One month post block 1

Dear 2nd years,


during block 1 we explained that this year we are presenting the second year program in a format that has never been done before. It is not only a first for CPUT, but also a very first in South Africa!


There are many reasons why we are attempting this approach. Some are:


- architectural practices are transforming to new ways of ICT and communication, and education must keep up with the times
- to allow students to find work in places other than in Cape Town, perhaps nearer to home
- unnecessary time and money spent traveling is wasteful and not sustainable and should be avoided where possible
- there may be new ways of creating a vibrant studio environment and community of practice, other than the face-to-face mode


We are most certainly not new to architectural education, but we are new to this alternative way of learning and teaching. We therefore anticipated some teething problems and allowed for a month of catching up, finding jobs and getting used to the new online learning environment. We are also not surprised that there are many of you who are not feeling quite that confident yet with this new way of communication.


Therefore we are suggesting that we have another session in the computer lab, with personal attention to all technical and other difficulties. We will confirm the date and time, but will try to stick to a lunchtime slot.


Furthermore we are also in the process of streamlining the class blog so that all project briefs are integrated in the (blog post) text for ease of reading, with links to all downloadable briefs in a separate easy to find place.


We suggest that the class blog be the one central place where all relevant information is kept and updated, and that the facebook group remains the place for discussion, sharing interesting links, organising and chat.


Please let us know your thoughts, on the fb group, or comments under the Q&A tab on the class blog.


We need your help to make sure that we all succeed this year.


Thank you in advance,
Jolanda & Hermie 

Updated program

Follow this link to the updated program.

http://issuu.com/jolandamorkel/docs/2nd_yr_programme_rev_23_02?viewMode=magazine

Due for 4 March: STW + CTD

The Hub Technology and Function investigation and precedent submission (STW + CTD) due on 4 March, follows on the work done during block 1. However, this time you work INDIVIDUALLY. On A3 pages (as many as you need) show your understanding of the functional requirements of your selected Hub function. Use diagrams and text to explain and reference any sources. Refer to ergonomics, the experience (use verbs!) etc. Now find at least one FUNCTIONAL PRECEDENT. That is, a structure/ building similar in function. Explain how this chosen precedent(s) is/are relevant to your given problem (Hub).  Now you move on to the technological requirements. You must investigate the given materials, i.e. gumpoles and marine ply. Research the sizes, material properties etc. Illustrate this with diagrams and text. Reference all sources. Now find at least one TECHNOLOGICAL PRECEDENT. That is, a structure/ building using similar (framed) technology/ materials. It may have a different function. Explain how this chosen precedent(s) is/are relavent to your given problem (Hub). This analysis will provide you with the necessary clues/ design informants to continue with the design process.

where we are and where we are heading

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: ON MONDAY YOU WILL RECEIVE A PROGRAMME FOR THE YEAR. IT WILL BE POSTED ON THE BLOG. BY TOMORROW ALL YOUR NAMES SHOULD SHOW ON THE RH SIDE COLUMN OF THE CLASS BLOG, WITH LINKS TO YOUR OWN BLOGS. REMEMBER THAT THE FACEBOOK PAGE IS FOR GENERAL COMMUNICATION AND INFORMAL DISCUSSION, BUT THE INFORMATION WILL BE SHOWN ON THE BLOG. MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE BLOG AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK.

 

We will get a list from Alexia, of all those people who actually actively contributed to the putting together of the base information. The others should not worry! There will be other tasks that we will allocate to you as the year progresses.

LATE AND VERY LATE - TO CATCH UP

If you did not participate in the FULL BLOCK ONE, make sure your name is listed below:

LATE GROUP
(did complete design workshop, and general test, BUT must still visit sites, create blog, and watch this space for online CATCH UP TEST.)
- Karjieker
- Daniels
- Capindissa
- Dos Santos
- Van Neel
- Quental

VERY LATE GROUP
(MUST STILL COMPLETE HUB EXERCISE and general test, visit sites, create blog, and watch this space for online CATCH UP TEST.)
- Carstens
- De Castro
- Sons
- Jansen
- Rylands
- Basson
- Jansen

Very late group:
- please make contact with your other group members
- make sure to create your own blog
- do the "this is me" post on the blog
- do one blogpost on your work/ search for work
- watch this space for more information
- study the Hub brief
- select (as a group) one finction other than the wi-fi tower
- meet and brainstorm the functional aspects related to the function you selected
- formulate these ideas on an A3 and bring along on Monday, 14 Feb, to discuss at 12h00
- meet me in the library (meeting room)

IF YOUR NAME IS NOT LISTED HERE, AND YOU DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE FULL BLOCK 1, YOU RUN THE RISK OF FAILING!
PLEASE INFORM YOUR LECTURERS VIA THE FACEBOOK GROUP BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, 11 FEBRUARY 2011.

Getting on board

Good day to all!

It is good to see that everybody is now getting on board: even the latecomers and the very latecomers! You know who you are:-). Thanks for your active participation in the (latecomers') catching up session yesterday. Good luck with your assignments. Please make sure to join the fb group, if you have not yet done so, and to start blogging! Latecomers will write extensive STW and CTD tests. Those only registered for PSS and ATR must catch up on log books and weekly blog reports.

Please check fb regularly and visit the blog for information. You can select the tags at the top pf the page for specific information.

Also make sure that your blog link appears in the rh side column of the blog.

Good luck at the office or job hunting if you have not yet found a job. Remember, you may look outside of Cape Town!

Blogging update

Please make use of the tabs above. Use the "Admin Q&A" tab for your questions and comments. The other tabs mark separate topics ("pages") as indicated. You can use "pages" on your blog too. Instead of posting/ editing posts, you make/ edit pages. This is a good way to organise your work into sections e.g.: online portfolio, blogging about work, project information etc.