Description of the studio

The compositional -design and construction approach to the creation of the built environment, examined from the design inception to the buildable deliverable, through the challenge of Designing a small scale hotel and spa complex. The assignment extensively focuses on the particulars and deliverables of the design phases that support and facilitate the evolution of building concepts into buildings (concept design drawings -final design drawings ­implementation design drawings).

Stage A - The first phase of the course introduces a methodology for analyzing the various synthetic parameters of the design challenge (i.e. operational organization, morphology, natural topography, views, orientation, construction choices, etc). A methodology for utilizing the analyses' results into forming design proposals is also introduced, aiming to facilitate the produ ction of advanced preliminary building designs -with their key construction-related elements identified -by the e of stage A of the course.

Stage B –The second phase focuses on the evolution of preliminary design proposals into detailed design and implementation building proposals. The main objective of this phase is to highlight the importance of a unifying concept driving design and detaili decisions during every phase of the architectural design process.

The final result insists on the employment of environmentally sensitive design and construction detailing as means for formulating proposals in response to the design challenge.