1. SRD 263 Architecture 2A . 2009 Project 3 Outline
James Coulson . School of Architecture & Building . Deakin University 1
Project 3 : Tectonic Design - Making @ 1:1 or 1:2 scale
(30% P3 Making + 10% P2 Reflection on Making)
La Petite Maison du Weekend
A project by Patkau Architects constructed in 1998 for the Fabrications
Exhibition at the Wexner Center for the Arts, Columbus, Ohio.
This is a prototype
self-sufficient minimal
dwelling. It can be
relocated to virtually
any outdoor site,
where it will provide
the basics for
everyday life: sleeping
for two, kitchen,
shower, and
composting toilet.
Made of a variety of
materials and pre-
manufactured
components, it
generates its own
electricity, collects and
distributes rainwater,
and composts human
waste using only the
natural dynamics of
the site.
Task
The third project is an exercise in tectonic design realisation with an emphasis on
material, detail and realistic fabrication. It tests resolution of a project at either 1:1 or
1:2 scale through actual construction and allows close inspection and use.
Brief
In your allocated group project with a prescribed function and context explore
detailed design through the realities of making architecture.
Process
Lectures have illuminated the necessary progression from initial design concept
(Project 1) to 1:10 scale resolution (Project 2) to the reality of making a final ‘proto-
type’ (Project 3) and reflection on this process. This includes a number of steps:
- identify any design ‘gaps’ or worthwhile refinements
- establish a dimension regime to confirm the scope of the work
- create an inventory of materials, fixings and finishes required for your project
- consider material sourcing and substitution
- plan the fabrication process including any elemental assembly
- decide whether your project is best realised at 1:1 or 1:2 scale
- check the access to the final location - measure the lift?
- consider security and safety issues such as weight, stability, sharpness
- consider the un-building process and final ownership of your project.
- reflect on your project process – the transition from thinking to making

2. SRD 263 Architecture 2A . 2009 Project 3 Outline
James Coulson . School of Architecture & Building . Deakin University 2
Project Chung 1:1 scale 2007 Project Scott 1:2 scale 2007
Workshop-based activity will assist development and articulation of your collective
thinking and making according to the following general program:
Week 7 : Physical Models: Material Acquisition
What are the major elements of your design? Think through the materiality of the
project. What is your material palette? Are the materials readily available at
reasonable cost or do you need to consider suitable substitution?
NO WORKSHOP ACTIVITY WITHOUT A GROUP SAFETY PLAN OR INDIVIDUAL
WORKSHOP INDUCTION.
Week 8 : Workshop: Fabrication Strategies
Consider fabrication of the project elements including structure, enclosure, and
openings. What are the strategies for fabrication? Multiple similar elements might
suggest a template for quality control before final fabrication commences. Or can
elements be made separately with margins to allow for final assembly?
Does your project understand gravity? How is it stabilized on the site or is it
temporary and re-locatable or fully moveable on wheels?
Week 9 : Workshop: Joint Resolution
The resolution of joints is a significant issue in architectural design. Explore how
elements connect (load transfer, continuity, termination) or how materials are
juxtaposed for inherent performance (strength of material, visual quality). Sourcing or
making suitable architectural hardware is part of the process in making architecture.
Week 10 : Workshop: Final Fabrication
Final assembly is crucial for the outcome of your project. Allow time for finishes to be
applied (and to dry!). If you are working off-site you must think through the
transportation and off-loading implications of your model.
Week 11 : Project 3 Submission (Friday 29th
May)
Install your project in the nominated location between 9 am and 4 pm. Staff will be in
attendance to register your installation.
No construction equipment or material is to be left in the vicinity of project after
installation. Final construction activity must be conducted safely with consideration
for other persons and property that may be affected.

3. SRD 263 Architecture 2A . 2009 Project 3 Outline
James Coulson . School of Architecture & Building . Deakin University 3
Week 12 : Project 2 ‘Reflection on Making’ Submission (Friday 5th
June)
Submit a pdf version of your group P2 Reflection by 10am on DSO. Each submission
should be a single pdf document of 4 x A3 sheets.
Pdf files should be named: Group Name 263.09.P2 Reflection
Print and display your submission with your Project 3 model by 10am.
Group poster – P2 reflection should include; Group Identity, Process images,
Suppliers / Sponsors, Advisors, Material schedule, Costing, Knowledge from making,
Un-building strategy.
Week 12 : Final Review
Each group will be reviewed for approximately 15 minutes per group + 10 minutes
discussion. Students are expected to be in attendance for the entire review session
from 10 am to 2 pm.
The original 6 x A3 sheets from both Project 1 and Project 2 must be posted beside
your group model along with the 4 x A3 P2 ‘Reflection on Making’ sheets to allow
comparison with the original conceptual design and your design development.
It is anticipated that your understanding on the tectonic development will be altered in
the workshop process and reflection on this will be expected in the P3 presentation.
Group Evaluation
All students are expected to participate in the group model construction as part of the
unit learning. However, in consideration of equitable assessment, no 'job captains' or
'project architects' are appointed. Group dynamics form part of any team-based
activity and consequently influence outcomes.
All group members can evaluate this process at the end of the project. Criteria for the
group evaluation are as follows:
Attendance at meetings and group activities.
Participation in tectonic thinking.
Participation in material acquisition tasks.
Participation in fabrication strategy.
Completion of delegated construction tasks.
Contribution to the final project presentation.
Performance against each of the criteria should be rated as poor, good or very good.
In addition, for each group member (including yourself) give an overall evaluation as
a mark between 0.5 and 1.5 with 1.0 being the average. If you have 6 group
members then you have a total of 6 marks to distribute.
Submit group evaluations individually and confidentially via email to James Coulson
by 5pm Friday 5th June.