ARCH 209 Community College of Philadelphia

Studio Design III Architecture, Design & Construction

Department
Paula J. Behrens,
professor

Assignment 3: A Living Space, "Eve's Aerie"

A college students family has chosen you to design a living space for her, Eve, on the roof of
their rowhouse in Philadelphia. The maximum perimeter of the space is 10 wide x 10 long x 20
high. It is reached by stairs that emerge from the front of the rowhouse, but the room is not
directly connected to these stairs. Consider the site as the roof: 17 wide x 40 long, sitting 3
stories, or 35, above the street.

The rowhouse is located at 1812 Callowhill St, on the south side of the 1800 block of Callowhill
St. Consideration should be given to the relationship to the environment and neighborhood.

Spatial flow and interplay is an important factor for the client. The activities of daily living must
be accommodated but Eve is interested in innovative or unusual approaches to designing her
space.

Parameters:
No interior or occupied space can extend beyond the perimeter box but non-
interior elements (like roof overhangs or exterior stairs) may.
Activities that must be accommodated: sleeping, studying, lounging (for up to 3
people - but mostly for her). Alternatives to traditional bed, desk, couch and
chairs, etc., should be explored.
No kitchen or bath facilities. She will go downstairs.
Entertainment and media will be by home wireless system to a tablet or laptop.
No large-screen TV.
Because this is a private space, stairs do not need to conform to code
requirement. Ladders, spiral stairs or stair alternatives can be considered.
Exterior spaces on the roof can be considered.
Siting: consider the path from the stairs on the North side Access path does not
need to be covered.
Process:
Design parti: A) Written - a paragraph of the intention for your design. This is not
a description of the design (arrangements, furniture) but a more abstracted idea
of what design ideas you are going to pursue. This is your first written expression
of your ideas - just as designs evolve, so do the explanations of them. B)
Sketch/Diagram/Graphic: an abstract drawing of the character you plan to aim
for, C) An abstract model (no larger than 5 high) communicating the spatial flow
you plan to aim for.
Design will move forward with model building. Initially use monochromatic, non-
representational materials (chipboard, matboard, fomcor, etc.). You may then
add color or texture.
Multi-view drawings (in CAD or manual, plus sketchbook sketches
proportionally scaled) will be developed and used as design tools. Remember
that you need to print out CAD drawings to show in class.
ARCH 209 Community College of Philadelphia
Studio Design III Architecture, Design & Construction
Department
Paula J. Behrens,
professor

Optional: a SketchUp model

ARCH 209 Community College of Philadelphia
Studio Design III Architecture, Design & Construction
Department
Paula J. Behrens,
professor

Craft:
Final model must reflect careful craft, but should not be a dollhouse design
ideas are primary. Early models may be messier, but be sure that the spatial
qualities are not obscured by the craft techniques (lots of tape, etc.) Use rubber
cement (one side)for preliminary tacking. Rubber cement (two sides) or wood
glue can be used for final.
CAD or manual drawing: drafting conventions must be accurate and reflect
drawing conventions (check Chings Architectural Graphics for guidance).. In
particular, take the time to manipulate CAD drawings so they read reasonably
when printed for class and final review.

Schedule:
Class 1 - project assigned

Class 2 Preliminary designs in model reviewed: 1/4=1-0 scale. Plus sketches in your
sketchbook (multiview to proportional scale). Focus on spatial character.

Class 3 Model developed (more representational features for levels, connections, enclosure.
Abstracted furniture.). Sketches (freehand manual or CAD) of orthographic drawings plans,
including roof plan;, 2 elevations. All =1-0 scale

Class 4 - Orthographic drawings (manual or CAD drafting) :plans, including roof plan, 4
elevations, 2 sections) all 1=1-0 scale.

Class 5 Partial final review model: 1 scale. Updated orthographic drawings, or larger
scale. 1-3D view of exterior (SketchUp or other digital model, or 3D CAD, or manual paraline or
perspective)

Class 6 - Final Review:

- Design Statement
- Parti model, no larger than 4 high
- Parti sketch/diagram
- 1 scale model on fomcor base
- Drawings, manual or digital: Plans (main levels plus roof/site); 4 Elevations; 2
Sections; 1- 3D view (up to you: partial or full, exterior or interior, perspective,
paraline, or digital model