In this 3-week, 3-credit summer course, we will learn about design with nature, by designing for nature inspired by the Azores. We will explore the potential of biofibers working with our partners from University of Azores. Biofibers were for centuries one of the primary materials used in the design of ordinary products and building components. With the introduction of plastics and other synthetic materials at the advent of the 20th century, the use of the natural materials declined. But thanks to a growing environmental consciousness and new attitudes, traditional crafts are being reconsidered in innovative ways. In the Azores and Portugal, the traditional handicraft culture is still thriving. Artisans continue to create beautiful objects including wonderful woven baskets, hats and fiber dolls. We will explore these traditions and then look at new approaches that use multiple techniques for a varied set of applications that range from pressed composite containers, algae based fabrics, to 3d printed woven and compressed building components.

Through multiple field trips, we will learn about the island’s rural and urban landscapes. We will examine the crossovers between our communities and study the intersection of ecology, traditional economy, and contemporary cultural activities. The main focus of this research is to use the invasive Conteira plant (Kahili ginger) as a resource for the development of a bio-based composite using biopolymers (i.e., PHA, PLA, cellulose, or starch) in order to produce a new sustainable material for biodegradable building solutions, such as textiles (netting) and other malleable surfaces. We also will visit with, and work in the studio of, a local arts organization called Walk&Talk who will be hosting their annual summer arts festival. In addition, students will be exposed to local craft traditions from wood working, basket weaving, to embroidery as a means to learn from past and to look toward an ecologically hopeful future.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00

Elective

In this 3-week, 3-credit summer course, we will learn about design with nature, by designing for nature inspired by the Azores. We will explore the potential of biofibers working with our partners from University of Azores. Biofibers were for centuries one of the primary materials used in the design of ordinary products and building components. With the introduction of plastics and other synthetic materials at the advent of the 20th century, the use of the natural materials declined. But thanks to a growing environmental consciousness and new attitudes, traditional crafts are being reconsidered in innovative ways. In the Azores and Portugal, the traditional handicraft culture is still thriving. Artisans continue to create beautiful objects including wonderful woven baskets, hats and fiber dolls. We will explore these traditions and then look at new approaches that use multiple techniques for a varied set of applications that range from pressed composite containers, algae based fabrics, to 3d printed woven and compressed building components.

Through multiple field trips, we will learn about the island’s rural and urban landscapes. We will examine the crossovers between our communities and study the intersection of ecology, traditional economy, and contemporary cultural activities. The main focus of this research is to use the invasive Conteira plant (Kahili ginger) as a resource for the development of a bio-based composite using biopolymers (i.e., PHA, PLA, cellulose, or starch) in order to produce a new sustainable material for biodegradable building solutions, such as textiles (netting) and other malleable surfaces. We also will visit with, and work in the studio of, a local arts organization called Walk&Talk who will be hosting their annual summer arts festival. In addition, students will be exposed to local craft traditions from wood working, basket weaving, to embroidery as a means to learn from past and to look toward an ecologically hopeful future.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00

Elective

In this 3-week, 3-credit summer course, we will learn about design with nature, by designing for nature inspired by the Azores. We will explore the potential of biofibers working with our partners from University of Azores. Biofibers were for centuries one of the primary materials used in the design of ordinary products and building components. With the introduction of plastics and other synthetic materials at the advent of the 20th century, the use of the natural materials declined. But thanks to a growing environmental consciousness and new attitudes, traditional crafts are being reconsidered in innovative ways. In the Azores and Portugal, the traditional handicraft culture is still thriving. Artisans continue to create beautiful objects including wonderful woven baskets, hats and fiber dolls. We will explore these traditions and then look at new approaches that use multiple techniques for a varied set of applications that range from pressed composite containers, algae based fabrics, to 3d printed woven and compressed building components.

Through multiple field trips, we will learn about the island’s rural and urban landscapes. We will examine the crossovers between our communities and study the intersection of ecology, traditional economy, and contemporary cultural activities. The main focus of this research is to use the invasive Conteira plant (Kahili ginger) as a resource for the development of a bio-based composite using biopolymers (i.e., PHA, PLA, cellulose, or starch) in order to produce a new sustainable material for biodegradable building solutions, such as textiles (netting) and other malleable surfaces. We also will visit with, and work in the studio of, a local arts organization called Walk&Talk who will be hosting their annual summer arts festival. In addition, students will be exposed to local craft traditions from wood working, basket weaving, to embroidery as a means to learn from past and to look toward an ecologically hopeful future.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $100.00

Elective

Capstone architectural technology design class focusing on the integration of Structural, Environmental, Enclosure, and Circulation systems. Course to be semester long group design project with labs/workshops using related quantitative analysis and design tools to design systems for a complete building in detail. Special consideration for egress, accessibility, life safety, general code requirements (construction type and zoning), and documentation standards.

This course is a requirement for second-year MArch (2yr) and third-year MArch (3yr) Architecture Students.

Major Requirement | MArch (2yr) and (3yr): Architecture

Capstone architectural technology design class focusing on the integration of Structural, Environmental, Enclosure, and Circulation systems. Course to be semester long group design project with labs/workshops using related quantitative analysis and design tools to design systems for a complete building in detail. Special consideration for egress, accessibility, life safety, general code requirements (construction type and zoning), and documentation standards.

This course is a requirement for second-year MArch (2yr) and third-year MArch (3yr) Architecture Students.

Major Requirement | MArch (2yr) and (3yr): Architecture