Fall (2006). 3 credits.
Required course for B.Arch. and M.Arch.I architecture students.

Building construction is examined from the following standpoints: life safety (construction types, occupancy, assemblies, egress); accessibility (ramps, doors, etc.); sustainability; conveying systems (stairs, elevators, escalators); structural materials (properties, manufacturing strategies, typical applications, and connections); envelope theory (insulation, condensation, vapor and air barriers, pressure-equalization, movement, tolerances); cladding systems (masonry, precast, metal, glass); and interior systems (walls, floors and ceilings).

Skills needed

Most assignments will have a drawing component; students should be able to create axonometric or perspective views, either by hand or using modeling software. Students, especially those outside of the department of architecture, can download and learn to use free 3-D modeling software at http://sketchup.google.com/. For some assignments, or final projects, students may be expected to build scale models, primarily using cardboard or other light-weight materials. Some simple mathematical skills are required when dealing with zoning, building code, movement, and thermal issues.

Course Requirements and Grading

Grades: Students select the grade they wish to receive by submitting assignments at levels corresponding to the following criteria:

• Grade=A. All assignments, as well as an additional "final project" required of A-students only, must be "excellent to very good," and demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
• Grade=B. All assignments must be at least "good," and demonstrate moderately broad knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
• Grade=C. All assignments must be at least "satisfactory," and demonstrate reasonable knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
• Grade=D. All assignments must be at least "marginal," and demonstrate a minimum knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
• Grade=F. One or more assignment is less than "marginal."

Revised grading criteria: (11/9/06)

• The final course grade of A- [rather than "B" as stated below] will be given to students who have received a grade of "A" on all assignments, but who do not submit a final project at an "excellent to very good" level.
• Students with only one lowest assignment grade of either "B," "C," or "D" will receive a final course grade of B+, C+, or D+.
• Students whose assignment grades are not all "excellent to very good" (that is, students who have at least one assignment grade lower than "A") may still submit final projects individually or in groups; when submitted at an "excellent to very good" level, their final course grade will be increased one step: e.g., from "B" to "B+" or from "B+" to "A-."
• Additional requirements listed below still apply.

Additional requirement for all grade options:

• Students must either take a final exam or, for students with no more than 3 absences, submit notes from all classes attended. Either option is graded "satisfactory-unsatisfactory;" that is, the exam or the notes must be at a satisfactory level (C- or above) to pass the course and obtain the selected grade. An unsatisfactory final exam or submission of class notes results in course failure.
• Class notes submitted should be neatly organized, but do not need to be re-written or re-formatted.
• The final exam will consist of questions in four categories: (1) Names and definitions; (2) How big is it? (3) What does it look like? and (4) Theory and practice. Click here for examples of these four types of questions.

Operational rules:

• Per university rules: "Students are expected to be present throughout each semester at all meetings of courses for which they are registered." All five assignments are due in class on the date indicated.
• Students may resubmit assignments to correct errors and fulfill requirements for the grade they have selected. A maximum of 5 resubmissions are allowed for all five assignments: in other words, 1 resubmission for each assignment, 5 resubmissions for 1 assignment, or any other combination of resubmissions not exceeding 5.
• Late submissions are treated as resubmissions.
• All resubmissions are due no later than the second class period after the previous submission was returned, or, if class is no longer meeting, by the final exam date. If late assignments, or resubmissions, are submitted later than the second class period after the due date, an additional "resubmission" will be charged for each "two-class" period elapsed.
• It is each student's responsibility to meet all requirements for the course. Students not meeting all course requirements will receive a grade of "F."
• Absences (whether due to extenuating circumstances, religious practices, or any other reason) may prevent students from submitting assignments on time or from submitting class notes during exam week. These operational rules already provide "equivalent opportunities" for resubmission of assignments and for taking a final exam in lieu of submitting notes. Students unable to complete course requirements due to illness or other extenuating circumstances should read university guidelines for "incompletes" in the Courses of Study catalog.
• Each student in this course is expected to abide by the Cornell University Code of Academic Integrity. Any work submitted by a student in this course for academic credit must be the student's own work, except in cases where copied or quoted work is essential to the submission, and is properly attributed. Only is cases where group projects are specifically authorized may students collaborate within the group. For such group projects, individual contributions are not considered separately, and each member of the group receives the same grade.
• In compliance with the Cornell University policy and equal access laws, I am available to discuss appropriate academic accommodations that may be required for students with disabilities. Requests for academic accommodations are to be made during the first three weeks of the semester, except for unusual circumstances, so arrangements can be made.

Tentative assignment topics are as follows, subject to change:

• Assign #1: Building code/zoning
• Assign #2: Concrete frame
• Assign #3: Wood frame
• Assign #4: Steel frame
• Assign #5: Cladding

Final project: Only students requesting an "A" who have received an "A" for each of their assignments may submit a final project: [Changed; see revised grading criteria above]

• Project assignment will be issued after fall break; project is due at the time of the final exam.
• Project is a case-study of an existing building.
• Project may be done individually, or in groups of no more than 3 students.
• Only "excellent or very good" projects will be accepted; work of lesser quality will result in a grade of "B" for the course. [Changed to A-; see revised grading criteria above]

Text and other reading:
Supplementary required reading is indicated for each class. These readings may be useful both in completing assignments, as well as in gaining additional insight into the subject matter. Questions from readings may appear on final exam. It is strongly recommended that students purchase the text, as it will be useful as a general reference during school and beyond.