Project shown: "Common Ground - Reimagining Social Infrastructures - Cultural Trail" by Vaibhav Vadaoriya.

Continuing with our Archinect Studio Pin-Ups series, we connect with Archinect Partner School New York Institute of Technology to learn more about its Fall/Spring semester M.Arch studio led by Marcella Del Signore, the school's Associate Professor and Director of the Master of Science in Architecture, Urban and Regional Design.

The ARCH 802 Design-Research Studio "Designing (Inter)Scalar Domains" built upon the preceding M.ARCH 801 Studio from Fall 2020/21 and continued to focus on "interscalar design processes, translating research and design scenarios into the development and production/fabrication phase," asking students to "explore the continuity and interdependence of scales in their project proposals while emphasizing strategies that address micro and macro scales." The concept of 'interscalarity' served as a "methodological framework, investigating scalar relationships and the co-dependency of material, spatial, social, cultural, political, and environmental concerns." 

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Studio Summary: "The studio follows a rigorous methodology shared by all students, allowing for individual research topics and trajectories that contribute to collective directions. Students are encouraged to maintain an attitude of inquiry and research throughout the semester, reframing issues and projecting design scenarios and strategies.

The Spring Semester was comprised of three interrelated and sequential phases:

1. Design Scenarios + Interscalar Narratives: This phase involves editing and refining the design scenarios developed in the previous semester. Students will work on revised narratives, program, and design strategies while expanding and redefining the framework. Readings, writings, and precedent studies will aid in redefining the project's framework and scale(s).
2. Design Development: In this phase, students will focus on design development by considering the parameters and components of the project. Integration of scales, context, space, program, tectonics, systems, and materials will be driven by a critical exploration of societal, cultural, political, economic, and environmental conditions. Students will define strategies for the final production phase.
3. Design Production + Fabrication/Prototyping: The third phase involves synthesizing parts 1 and 2 to develop the final design production, including fabrication and prototyping. Students have the freedom to direct their investigations based on project type and scale within architectural and urban development parameters.

The learning objectives include conducting critical precedent studies, iterative design explorations, and generating design strategies through tectonics and material implementation. Students will develop research and communication skills, critical thinking, and architectural ideas through various modes of representation. The importance of iterative procedures, exchange of information between analog and digital media, and supporting design processes through a conceptual understanding of the framework are emphasized."

Drawing and Rendering Pin-Ups

Featured student work: Adam Giannios, Aleksandra Zatorska, Francis Kwok, Japeth Aleyakpo, Jay Patel, Kaymar Thomas, Sohee Noh, Tammy Gyeongok Noh, and Vaibhav Vadaoriya

Studio Instructor: Marcella Del Signore

Learn more about the New York Institute of Technology's Department of Architecture and past editorial coverage by exploring their Archinect School Profile.