ARCH_500-600 Options Studio Comprehensive: ‘Social Hybrids: The Construction of a Community’

Reflecting on the social function of the architect and his or her role as a social agent, the architect is a builder of civilities. The term “civilities” relates to the conventions that regulate community life: civic + facilities. This studio presented a new focus on life in common—buildings that keep up society’s pulse. As a+t magazine says: “the term civilities relates to the conventions that regulate community life; it is as well the addition of civic + facilities. Civic facilities are more than just utilitarian areas, they behave as focal points for cultural life, gathering venues, and driving forces of activity, extending their influences far beyond the walls that host them. They are places where human encounters are produced and a flow of activity rises, regenerating the surrounding area” (Spring 2007, no. 29). Civic facilities stand out as beacons, as hallmarks of civilization.

Contemporary architects are faced with a rapidly changing world, often shifting before actions are realized. Ideas of re-engaging society with real experiences and direct relationships are very appropriate today for students, the entire community of architects, and—why not say it?—for the whole society.

Architecture is about human beings; the duty of an architect is to provide a shelter and to continuously improve living conditions. Counter to the concept of a star-architecture system and the understanding of architecture as an object, this studio explored architecture as a social action within communities. How do we make projects that meet society’s needs? The aim of the course was to manage a product originating from an environment of research and inquiry over a continuous exchange of ideas. The intention was to generate a degree of interrelation among the students capable of producing an atmosphere of collective research that promotes student work, not by focusing on the things they already know, but on those they may still not know.

Students proposed the design of a mix-use building, a dormitory and center, for a community of people with Down syndrome. The goal was to create an exemplary building where its inhabitants feel safe and useful to the community and society. Students were challenged to investigate the spatial qualities and characteristics of the interior space and propose ways of linking it with the building concept. A fusion of indoor and open-air activities working together—working or meeting spaces; places to stay, dance, draw, enjoy, or learn; spaces for events; exhibitions or living; open-air spaces (orchards, playgrounds, sports).

Architecture is a discipline that requires a deep cultural, sociological, economic, political, and ethical understanding of the world. It is crucial to bring all the related disciplines together, setting it closer to the idea of a parliament rather than to a temple. Projects were designed in a small scale to generate complete, developed concepts. Successful projects focused on the quality of the proposal and its ability to convey ideas and thoughts that activated the interest of the users.