgy Kepes, ed., (New York:
George Brazilier, Inc., 1965) pp. 89-95.
Rudolf Arnheim, Dynamics of Architectural Form, (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1977). (Also, “On
Negative Space”)
Colin Rowe and Robert Slutzky, “Transparency: Literal and Phenomenal” in Mathematics of an Ideal Villa,
(Cambridge: MIT Press, 1982).
Luigi Moretti, “Structures and the Sequences of Space,” Oppositions 4 (New York: Wittenborn Art Books for
the Institute of Architecture and Urban Studies, 1975).
29

2007
arc4130 Tectonic Lab (Y2 and Y3)
The design exploration is organized in 4 phases as Method, Abstraction, Materiality, and Construction.
Students first develop a tectonic concept based on 3 primary elements: block, slab, and stick, then, based
on that tectonic concept, design an object of tall, thin, and flat, which should fulfill basic space and structural
organizational requirements. They further articulate the object by introducing multiple materials, which allow
for the expression of complex spatial and structural relations. At the last, they explore the possibility of
construction with an intention to strengthen the original spatial and tectonic concept.
arc5131 Advanced Tectonic Studio (M.Arch 1)
At the M.Arch level, the key issue is the relationship between interior structure & load-bearing structure,
emphasizing the basic principles and their innovative articulation in the design process, using the model at
various scales to testify and to develop the idea, confronting with the practical program and real site.
30

2008
31

2007
year 2
year 3
march1
nelson tam
gu daqing
zhu jingxiang
studio visitors (tbc):
Jeanne Gang (Studio Gang, Chicago) lecture
Ding Wowo (Nanjing University) critic
Wang Yun (Beijing University) critic
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
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10
11
12
13
03.09.2007
05.09.2007
06.09.2007
10.09.2007
12.09.2007
13.09.2007
17.09.2007
19.09.2007
20.09.2007
24.09.2007
26.09.2007
27.09.2007
01.10.2007
03.10.2007
04.10.2007
08.10.2007
10.10.2007
11.10.2007
15.10.2007
17.10.2007
18.10.2007
19.10.2007
22.10.2007
24.10.2007
25.10.2007
29.10.2007
31.10.2007
01.11.2007
05.11.2007
07.11.2007
08.11.2007
12.11.2007
14.11.2007
15.11.2007
19.11.2007
21.11.2007
22.11.2007
26.11.2007
27.11.2007
28.11.2007
29.11.2007
30.11.2007
01.12.2007
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Introduction
Lecture 1: Gu Daqing - Tectonic Approach
Lecture 2: Vito Bertin - Composition
SketchUp Workshop
HOLIDAY (Mid Autumn Festival)
HOLIDAY (National Day)
ArchiCAD Workshop
ArchiCAD Workshop
HOLIDAY (Cheung Yeung Festival)
Lecture 3: Gu Daqing - Design Methods
Lecture 4: Guest Lecture
Lecture 5: Zhu Jingxiang - Concept + Realization
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
32

2008
year 2
year 3
march1
nelson tam
vito bertin
meng yan (urbanus) (tbc)
studio visitors (tbc):
Pia Simmendinger (Switzerland) lecture
Kawakita Takeo (Kobe Design University) critic
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
07.01.2008
09.01.2008
10.01.2008
14.01.2008
16.01.2008
17.01.2008
21.01.2008
23.01.2008
24.01.2008
28.01.2008
30.01.2008
31.01.2008
04.02.2008
06.02.2008
07.02.2008
11.02.2008
13.02.2008
14.02.2008
18.02.2008
20.02.2008
21.02.2008
25.02.2008
27.02.2008
28.02.2008
03.03.2008
05.03.2008
06.03.2008
10.03.2008
12.03.2008
13.03.2008
17.03.2008
19.03.2008
20.03.2008
21.03.2008
24.03.2008
26.03.2008
27.03.2008
31.03.2008
02.04.2008
03.04.2008
04.04.2008
07.04.2008
09.04.2008
10.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
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HOLIDAY (Lunar New Year)
HOLIDAY (Easter)
HOLIDAY (Ching Ming)
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
33

urbanization
laurence liauw
hendrik tieben
woo pui leng
yuet tsang-chi
thomas chung (thesis only)
The studio studies the shaping influence of factors beyond the individual building. Although
architecture may seem traditionally to have been concerned with individual monuments
– the ground cover which makes the fabric of the city – the relationships, traditions, and
common needs that shape the ground cover influence the city as a whole and provide a
formal context for the design of each part. The context in turn evolves with the building
of each building. In a way, one is designing the city with the design of each building. Each
building is a variation of the timeless architectural duality of “the city and the house.”
35

The Urbanization and the Advanced Urbanization Studio study architecture as shaping influence of the land
and city. Firstly, this studio considers the existing city as the reference for design. Studying the city - its typology
and morphology - is an essential aspect of this studio. Individual works of architecture are designed as urban
forms in reaction to the context of site. Secondly, this studio considers the contemporary city as a point of
departure for design. Projecting the city - its evolution and future - represents another aspect of this studio.
Individual works of architecture are designed as an urban process in enhancing living and experiences in the
city.
Objectives
Organization
A study in the Urbanization Studio embodies a view of urbanization of the city in its form and process. A
project in the Urbanization Studio should:
1. React to the patterns, forms, and architectural temperaments of the city
2. Create architecture and spaces with specific vocabulary and grammar of cities
3. Establish the interface and connections between architecture and the city
4. Allow for daily life and civic ideals in the city
5. Consider architecture and its types as evolution of the city’s process
The studio has recognized in 2007 to improve teaching in the thematic studio and to encourage designresearch
at the graduate level. The undergraduate studio (Y2 + Y3) will concentrate on the learning of
fundamental architectural issues in urbanization. A set of clearly defined issues will be introduced through
seminars and design studies. The graduate studio (M1 + M2) will explore architectural issues of contemporary
cities. Diverse urbanization issues will be studied through specific research led by different instructors. Several
workshops and seminars will be included to demonstrate specific skills in the studio.
ARC4140 Urbanization Studio
This undergraduate studio studies fundamental issues of architecture. Architecture is seen as an urban form
and urban process. The study of cities is a necessary and essential part of this studio. Direct experience,
observations, and analysis of cities form the studio method. Whenever possible, this studio conducts fieldtrips
to a city beyond Hong Kong to enrich learning and teaching.
ARC54141 Advanced Urbanization Studio
This advanced studio investigates theoretical and practical issues of design from architecture, urbanism, social
sciences, and environmental studies. It provides the testing ground for speculations, research, and consultancy
on architecture. It is a field of investigations into architecture as urban form, types and process in preparation
for thesis work.
Assessment Urban investigations 30%
Design project 70% (a student must pass this component to pass the studio)
36

References
Benevolo, Leonardo, The History of the City
David Grahame Shane, Recombinant Urbanism (Advanced Studio)
Diener, Roger, Switzerland: an urban portrait
Gandelsonas, Mario, X-Urbanism
Koolhaas, Rem, Mutations (Advanced Studio)
Koolhaas, Rem, Harvard Project on the City Pearl River Delta / S,M,L,XL (Advanced Studio)
Le Corbusier, Urbanisme, the city of to-morrow and its planning
Lynch, Kevin, The Image of the City
Rossi, Aldo, The Architecture of the City
Rowe, Colin & Koetter, Fred, Collage City
Sitte, Camillo, City Planning according to artistic principles
Tschumi, Bernard, Event Cities (Advanced Studio)
Venturi, Robert, Brown, Denise Scott, Learning from Las Vegas
Joan Busquets and Felipe Correa, Cities X Lines
37

2007
arc 4140
Urbanization Studio
Urban Fabric - The Solid + Void Relationship Of Cities
Shopping / Housing
Sai Ying Pun
arc 5141
Advanced Urbanization Studio
Parametric Urbanism
A process to study the city as a “field condition” by selecting different urban parameters to investigate, critically
reconfigure and construct a performative urban model as part of an urban landscape and its architectural
typologies.
Pearl River Delta
38

2008
arc 4140
Urbanization Studio
Public Building + Public Space
Site + Topic: tba
arc 5141
Advanced Urbanization Studio
Urban Regeneration
To analyze the city as cumulative layers and to use interventions to explore issues of continuity and change.
Site: tba
39

2007
year 2
year 3
march1
yuet tsang-chi
woo pui leng
laurence liauw
studio visitors
Li Hu (Steven Holl Associates) lecture
Humphrey Wong reviewer
local practitioners march1 workshops
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
03.09.2007
05.09.2007
06.09.2007
10.09.2007
12.09.2007
13.09.2007
17.09.2007
19.09.2007
20.09.2007
24.09.2007
26.09.2007
27.09.2007
01.10.2007
03.10.2007
04.10.2007
08.10.2007
10.10.2007
11.10.2007
15.10.2007
17.10.2007
18.10.2007
19.10.2007
22.10.2007
24.10.2007
25.10.2007
29.10.2007
31.10.2007
01.11.2007
05.11.2007
07.11.2007
08.11.2007
12.11.2007
14.11.2007
15.11.2007
19.11.2007
21.11.2007
22.11.2007
26.11.2007
27.11.2007
28.11.2007
29.11.2007
30.11.2007
01.12.2007
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ARC4140
ARC 5141
Seminar 1
Tokyo
Seminar 2
Pearl River Delta
Groupwork
Seminars
Workshops
Seminar 3
HOLIDAY (Mid Autumn Festival)
Seminar 4
HOLIDAY (National Day)
REVIEW - interim 1
REVIEW - interim 1
HOLIDAY (Cheung Yeung Festival)
REVIEW - interim 2
REVIEW - interim 2
REVIEW - interim 2
REVIEW - interim 2
REVIEW - interim 2
REVIEW - interim 2
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
40

2008
year 2
year 3
march1
hendrik tieben
laurence liauw
yuet tsang-chi
studio visitors
Suh Hailim (Studio Himma) lecture
Larry Barth reviewer
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
03.01.2008
07.01.2008
09.01.2008
10.01.2008
14.01.2008
16.01.2008
17.01.2008
21.01.2008
23.01.2008
24.01.2008
28.01.2008
30.01.2008
31.01.2008
04.02.2008
06.02.2008
07.02.2008
11.02.2008
13.02.2008
14.02.2008
18.02.2008
20.02.2008
21.02.2008
25.02.2008
27.02.2008
28.02.2008
03.03.2008
05.03.2008
06.03.2008
10.03.2008
12.03.2008
13.03.2008
17.03.2008
19.03.2008
20.03.2008
21.03.2008
24.03.2008
26.03.2008
27.03.2008
31.03.2008
02.04.2008
03.04.2008
04.04.2008
07.04.2008
09.04.2008
10.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
02.04.2008
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Singapore (03-06.01.2008)
HOLIDAY (Lunar New Year)
HOLIDAY (Easter)
HOLIDAY (Ching Ming)
Year 1 Review
Year 2 Review
Year 3 Review
no review
M.Arch1 Review
M.Arch2 Review
41

www.arch.cuhk.edu.hk
text:
design + layout:
studios
chowk
08/2007
Academic honesty
Refer to http://www.cuhk.edu.hk/policy/academichonesty/