Instructor: Prof. Aranha

Project Introduction:

Studio Mexico – Arch 5605/3502 – Spring 2007 - Aranha

A joint design studio between Texas tech University and Universidad de las Americas, Puebla, Mexico

Learning Objectives

•research, study and design for a culture and context different from one’s own

•experience and learn from International interaction and collaboration (NAAB Criteria #2)

•program, conceptualize, resolve and detail an individual architectural project

•application of graphic and verbal (oral & written) communication skills (NAAB Criteria # 6)

Description

Arch 5605/3502 is a vertical architectural design studio set up as a collaboration studio between Texas Tech University and Universidad de las Americas, Cholula, Mexico. Students from both institutions will begin the semester by visiting the city of Puebla, Mexico where they will work together to experience, document and understand the city, become familiar with the local architectural vernacular and to document and analyze the site chosen for the design project. On site, they will work together in teams and also engage in discussions aimed at identifying local contemporary architectural and urban issues. There will also be lectures and discussions with local architects and professors from UDLA. After the week long ‘context visit’ the students will then return to their respective campuses where they will develop architectural proposals for the site. During the semester students from TTU and UDLA will exchange design ideas and critic each other’s work via scheduled internet conferences. At the end of the spring semester the students from UDLA will visit TTU with their design projects and participate in a joint design review.

Project Focus

The site chosen for the project is located in an area of Puebla which has been targeted for urban re-development. The project focuses on the following issues:

•Urban redevelopment

•Neighborhood gentrification

•Adaptive re-use

•Architectural insertions

Note:

Arch 5605 students who are enrolled in the studio have already acquired passports and purchased tickets for the field visit to Mexico Jan 19- 28, 2007. Arch 3502 students who wish to participate in the field trip may still be able to do so if they have passports and are willing to pay the field trip and current airfare costs. Students who are interested in the field trip must contact Prof. Aranha immediately (joseph.aranha@ttu.edu). (Do not wait for classes to begin). The field trip cost is approx $600 and current airfare as of Jan 3, 2007 is $417. The field trip begins with a weekend in Mexico City and six days in Puebla. The cost covers all tours, most local transportation, 9 nights lodging and breakfasts. For more information refer to:  http://www.arch.ttu.edu/Programs/International%2DStudies/2007/mexico/