Architecture+Design



Architecture Design - Bird Shelters

** Introduction: **

In this lesson students will learn about the relationship of form to function in architecture as students engage in active problem solving while designing a bird shelter. The basis of their design is the habitat of a specific bird and the adapted design philosophy of a Pritzker-award winning architect. In addition to their architect's design philosophy, these bird shelters, or birdhouses, need to consider their environment, climate, space, needs, and materials available to make a comfortable shelter for their "clients".

** Objectives: **


 * Define and understand the architectural design process
 * Learn about Pritzker-award winning architects, their design philosophy and works
 * Construct an architectural model that incorporates a specific form with a particular function
 * Present your architectural structure to your "client"


 * Procedures: **


 * Together as a class, we will learn about the design process by visiting a virtual architectural firm at NBBJ Architecture Firm Part 1 and NBBJ Architecture Firm Part 2; summarize the key steps in your sketchbook.
 * Go to The Pritzker Architectural Prize website and select an architect whose design philosophy and structures interest you.
 * Research a specific bird, their needs, and how they interact with their environment; document your findings in your sketchbook.
 * Using the knowledge gained form your architect and bird research, sketch 5 different possible bird dwellings for your selected bird using recyclable materials. Your resulting designs must reflect the design philosophy of your architect while meeting the needs of your client (your selected bird).
 * Meet with Ms. Sweigart to go over your sketches
 * Using your best sketch design, create a prototype of your bird shelter
 * Scale-up your prototype to a life-size model
 * Present your final architectural structure to the class using either Animoto, Prezi, Youtube video or a Vuvox collage.


 * Web Resources: **

@http://www.pritzkerprize.com/index.html
 * The Pritzker Architecture Prize **

@http://plainsart.org/weblog/the-birdhouse-project/
 * The Birdhouse Project **

@http://www.trendhunter.com/results?search=birdhouses
 * TrendHunter **

@http://www.londonfieldworks.com/projects/super-kingdom/index.php
 * Super Kingdom Project **

@http://www.aia.org/index.htm
 * The American Institute of Architects **