Piece of architecture or design project

  Precedent (Case) Studies are the quickest way to understand your project and a vital way to ‘set the scene’. A precedent study is an analysis of a previously completed piece of architecture or design project that demonstrates some aspect or depiction that can be used as an example for the unsolved design problem you plan on working on (your senior capstone project). Precedent studies are used to learn more about the “problem solving” of spaces by studying, analyzing, and synthesizing the design solutions of others. The important parts to look at are the design’s function and the design’s aesthetic quality as it relates to the built environment. For this assignment, you will try to source information on real existing design projects that share some areas of commonality with the project you are beginning to define. Maybe your precedent tackles a similar RQ to those that you have identified. Maybe it is a groundbreaking model for the occupancy classification type you are interested in pursuing for your thesis project. Remember that the precedent does not have to be exactly like your intended project, but it must incorporate important parallels. The completed assignment will become part of your thesis document. Method: 1. Research and locate at least two design projects that showcase or respond to issues / spaces that share some similarities to your intended project, or otherwise have a similar scope. For example, if you have identified a situation that your RQ addresses, find out if this situation has been addressed before. How was it addressed? Was it successful? Most projects that require this research-led approach, whether they are academic or practical in nature, are adding to an existing body of knowledge. It is important to be familiar with current understanding rather than working in a vacuum, trying to be original. 2. Source and read as much information as you can about these other projects. Do not solely rely on just one source of information, but multiples. The better you know these projects, the better prepared you will be to draw relevant information from them. You must source color photos of the interior space. Floor plans or diagrams showing room layout would also be beneficial. If you cannot find current information – select the projects that most closely relate to your senior project. 3. Summarize the scope of the project. What was the objective? Who was the client? What were the limitations of space, the demands of the client and how did the designer meet those challenges? Be sure to put in quotation marks statements taken verbatim from the article and use references appropriately. 4. Write out in note format any elements or aspects of each precedent that has direct relevance to your intended work. These may include, but are not limited to the following areas: i) Designer’s use of design elements and principles such as scale and proportion, rhythm, repetition and variety, color, shape and form, balance, and unity. IDES 441 ii) Designer’s specification choices for the FF&E in the project (textiles, rough vs. smooth textures, patterns, flooring, ceiling materials, work surfaces, wall coverings, lighting, etc.). iii) If you have been able to source floor plans, use them to diagram each of the following areas: i. Primary and secondary circulation paths leading to egress and support areas ii. Support areas (Conference rooms, copy & fax areas, file room, kitchen, reception, etc.) iii. Private areas vs. public areas 5. Organize your observations into a coherent analysis of each precedent, including an introduction, breakdown of exact aspects of the projects that are important to its success or failure and highlight how they may influence the design development of your own thesis project. Areas to be considered may include: 1. Originality or innovation 2. Spatial Functionality 3. Design aesthetic or beauty 4. Specific design choices (form, materials etc.) 5. Perceived success or failure 6. Any other thoughts or comments about how this assignment has helped you make decisions about your projec