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Toshiko Mori
Professor in Practice Department of Architecture |
Courses
Materials and Construction: An Introduction
to Techniques, Composition and Strategies This module introduces students to the role of materials and fabrication in architecture. Properties and principles of materials are discussed in a comprehensive manner involving conceptual, philosophical, ethical and technological issues. Alternative methods of fabrication, production and construction will also be discussed in lecture and seminar format, and architectonic exercises involving material research take place in a workshop format. Environmental Technologies in Building:
Climate and Thermal Behavior This course examines the fundamental scientific principles underlying the thermal behavior of buildings and introduces students to the existing technologies for creating and controlling the interior environment. Beginning with an overview of the Laws of Thermodynamics and the principles of Heat Transfer, the course investigates the application of these principles in the determination of building behavior, and explore the relevant material properties and design variables, including climate, for controlling that behavior. The basic characteristics of HVAC systems are discussed and students are also exposed to the newer technologies that are have increasing influence on architectural design. In addition, current trends in environmental design, including simulation modeling and indoor air quality, are highlighted. Environmental Technologies in Buildings: Lighting and Acoustics This course examines the fundamental scientific principles underlying the luminous and acoustic behavior of buildings and introduces students to the existing technologies for interior lighting. Beginning with the basic laws of physics for optics and sound, the course examines the application of these principles in creating the visual and auditory environment of a building. The relevant material properties and design variables for manipulating those environments are explored in detail, and students are also exposed to the various technologies for producing and controlling light, from daylighting to fiber optics. Simulation modeling is a component of the course. Innovation in Structure In our recent examples of architecture, visions of architects are enhanced by innovative approach in structure by leading engineers. They engage in early stages of design process and significant dialogue takes place between architects and engineers. The understanding of structures is evolving from static to dynamic; introduction of new and improved materials takes place hand in hand with evaluation and consultation of structural engineers. They observe forces that may not be visible from the surface and they analyze the performative characteristics of buildings. With the advancement of physics and rapid development in technology, one of the most fascinating and interesting frontiers in architecture takes place in conversation with structural engineers. Practicing engineers from all over the world are invited to present their work and to engage in conversation in our seminar to see the limits and possibilities in the frontiers of practice where they constantly defy and re-interpret the forces of nature. Invited guests include William Baker of SOM Structures; Werner Sobek, Stuttgart; Guy Nordenson, New York; Mutsuro Sasaki, Tokyo; Hans Schober of Schlaich Bergmann, Stuttgart/New York; Marc Mimram, Paris; Hanif Kara, London; among others. At the end of the semester, students are required to present a case study of one of these engineers' projects. A parallel exercise takes place in a form of "Extreme Textiles" where textile tectonic is used to envision innovative structures. They are theoretical excursuses, however, that reflect on the exhibition at Cooper Hewitt Museum of the same title, referencing it to actual industries developing these technologies for purposes other than architecture. An opening in New York on April 7th and symposium on May 12th are optional for students to attend. The class is open to those who are interested but prerequisites include an equivalent of the core structure sequence. Independent Research Study: Weaving
Material and Habitation The workshop explores fabrication and material potential of weaving methods to consider possibilities for habitation structures. Weaving exists in every culture. It is one of the most ancient and primitive techniques. At the same time, because of its binary nature, it is conducive to be directly converted to digital fabrication method. In between there are degrees of technical sophistication in manufacturing, which one can study to reflect on the relationship between industrialization and civilization. This is a fabrication method where low tech and high tech can co exist as well as ancient and contemporary aesthetic. According to the performance requirements, such as insulation, waterproofing, ventilation and structural strength, a weave can be densified, layered, or combined. The first part of the semester focuses on theoretical, historical and technical research combined with hand made prototype creation. In addition material research addresses to explore different material for the use, such as natural fiber from renewable resource such as grass, banana leaf or from completely artificial source. The economic and political implication of use of specific material is discussed for its renewable, recyclable properties or potential for appropriation of materials previously not considered for this method. In mid April, we are joined by a textile engineer artist, Dai Fujiwara who has invented circular digital weaving method for Issey Miyake’s APOC clothing. It is a single form manufacturing where weaving command is prescribed digitally to produce all the specifications in one form. Instead of sewing or tailoring, cutting allows the form to emerge in this production. We have a workshop with him to explore specific fabrication method, concept and relationship between weaving and digital media. |