Decoding Architecture - Assignment No 1

Assignment no 1
This assignment was set out for Technology 1 students in order to get acquainted with Building Materials, Specifications and Construction Methodology. Assignments received were relevant and the approach of decoding was mostly acceptable. This exercise has created a sense of observation of construction elements around the neighborhood, whether it is a chair, piece of furniture, house or commercial building.
The detailing was limited to first year students. In order to achieve a proper decoding more emphasis should be made in detailing. Decoding in the theoretical way may not be the only solution. We found that most students prefer the theoretical way. Detailing could also be in the form of blow up drawing to a scale of 1:10, 1:5 or even freehand sketch with good annotation. The idea was to have a sense of dimensioning and stability of proportion.
All the elements could also be presented in such way that the assignment in itself is a readymade project. Presentation of the assignment is very important. We found some good examples but unfortunately they were very rare. Graphical presentation and illustration was very limited and many students did not apply imagination in presenting the assignment.

Roshan Seebundhun, Architect