Demountable Concrete Structures - A Contribution of the Concrete Prefab Industry to the Sustainability of Construction
by
Professor Hans Reinhardt, Stuttgart University, Germany
Demountability means further development of construction technique, generation of life cycles, no down cycling of construction material, optimization of construction and demounting activities, reuse of structural elements, and finally relief of the environment due to saving of resourses. There are special requirements which should be fulfilled in order to make a concrete structure demountable. The systems which exist in the Netherlands will be presented and discussed.
Thursday, November 2, 2006
4:15pm
Bldg. 550 Rm. 550a
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Official TShirt Vote (voting closed)
Voting has closed
In order to vote for the AD shirt design, send an email to Lorraine with the subject “Vote 1″ or “Vote 2,” or click on the links below the images to have the subject line taken care of for you.
•AD majors only please!
•One vote per person
Be sure to click on the thumbnails to see a larger version
Graduate Studies in Urban Planning
Are you considering attending graduate school in urban planning? Ever wondered:
• Why go to graduate school in planning?
•How do I get in?
•What is the difference among the various schools and programs?
•What could I do with a graduate degree in planning?
For answers, attend the roundtable on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 at 5 PM in BUILDING 120 room 215. Representatives (faculty, staff, and students) from the UC Berkeley and San Jose State Urban Planning programs will attend to answer your questions. RSVP to jferrera@stanford.edu
• Why go to graduate school in planning?
•How do I get in?
•What is the difference among the various schools and programs?
•What could I do with a graduate degree in planning?
For answers, attend the roundtable on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26 at 5 PM in BUILDING 120 room 215. Representatives (faculty, staff, and students) from the UC Berkeley and San Jose State Urban Planning programs will attend to answer your questions. RSVP to jferrera@stanford.edu
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
A look at the new studio
As most of you know the AD program will have a new home sometime next year as a part of the new Environmental and Energy Design building.
Grad Spotlight – Katie
News from Katie – Stanford grad currently in the MIT graduate architecture program
…..as far as applying to architecture schools, i would say that hands-down the most important elements of the application package are portfolios and essays. i don’t know about every school, but most of the ones i applied to were looking for evidence of creativity and critical thought. although architectural experience was probably not a bad thing, most of the people in my level 1 class didn’t have any architectural experience beforehand, and the school certainly wasn’t looking for proof of knowing AutoCAD in the application.
when i applied, i included mostly artwork in my portfolio - i’d been a studio art major also at stanford, and i kept up my artwork while i was working after school (at the same time i was applying to architecture school, i was also applying to MFA programs). i really don’t think i could have gotten into architecture school without the strong art background. also, i think many schools make public the portfolios of admitted students, so go ahead and ask to see them.
i think having worked for a couple of years after Stanford was really valuable. when i graduated, i really didn’t know what i was going to do, so i didn’t want to jump into grad school. i think this was a really important step personally for me, and i also think that in the end it helped my chances for getting into grad school and also keeping grad school in perspective now that i’m here. as far as applying, it also helped to have specific reasons for being interested in architecture - and those weren’t reasons i would have known right after college, they were reasons i learned while working in planning.
so really, i would definitely recommend taking some time to work and also seriously building a portfolio - i’d even go so far as to say that if you don’t have already some body of creative work that you could shape up to put in a portfolio (i mean, if you’re starting from scratch with nothing) then architecture school might not be the right choice (at least MIT).
hope that helps!
Katie
…..as far as applying to architecture schools, i would say that hands-down the most important elements of the application package are portfolios and essays. i don’t know about every school, but most of the ones i applied to were looking for evidence of creativity and critical thought. although architectural experience was probably not a bad thing, most of the people in my level 1 class didn’t have any architectural experience beforehand, and the school certainly wasn’t looking for proof of knowing AutoCAD in the application.
when i applied, i included mostly artwork in my portfolio - i’d been a studio art major also at stanford, and i kept up my artwork while i was working after school (at the same time i was applying to architecture school, i was also applying to MFA programs). i really don’t think i could have gotten into architecture school without the strong art background. also, i think many schools make public the portfolios of admitted students, so go ahead and ask to see them.
i think having worked for a couple of years after Stanford was really valuable. when i graduated, i really didn’t know what i was going to do, so i didn’t want to jump into grad school. i think this was a really important step personally for me, and i also think that in the end it helped my chances for getting into grad school and also keeping grad school in perspective now that i’m here. as far as applying, it also helped to have specific reasons for being interested in architecture - and those weren’t reasons i would have known right after college, they were reasons i learned while working in planning.
so really, i would definitely recommend taking some time to work and also seriously building a portfolio - i’d even go so far as to say that if you don’t have already some body of creative work that you could shape up to put in a portfolio (i mean, if you’re starting from scratch with nothing) then architecture school might not be the right choice (at least MIT).
hope that helps!
Katie
Grad Spotlight – Arch Design 05-06- Julia Hu
News from Julia ‘06 – from the first graduating class of Architectural Design in CEE
Life after graduating from Architectural Design has been productive and practically driven. I am now a CEM coterm (Construction Engineering Management one year masters degree at Stanford) concentrating on sustainability and finance. This program allows you so much flexibility to sculpt your set of classes to prepare you for your goals. I hope to find that one great company that combines environmental consciousness, aesthetics, development, and social equity so that I can start out with an exciting job.
There are a couple of things that I am taking advantage of, and it might be helpful to you as well. Since we are still curious young students, it is the best time to seek out help and information from mentors. Sometimes, knowing that I had 3.5 years of architecture school ahead of me was a large enough safety net to not make myself the loud student. But after I decided on the CEM program, my calm state of mind changed to a determined one. These few months, I have been frenetically exploring the world of the built environment through interviewing everyone from Judy Corbett to a REIT analyst. I also got to volunteer as an intern for a nonprofit organization SPUR to help brainstorm how SF could incentivize green roofs.
There’s also a great program that I want to make a plug for. The Stanford Graduate Student Initiative has started putting out great summer programs (and free!) to bridge the disciplines. I got to join a group of Stanford PhDs and med school students in the Business School to learn about entrepreneurship for a month, and I participated in a weeklong “Radical Design Thinking” charrette to help me become a better designer. Much recommended. Good luck guys!
As of September 2007, Julia Hu has started working for Mogavero and Notestine Architects in Sacramento. Based on her job search goals stated above in which she sought to combine aesthetics, environmental consciousness,development, and social equity, it appears that Mogavero and Notestine http://www.mognot.com is a great choice because they are an architectural, planning, and development services firm.
Life after graduating from Architectural Design has been productive and practically driven. I am now a CEM coterm (Construction Engineering Management one year masters degree at Stanford) concentrating on sustainability and finance. This program allows you so much flexibility to sculpt your set of classes to prepare you for your goals. I hope to find that one great company that combines environmental consciousness, aesthetics, development, and social equity so that I can start out with an exciting job.
There are a couple of things that I am taking advantage of, and it might be helpful to you as well. Since we are still curious young students, it is the best time to seek out help and information from mentors. Sometimes, knowing that I had 3.5 years of architecture school ahead of me was a large enough safety net to not make myself the loud student. But after I decided on the CEM program, my calm state of mind changed to a determined one. These few months, I have been frenetically exploring the world of the built environment through interviewing everyone from Judy Corbett to a REIT analyst. I also got to volunteer as an intern for a nonprofit organization SPUR to help brainstorm how SF could incentivize green roofs.
There’s also a great program that I want to make a plug for. The Stanford Graduate Student Initiative has started putting out great summer programs (and free!) to bridge the disciplines. I got to join a group of Stanford PhDs and med school students in the Business School to learn about entrepreneurship for a month, and I participated in a weeklong “Radical Design Thinking” charrette to help me become a better designer. Much recommended. Good luck guys!
As of September 2007, Julia Hu has started working for Mogavero and Notestine Architects in Sacramento. Based on her job search goals stated above in which she sought to combine aesthetics, environmental consciousness,development, and social equity, it appears that Mogavero and Notestine http://www.mognot.com is a great choice because they are an architectural, planning, and development services firm.
Grad Spotlight – Jackie
News from Jackie - Current senior at U. of PENN, Master of Architecture Program
Getting into architecture school is not always (in fact, rarely) about how good you are as an *architectural* designer. One of the things that my instructors and professors at Penn have told me about the admissions process is that it’s about the kinds of potential that they see in the portfolios of applicants. Just because an applicant has a large array of architecture projects doesn’t mean he/she will get in. I have seen a number of portfolios from my classmates, and most of them are non-architectural designs in majority - sculpture, drawings, graphic design, etc. are all welcome. It seems to be that they are looking for students to have an eye for space, composition, and of course, general visual aesthetics.
The curriculum at Penn and at the other big-name architecture schools is a mix of theoretical and practical. With the exception of the core construction classes, you will never be prompted to do anything like window detail drawings. look at it this way - you go to school to learn how to expand your design sensibilities and you go to work to learn how to make things practical/buildable. There are people who really resist the theory part of architecture school, and if you don’t keep an open mind, it’s tough to enjoy yourself in these programs. That said, there is also consideration given to how real a project can be. After all, you can’t convince a jury that what you are doing is “architecture” if it seems like there is no way that it could possible exist in real life.
Pedagogically, there is a current trend in architecture academia going toward generative designs, the specifics of which I won’t go into because it would take some time to explain. But basically, generative design often use mathematics and computer science to come up with interesting patterns and forms. The trouble people run into with generative design (in my opinion, at least) is that it’s visually very exciting, but often spatially lacking. But that is not to say that if you go to architecture school, you’ll be required to do this kind of design. It’s just good to be aware of it, because there always seems to be students who are completely surprised by (and sometimes dismayed at) this trend. Also, in general, there is less and less hand-drawing, and more and more computer drawing.
In general, the first year (or 1 1/2 years) is very structured. At PennDesign, everyone takes five courses and one design studio each semester. The required courses are construction, environmental systems, structures, visual studies, and history/theory. Some of them are meant to help with the licensing exam in the future. And while the core courses don’t require nearly the time or the brain power that an average undergraduate course does, studio alone will more than make up for it. Design studios are the most time-intensive - the stories about architecture students staying in studio for days at a time are not made up at all, because there are times when that kind of thing happens. If you love designing, you will have no problem spending the time and energy in studio. But I often find that there are people who don’t have their hearts in it, and the whole experience just turns out to be a waste of time (and tuition money).
I would encourage anyone who is thinking about architecture school to evaluate his/her motivation. It is certainly not for everyone. I came to Penn directly out of Stanford, and I felt that I was ready to tackle it. Some people may want to take some time off and work at an architecture office to see if the field is fit for them. And some people, like me, may want to dive right into it because they felt like they hadn’t gotten enough of it yet.
–
I realize that there will likely be plenty other questions, so feel free to have your students email me if they want more advice/answers. I may not be able to provide all the answers, but now that I’m in my final year, I think I can at least guide them in the right direction. If they want to see some of my work, they can take a look at my portfolio. If they want to see more student work from Penn, there is the student work archive.
Getting into architecture school is not always (in fact, rarely) about how good you are as an *architectural* designer. One of the things that my instructors and professors at Penn have told me about the admissions process is that it’s about the kinds of potential that they see in the portfolios of applicants. Just because an applicant has a large array of architecture projects doesn’t mean he/she will get in. I have seen a number of portfolios from my classmates, and most of them are non-architectural designs in majority - sculpture, drawings, graphic design, etc. are all welcome. It seems to be that they are looking for students to have an eye for space, composition, and of course, general visual aesthetics.
The curriculum at Penn and at the other big-name architecture schools is a mix of theoretical and practical. With the exception of the core construction classes, you will never be prompted to do anything like window detail drawings. look at it this way - you go to school to learn how to expand your design sensibilities and you go to work to learn how to make things practical/buildable. There are people who really resist the theory part of architecture school, and if you don’t keep an open mind, it’s tough to enjoy yourself in these programs. That said, there is also consideration given to how real a project can be. After all, you can’t convince a jury that what you are doing is “architecture” if it seems like there is no way that it could possible exist in real life.
Pedagogically, there is a current trend in architecture academia going toward generative designs, the specifics of which I won’t go into because it would take some time to explain. But basically, generative design often use mathematics and computer science to come up with interesting patterns and forms. The trouble people run into with generative design (in my opinion, at least) is that it’s visually very exciting, but often spatially lacking. But that is not to say that if you go to architecture school, you’ll be required to do this kind of design. It’s just good to be aware of it, because there always seems to be students who are completely surprised by (and sometimes dismayed at) this trend. Also, in general, there is less and less hand-drawing, and more and more computer drawing.
In general, the first year (or 1 1/2 years) is very structured. At PennDesign, everyone takes five courses and one design studio each semester. The required courses are construction, environmental systems, structures, visual studies, and history/theory. Some of them are meant to help with the licensing exam in the future. And while the core courses don’t require nearly the time or the brain power that an average undergraduate course does, studio alone will more than make up for it. Design studios are the most time-intensive - the stories about architecture students staying in studio for days at a time are not made up at all, because there are times when that kind of thing happens. If you love designing, you will have no problem spending the time and energy in studio. But I often find that there are people who don’t have their hearts in it, and the whole experience just turns out to be a waste of time (and tuition money).
I would encourage anyone who is thinking about architecture school to evaluate his/her motivation. It is certainly not for everyone. I came to Penn directly out of Stanford, and I felt that I was ready to tackle it. Some people may want to take some time off and work at an architecture office to see if the field is fit for them. And some people, like me, may want to dive right into it because they felt like they hadn’t gotten enough of it yet.
–
I realize that there will likely be plenty other questions, so feel free to have your students email me if they want more advice/answers. I may not be able to provide all the answers, but now that I’m in my final year, I think I can at least guide them in the right direction. If they want to see some of my work, they can take a look at my portfolio. If they want to see more student work from Penn, there is the student work archive.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
New Feature: Graduate Spotlight
We’re introducing a new column of sorts here on the blog where recent grads tell about their experiences after Stanford and in Architecture School. There will definitely be lots of useful information in these posts, so keep a close eye out for them.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Green Building Field Trip
The Kirsch Center is the lead demonstration building for sustainable energy and resource practice in the California community college system. Its 22000 gross sq ft include high tech classrooms and labs and meets the requirements of of a LEED Silver Certified Sustainable Building.
Thursday, October 19th
Meet at Tressider Bollards 2:40
1 hour tour from 3-4 pm
back around 4:30-5:00
Please RSVP to gkatz@stanford.edu
By Sunday, October 15th
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Tour the Frank Lloyd Wright Hanna House
A special tour of the Hanna House has been arranged for Patti’s soph seminar class and she would like to extend an invitation to all of you. The tour will be Friday, 10/27, 12-1.
Carpooling available from Tresidder parking lot leaving about 11:50 or meet us there. Let Patti know if you need a ride.
The address is 737 Frenchmans Road. Basically, Lomita to Mayfield to Frenchmans Rd.
The Hanna House, sometimes called the “honeycomb house” is considered one of the masterworks of twentieth-century architecture.
Carpooling available from Tresidder parking lot leaving about 11:50 or meet us there. Let Patti know if you need a ride.
The address is 737 Frenchmans Road. Basically, Lomita to Mayfield to Frenchmans Rd.
The Hanna House, sometimes called the “honeycomb house” is considered one of the masterworks of twentieth-century architecture.
Wednesday, October 4, 2006
Lunch and Lecture by SOM Parters Brian Lee and Mark Sarkisian
Join us for lunch and a lecture by design partner Brian Lee and structural engineering partner Mark Sarkisian- both from Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill (SF).
Their creative collaborations are cutting edge achievements in sustainable technology.
Wednesday, October 18, 12 noon, Terman 453
Please r.s.v.p. to Lorraine Potter
Their creative collaborations are cutting edge achievements in sustainable technology.
Wednesday, October 18, 12 noon, Terman 453
Please r.s.v.p. to Lorraine Potter
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Stanford Land Use & Environmental Planning Office Intern Position
The Stanford University LU&E Planning Office is seeking a qualified Stanford student to assist the Planning staff in a variety of projects. This is an ongoing position, open immediately.
The Planning Office advises senior leadership on the use of Stanford land in support of its academic objectives. Among the many responsibilities of the Planning Office staff is the preparation of plans based on analysis using sophisticated GIS/CAD and other software. Staff also facilitates land use entitlement and permitting, manages compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and other environmental regulations, and reviews land use and environmental ordinances under consideration by local Planning Commissions, City Councils and Boards of Supervisors that may affect Stanford land use.
Posted: Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Hours: 10 – 20 hours/week - schedule is flexible
Salary: $12.50/hour
Responsibilities:
Duties may include updating technical and planning documents; research and data collection on planning related issues, maintenance of computer databases; assisting on special projects such as the Habitat Conservation Plan; preparing maps and graphics; internet research on various topics including sustainability; reviewing zoning ordinances, setting up equipment for presentations at various meetings, office filing and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Applicants should be a currently registered Stanford University student. Experience with PC’s, GIS/CAD software (ESRI, AutoDesk), Web site construction and management, Microsoft Access, Adobe Photoshop, and Windows 2000/Windows XP operating systems are desirable. Knowledge of library cataloging techniques is also desirable but not required. Good communication skills, initiative, and excellent organizational skills, and familiarity with spreadsheets and databases are required.
To apply:
Submit your resume to Maria Cacho at cacho@stanford.edu. Please include dates of availability and general areas of interest.
The Planning Office advises senior leadership on the use of Stanford land in support of its academic objectives. Among the many responsibilities of the Planning Office staff is the preparation of plans based on analysis using sophisticated GIS/CAD and other software. Staff also facilitates land use entitlement and permitting, manages compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and other environmental regulations, and reviews land use and environmental ordinances under consideration by local Planning Commissions, City Councils and Boards of Supervisors that may affect Stanford land use.
Posted: Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Hours: 10 – 20 hours/week - schedule is flexible
Salary: $12.50/hour
Responsibilities:
Duties may include updating technical and planning documents; research and data collection on planning related issues, maintenance of computer databases; assisting on special projects such as the Habitat Conservation Plan; preparing maps and graphics; internet research on various topics including sustainability; reviewing zoning ordinances, setting up equipment for presentations at various meetings, office filing and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
Applicants should be a currently registered Stanford University student. Experience with PC’s, GIS/CAD software (ESRI, AutoDesk), Web site construction and management, Microsoft Access, Adobe Photoshop, and Windows 2000/Windows XP operating systems are desirable. Knowledge of library cataloging techniques is also desirable but not required. Good communication skills, initiative, and excellent organizational skills, and familiarity with spreadsheets and databases are required.
To apply:
Submit your resume to Maria Cacho at cacho@stanford.edu. Please include dates of availability and general areas of interest.
Life Drawing
Every Tuesday night from 7-10pm there is an open life drawing session at the Palo Alto Art Center. There is a $5 fee for the evening. This is a great opportunity to exercise your drawing arm at a very reasonable cost.
Thanks to Liz for the heads up
Thanks to Liz for the heads up
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