ARC551Comprehensive Architectural Design Studio

Fall 2021Sustainable Block: Affordable HousingDesign Methodology: Qualitative and Quantitative (Data-driven)Framework: AIA's Framework for Design ExcellenceSite: Chicago, IL and St. Louis, MOSynopsis: This studio develops a master plan for sustainable Urban Architecture as a group project. Students plan and design a large-scale mixed-use development within a complex urban context by 1) integrating multiple building systems, including structural, environmental, and material, and enclosure systems; 2) enhancing connectivity at intra and inter-building levels; 3) increasing social interactions; and 4) boosting the economy of the neighborhood. Students develop a master plan through conducting analyses and syntheses on urban systems using big data and data-driven methods and incorporate them into the plannign and design workflow. Adopting the AIA Design for Excellence framework, the ten components of the sustainable design criteria are evaluated at both site and building levels. For achieving environmental sustainability, students strive to incorporate climate, solar energy, shading, daylighting, and operational energy use simulations, among others, then optimize building performance to meet the sustainability goals. Along with enhancing the environmental sustainability, students bring social-interaction and economic incentives through a comprehensive contextual studies and diverse programs to support the trio-aspects of the sustainable development goals through an architectural design effort.

Students' Work

The Living Impact

Henry Creamer, Kiven Cortopasi, Zack Eidson

Function Junction

Neal Brown, Brandon Temple, Bill Broms 

Main Street

Kristel Choate, Illya Hafsat, Alexandra Ventura

Trivironment

Abigail Frankel, Samin Kamali, Alicia Beragon, Soroush Piri