Ohio University
Interior Architecture Program
ARTI 350, Materials and Construction I
Fall 2011

Matthew Ziff, Associate Professor, Area Chair
M. Arch, NCIDQ, Architect
Office: W 325 Grover Center
Office Hours: TTH: 11-3
Telephone: 740. 593. 2869
E-mail: ziff@ohio.edu

Course Syllabus

Course: ARTI  350 Materials and Construction I, Fall Quarter 2011

Class #16962

Credit Hours: 3

Prerequisites: Sophomore  

Time: TTh: 9:10am -10:30am

Location: Grover Center W 209

Course Description: "Investigation of material selection and application, construction systems, and building codes as related to interior architecture. Field trips to actual construction sites when available."

Course Objectives: 

To become knowledgeable about the role of materials in the design and construction of the built environment.

To understand the characteristics and limitations of specific materials and methods of building.

To be able to propose creative and functional uses for materials in interior environments.

Required Items:

Textbook:

buy this book where ever you wish, but you must have this for the first week of class

Note:  this textbook will also be required for ARTI 351, Materials and Construction II, spring quarter. 

Sustainable Building  Systems and Construction for Designers, by Lisa M. Tucker,

Fairchild Books, New York, 2010, ISBN: 978-1-56367-712-0

Sketchbook:

A blank paper sketchbook, no smaller than 6" x 9" and no larger than 11" x 14".

Final Exam:

Monday, November 21, 8:00am.  W 209 Grover Center.
The time listed is set by Ohio University and may not be changed. I am not allowed to change the time: do not ask me to do so.

A final exam or other 'summative experience' is required to be held for every course.  A final exam may not be given on the last day of class. 

Attendance Policy

Attendance is mandatory.

Two (2) absences are allowed without penalty. Each absence in excess of two (2) will reduce your course grade by one-half letter grade.  For example, three absences will reduce a grade of A to an A-, a B to a B-, a C- to a D+, et cetera.

Absence from eight (8) or more classes will result in failing the course, regardless of performance on other work.

Absence from eight (8) or more classes with an appropriate medical excuse will result in receiving a WP or WF(withdraw, passing or failing) for the course and the course will have to be re-taken, the following year to receive credit.

Within written university policy at Ohio University there are no 'excused' absences.  Absence from class is simply a class session missed. 

Do not ask me if 'anything important' did, or will, happen in a class session.  I try to make every class session useful, interesting, and important. 

Late work: late work is unacceptable in the design profession. work that is late will be downgraded, one letter grade for each week that it is late. the companion statement to these is that deadlines must be appropriate and reasonable, and i will monitor our progress and make adjustments if necessary.

Grading is based on the following criteria:

"A" indicates achievement of distinction and excellence in several if not all of the following aspects:

1. completeness and accuracy of knowledge 2. intelligent use of knowledge 3. independence of work 4. originality

"B" indicates general achievement superior to the acceptable standard as defined as "C". it involves excellence in some aspects of the work, as indicated in the definition of "A".

"C" indicates the acceptable standard for graduation from Ohio University. it involves such quality and quantity of work as may fairly be expected of a student of normal ability who gives to the course a reasonable amount of time, effort, and attention.

Coursework:  You need to do the following things in this class:

1. attend class: in a conscious, engaged manner
2.  read the assigned sections of the text and any additional supplemental articles
3.  complete two [2] research projects
4.  sketchbook assignments (5)
5.  exam 1: Thursday, September 29, 9:10am 
6.  exam 2: Tuesday, October 25, 9:10am 
7.  final exam: Thursday, November 21, 10:10am:  Covers only the last third of the academic term, from exam 2 on. 

 

Course Grades