25) Contemporary Architecture (Basics)

About this class

The course discovers the fundamentals of architecture using the contemporary architecture in Qatar Foundation as a case study. Participants will experience hands-on activities exploring each topic which include: understanding one-self, components within a city, shapes and forms, structure, facades and patterns and materials and colors. The skills obtained from this course is the ability to critically think and a sense of self-awareness within a larger community.

 Image credit Qatar Foundation.

Class Outline

0. WHO AM I?

“Human identity presupposes the identity of a place.”
– Norberg-Schulz

The section is to have students understand who they are in relation to their spatial experience in order to orientate oneself in one’s surroundings. It gives them various perspectives from micro to the macro scale of where they fit in a space. Students will also be reminded how the physical senses (or the lack of thereof) affect their experiences of a city.

1. CITY

“We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.”
– Winston Churchill

The section is to introduce Education City (as a flagship of Qatar Foundation) along with the different components that make up the city such as educational buildings, social spaces, transportation, sports centres and public arts. Students will be introduced to key architectural buildings in a linear timeline to show the progression of styles and aesthetics. Students will start to reflect their cities broken down into six categories: mobility, culture, resources, geography, climate and density. This is a preparation for the next lesson.

2. SHAPES & FORMS

Architecture is the learned game; correct and magnificent of forms assembled in the light.
– Le Corbusier

The section is to show the combinations of shapes that make up a building. With different shapes and forms, students will also understand the component of light which affects the presence of the users by drawing attention to details such as textures, colors, and forms of space.

3. STRUCTURE

Whatever good things we build end up building us. – Jim Rohn

The section is to analyse the different elements that combined into a structure that allows a building to stand on its own. Students will also be able to experiment with different types of solutions to withstand factors such as air resistance, weight and environmental factors such as earthquakes and floods.

4. FACADES & PATTERNS

The door handle is the handshake of the building. – Juhani Pallasma

The section is to understand the role of the exterior of a building and how it sets the overall impression of the building. The facade defines the unique architectural aesthetics of the building while defending against environmental and physical exposure. Students will also understand the role of the facade as a filter that affects the experience of the interior.

5. MATERIALS & COLOURS

God is in the details. – Ludwig Mies van der Rohe

The section is to understand the impact of material selections of the buildings. Students will familiarise themselves with basic materials that make up most of the buildings. By understanding the different attributes of materials, students can understand why certain materials are used for specific purposes.

6. ARCHITECTURE & THE FUTURE

This section discusses the various potential of becoming an architect as major contribution to the future. Students will be introduced to various career paths with tools and skills to learn and hone their skills. The 17 Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 will be introduced to the students as a framework and emerging trends in environmental or sustainability architecture to create a resilient city.

Materials needed

Please note: VCUQatar reserves the right to cancel classes for which not enough participants are registered. Already paid fees will be refunded.

Please do not purchase materials until VCUQatar has sent final course confirmation.

Items to buy for this class

On occasions, there may be some more materials to be bought and brought in if and when advised by the instructor.

Where to buy your materials

Most of the materials are available from any art supply shop, for example:

• Cass Art (Fire station): Community Classes students get a 15% discount upon presenting the registration ticket
• Jarir Bookstore: on Rayyan Road or Salwa Road
• Color Note: on Al Nasser Street
• Ibn Al Qayyim: at Markhiya Roundabout
• Al Rawnaq

Schedule

Start: Mon, 11 Nov, 2019
End: Tue, 26 Nov, 2019
Lessons: 6
Days: Mondays & Tuesdays
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Location:
Cost: QAR 800

Instructors

Register

To register for this course, access the form.