This unit is intended for the beginning classes in architectural drawing after the students have had the basic and exploratory courses offered in mechanical drawing. Architectural drawing is usually offered as an elected course of their choice. They believe they are interested in that particular type of drafting; they have an interest in the building field; and they realize the value of detailing, planning, and designing as presented in the basic specialized course of architectural drawing as applied in the building field. Because of its exploratory value, as many as possible of the practical applications of the related vocations should be included so that the student acquires a well-rounded experience. This is particularly important because the student intending to specialize and receive further training in the subject should find out whether he is interested in the work and has the ability to succeed in it. Most students are able to make the elementary drawing involving line technique, views to be drawn, but dimensioning requires practical experience to know what dimensions the workman will need.
There are many things that influence exterior design. These include climate, taste and program requirements of the client, materials, and the basic design principles. While the design is being produced, all of these must be considered.
The design must reflect the architecture of a neighborhood. The part of the country in which the house is being built may restrict the design. This unit is intended to expose the students to the different architectural designs in their neighborhood and in New Haven. The style is the expression, the characteristic manner of design, which prevails at a given time and place; it is an expression of the housing needs, taste, and wealth of the community; it is not the result of accident, but rather an evolution of the intellectual, moral, social, and even political conditions of the time.
My aim is to expose the participants to some of the diversity of style and design and have them evaluate the different architectural designs.
Any type of house is good if it fits the site and environment as naturally as it fitted the local conditions from which it was evolved. Whatever the type, the essential qualities of a good house are proportion, scale, color, texture, rhythm, and repose. The erecting of walls, floors, and roofs; the relating of planes, solids, voids, so that each given meaning and expression, of a type of design of a house.
The shape of a house and the resulting type of the house have a decided influence upon the usable floor area. The greater the area of actual living space which can be obtained from a given shape the more economical and efficient the plan. There are other considerations such as the architectural effect produced and the feeling of roominess, freedom from crowding of space, and so on, which may offset some sacrifice of economy and efficiency.
