ANSWERS: Project No. 7 – Transformation Space – SPAN

1) Supplies: sketchpad, camera and your anthropomorphic proportions.

2) Reading: Architecture: Form, Space and Order, Francis D.K. Ching
5. Circulation: approach; entrance; configuration of the path; and path - space relationships

3) Background
Across the street from our SAC campus is San Pedro Springs Park, aptly named for it’s natural flowing spring water. San Pedro Park is the point of origin for the City of San Antonio, meaning, the beginning of settlement in this area. San Pedro Springs Park is the second oldest named / designated park in the United States, second only to Boston Commons. The park is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the home to San Antonio’s first branch library. You will learn this place using your body as a measuring instrument.

4) ASSIGNMENT

.1 Human Body
The measuring of the human body, in order to use the information as a design determinant, is not a new exercise. You are asked to draw your own body in plan, front and side elevation.

.2 San Pedro Springs Park Visit
You will be conducting a site visit to San Pedro Springs Park in order to select a 22’-0” x 22’-0” site on which you will base your next project.

a. Site Selection Criteria
Using your body as a “scale”, you are literally asked to select a section of San Pedro Springs Park that you are able to “SPAN” in between. The span must occur between a stair and another appropriate architectural element.

b. Photomontage
You will be using a camera to take multiple images of the site you have selected. You are encouraged to work in teams of two. Multiple images taken close up is what is desired and not one image taken far way. We will start this activity in class but you are encouraged to return to the site as needed.

c. Plan and Section Sketches
Using only your body, without the use of any measuring devices, you are asked to draw a plan and section sketch of the 22’-0” x 22’-0” site you have selected. We will start this activity in class but you are encouraged to return to the site as needed.

d. Plan and Section Drawings
At ½” = 1’-0” scale, you are asked to carefully draft exact hard lined drawings of your plan and section.

5) SCHEDULE
Week Eight
10.15.10: Discuss Reading, Assign Body Sketches, Photomantage discussion.

Week Nine
10.18.10: Site Visit
10.20.10: Pin-up Body Sketches, Pin- up Field Notes, work in class
10.22.10: Pin-up photomontage, pin-Up ½” Plan and ½” Section Drawings

Week Ten
10.25.10: Final Review ½” Scale / Photo Montage, Assign 1/8 scale
10.27.10: 1/8” = 1’-0” preliminary pin-up and desk crits, Assign 1”=20’-0”
10.29.10: 1” = 20’-0” discussion and computer room tour

Week Eleven
11.01.10: 1” = 20’-0” preliminary pin up and desk crits, assign brochure
11.03.10: Brochure draft due, assign Architect Essay, lecture
11.05.10: Final Brochure Due, read draft of Architect Essay