Architecture for High School 2

Course Description

HS Architecture 2 Syllabus

This course will build on what students learned in Architecture I, and will help them further develop their understanding of architectural concepts and design techniques. They will continue to refine their ability to conceptualize and create detailed architectural plans and models, engage in critical thinking, and design purpose-driven structures. They will also work on developing a portfolio of their work.

Throughout the course, students will refine their abilities to use design software, and will learn about different materials, safety requirements, and sustainable design principles. They will also practice presenting and critiquing architectural ideas in a professional manner.

• pencils
• pens
• paper
• scissors
• tape
• cardboard
• Styrofoam

Students will have the flexibility to choose which materials they want to use when building models, so the materials listed here are for guidance, not specific requirements.

Course Structure

Each semester will consist of one overarching project. Weekly topics, tasks, and activities will build toward completion of this project. Students will frequently share their projects in class, in order to have the projects critiqued by classmates and the teacher. In this way, they will be able to get new ideas and make adjustments to their projects.

Who should enroll?

High school students who have previously taken Architecture for High School 1 or a comparable course. Students who are coming out of Middle School Architecture should enroll in Architecture 1 rather than this course. Parents are welcome to reach out to Mr. Nance with questions about the best placement for their student(s).

Prerequisite

Students should have completed  Architecture for High School 1 or a comparable class prior to enrolling in Architecture for High School 2. Students who have completed Middle School Architecture should move into HS Architecture 1, not HS Architecture 2.

Technology Requirements

Evaluation and Feedback

This class is designed to help students grow and explore. Students will regularly be asked to explain not only their products but also the thought process behind them. They will be encouraged to consider modifications and alternatives, and will frequently revise what has already been done. This iterative process is typical in architecture, and should be viewed as a learning experience and opportunity for growth. Feedback will be encouraging and uplifting, but students must realize that there will always be room for improvement in the work that they do.

Communication

Required Texts

Required Text:

• Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods (7th Edition), by Edward Allen and Joseph Iano, ISBN 978-1119446194
  • (Please note that there is a Kindle version available for approximately half the price of the printed version, but because it is a textbook with many images, it does not have the same functionality that most Kindle books have. It displays well enough on a computer Kindle app but is not very usable on anything smaller than a computer monitor.)

Students who did not take HS Architecture I should consider these two books. They are not required but could come in handy.

• Building Construction Illustrated (6th Edition), ISBN 978-1-119-58308-0
• Architecture for Teens, ISBN 978-1-64739-672-5