AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of the course is to master, by putting them into practice, the practical and theoretical tools that lead to the definition of an architectural form. Students learn to judge and control the quality of built spaces at different project’s scales in relation to the context in which they operate.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The “Studio 2” course equips students with the ability to develop architectural projects inspired by post-WWII Italian design principles. Students will gain expertise in compositional and theoretical aspects of architecture, learning to integrate these with technical, structural, technological, and cost management considerations. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to assume roles such as ‘chief designer’ or ‘assistant designer’ in international firms, capable of addressing modern architectural challenges.

TEACHING METHODS

“Studio 2” utilizes a combination of lectures, seminars, and hands-on workshops, fostering a close student-teacher relationship akin to Northern European educational models. The course emphasizes practical experience, requiring students to engage deeply with design projects. Through iterative feedback sessions and collaborative work, students refine their projects, integrating theoretical and practical insights. The course structure ensures that students not only understand the historical and theoretical underpinnings of Italian architectural design but also apply these principles to contemporary projects, preparing them for professional roles in architectural firms.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The “Studio 2” course is structured as an 8-credit workshop. The course emphasizes theoretical, historical-critical, and compositional aspects, with projects reflecting Italy’s influential design culture. The syllabus includes lectures, practical workshops, and seminars, encouraging students to produce innovative designs that respond to contemporary architectural needs. The course culminates in a project presentation that encapsulates the student’s learning and creative development.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. **Rossi, Aldo. "The Architecture of the City."** Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1982.
   - A classic in architectural theory exploring the relationship between architecture and urban context.

2. **Zevi, Bruno. "Architecture as Space: How to Look at Architecture."** New York: Horizon Press, 1957.
   - A fundamental text for understanding the importance of visual perception in architecture and composition.

3. **Venturi, Robert. "Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture."** New York: Museum of Modern Art, 1966.
   - A work challenging traditional notions of simplicity and unity, essential for composition theory.

4. **Rossi, Aldo. "A Scientific Autobiography."** Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1981.
   - A personal and professional exploration of Aldo Rossi's career and theories.

5. **Gregotti, Vittorio. "Inside Architecture."** Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1996.
   - An exploration of the interactions between architecture and landscape, useful for understanding environmental influences in composition.

6. **Grassi, Giorgio. "The Logical Construction of Architecture."** London: Academy Editions, 1984.
   - A text that delves into the role of the architect and professional practice within the context of architectural composition.

7. **Rogers, Ernesto Nathan. "Experiences in Architecture."** Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 1970.
   - A work discussing the theory and practice of architecture through direct experience of projects.

8. **Lepratti, C. and Alfaro-d’Alençon, P., Does effective planning really exist? Freiburg, Germany: Syntagma Verlag, 2017.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Juanuary 27th, 2025 

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam coincides with the final project presentation, in the presence of national and international invited critics

ASSESSMENT METHODS

Students will be evaluated through a combination of criteria including project presentations, participation in discussions, and possibly practical assessments. The assessment will gauge their understanding of theoretical concepts, application of design principles, and ability to integrate feedback from critiques into their work. This holistic approach ensures comprehensive evaluation of their learning and development throughout the course.