0.0 - Course Description

This work was completed in part of Design Research: Methods and Strategies (ARCH7100) in the Spring of 2020 with guidance of Matthew Jull,PhD, and Teaching Instructor, Jonah Pruitt at the University of Virginia. The intention of this course under the syllabus provided by Jull is to form the basis for graduate students in architecture or landscape who plan to undertake an independent design/thesis studio in the spring semester, or those who are interested in design research in general. Using a hybrid lecture/seminar approach, the course develops a framework for initiating a thesis proposal, methods of research, research resources, representation, documentation strategies and techniques, identification of precedents, design experimentation, and modes of production and presentation. Emphasis is placed on parsing contemporary cultural discourse, current and historical design culture, cross cutting/merging and hacking of scientific, ecological, economic, political, cultural, technological disciplines, and tailoring of the individual thesis proposal. At the conclusion of the course, a thesis proposal / design research publication is required. This book will serve as a conceptual basis for establishing scale, site, program, methods and terms of critique for the design thesis proposal during the following semester or a stand-alone design research project for those students not planning on undertaking an independent thesis studio. The course will promote a collaborative/collective environment to catalyze critical discussion, analysis, and feedback. All students will present their work in an open exhibition/presentation format at the end of the class.