Class Info

  • Date: Monday February 1, 2021
  • Meeting via Zoom: Link + Passcode will be provided by email

To-Do Before Class

Per my earlier email; in case you didn’t receive it:

  • Our course site will be on OpenLab. There is an excellent tutorial website that will help you create an account and get started with OpenLab, as well as prepare you for a successful and enjoyable online learning experience:

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/openlabforstudents/

  • Once you have created an account on OpenLab, please join our course: 

https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/gernertarch1101sp2021/

Topic

Introduction and Overview of the course

Objectives

  • Introduce ourselves
  • Review the OpenLab site and course syllabus
  • Discuss the process of becoming an architect
  • Introduce modes of looking at, understanding, and representing architecture

Activities

  • Create OpenLab account and join this course (see above)
  • Take the Student Survey – Link shall be provided during class
  • Introduce yourself by creating a post in Discussions: Introductions
  • Discussion and Slides introducing the profession of architecture, how architects think, and modes of representation
  • Sketching and writing practice using images from in-class slides

To-Do After Class

  • Review above “To Do Before Class” and “Activities” and complete anything not completed during this class period.
  • Purchase sketching and drafting supplies as listed in Course Resources

  • Read Vitruvius, Ten Books of Architecture: see link here
    • Book I, Chapter 2: The Fundamental Principles of Architecture
    • Book III, Chapter 1: On Symmetry: In Temples and in the Human Body

  • Writing Assignment: In Book III, chapter 1, Vitruvius relates symmetry to the human body. What does Vitruvius mean by symmetry? How is the human body symmetrical? How is a building symmetrical?
    • Your paper should be written using 11-point Ariel font on 8 ½” x 11” paper. Include a header in the upper left-hand corner of the paper with your name, date, course number (ARCH1101), professor’s name (Prof. Gernert), and assignment number (Assignment 1)
    • Submit your essay via email to me, Professor Gernert
    • Homework submittal/uploading for the rest of the semester will be reviewed in Class 2

  • Sketching Assignment: Complete the sketches of the 3 buildings you started in class from the slides; be prepared to show them in our next class meeting

  • Find an image of a building that you find particularly beautiful or interesting, and be prepared to share the image at the next class meeting.