Archinect
anchor

Professional Studies Capstone

As part of wrapping up and completing a bachelor's degree, which itself is a "professional studies" degree which incorporates my prior education in architecture, historic preservation, and so forth:

1. I am working on the capstone project class beginning this week and that will span 10 weeks. It is the only class I am taking so I would have potentially more hours over the 10 weeks than than I may normally have under full-time enrollment. However, I would need to keep the scope within reason to be done in a compressed time line than it might be in some capstone/thesis project in architecture school.

You might wonder, why am I thinking of architectural thesis/capstone project in this? While there are broad general deliverables framework, in a professional studies background, the capstone needs to be adapted to each student's professional studies and career field track so a capstone for someone pursuing a marketing director career would be different than someone in an architectural career field. Right away, I have looked at some examples and kinds of deliverables that would go into such.

Therefore, some of you are more familiar with such capstone/design-thesis project in the course of completing your B.Arch or M.Arch degree. I'm looking into tailoring this capstone around my background in architecture/historic preservation.

Some examples I have seen and looked at have students complete a "thesis design project book" or something like that. They would tend to have "posters" and such. Since this is being delivered digitally, I am looking at something more along the lines of digital deliverables as this is done online versus in-person where you would have a pin-up session and final presentation in person so I would be adapting the kinds of deliverables into digital deliverables. While I won't necessarily have physical models (albeit not entirely out of the question), I would likely have a digital model. If I were to have physical models, I would have to photograph and present such models in photographs versus one in physical form. I probably also have to be a little extra considerate of the audience isn't necessarily architects so I might have to be careful to tone the vocabulary somewhat or incorporate some glossary.

2. This would be where I would ask or receive feedback from within the architecture profession versus just relying on my own background alone but I am not in any way asking anyone for doing my homework.

Core course deliverables/assignments:
------------------------------------------------
1. Annotated Bibliography 
2. Project Proposal
3. Capstone Project Proposal
4. Ethics Assignment
5. Capstone Project
6. Capstone Presentation

Now, this is pretty generic. 

Examples of typical deliverables during a capstone/design-thesis from architecture school terminal/capstone design thesis projects, that I have ascertained but is not a claim of an exhaustive list:

 - Poster board (large format representation of the design in a "poster" format during pinup session. In on-campus mode, these would be pinned up to the wall. In online/digital mode, we'd just deliver that in a digital file. That may be a PDF file.

- "Thesis Project Book" - a "book" with the thesis.

- Models (in this case, instead of physical models, it would be digital models and incorporated into the other deliverables. 

 - Sketches, diagrams, floor plans, and so on. (usually incorporated into the other deliverables)

- Presentation in video form which would likely incorporate PowerPoint or similar presentation tool and then incorporated into the video.  The above "poster boards" maybe integrated into power point format instead of conventional large format posters or it could be integrated into PowerPoint and yet also be available in poster format in a PDF. 

Thoughts, feedback, or questions?

PS: I am also dialing in on what the project may be.

"A Capstone Project, as mentioned above, is a significant and comprehensive project that allows you to demonstrate your ability in an area of your career focus. The project must be realistic and original, meaning that the deliverable cannot be a revision of an existing assignment, document, or product. The Capstone Project provides you with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your Professional Studies degree program. The Capstone Project allows you to think critically about academic, professional, or social issues and further develop your analytical and ethical leadership skills needed in the workplace."

The degree is largely designed around students who may have an assortment of college education and other experience without a whole lot of specific courses absolutely required. In my case, I have a lot of college education that leaves me with a minimal amount of courses but 
courses required are minimal, some electives to fill minimum credits from the curriculum including this capstone project. 

Some of the other students are under from other backgrounds, including those taking certain concentration choices (concentrations are optional) in Leadership or Supply Chain Logistics, or Industrial/Organizational Psychology and some other backgrounds that are individualistic to the student. So in a sense, the Professional Studies degree is somewhat like a degree in Individualized Studies. This is to provide some context... maybe TMFI but hopefully not too much.

Thank You.

 
Nov 7, 24 6:56 pm
graphemic

Wow.

Nov 7, 24 7:35 pm  · 
2  · 
JonathanLivingston

We're proud of you Rick.  I'm not going to read all that because I have fallen for that before, but glad you're making good on all those posts with an education.  Something tells me you will be able to write it and will be persistent enough to get a decent grade. 

Nov 7, 24 8:34 pm  · 
3  · 

Understandable. It was more providing context and information necessary for anyone so if they have any thoughts, suggestions, or insight they can present from experiences. If I am anywhere remotely on track with the typical deliverables typical of architecture capstone or thesis design projects with what I stated so far, that would be good to know.

Nov 7, 24 10:36 pm  · 
 · 

Regarding "poster", I am using it loosely to refer to the pin-up deliverables pinned to the wall or otherwise may be a 'poster' or maybe a couple of 'posters' or so. In a digital deliverable, it would make sense to communicate such possibly as large format sheets that are in a sense like a 'storyboard' of your presentation. I believe I heard it referred to in a variety of ways. 

Nov 7, 24 11:11 pm  · 
 · 

If anyone has any thoughts, should I lay out these conventional "posters" or "presentation boards" in Power Point slides style given that it would more be viewed this way in an online course and not be printed and pinned up on a wall? In any case, I'd be communicating the same "presentation" narrative. 

I have my gut feeling but it's worth asking because it may be excessive and redundant work to make "posters" and make "power point" which would lend well for a video presentation recording. 

Thank you in advance for any feedback on that.

Nov 7, 24 11:46 pm  · 
 · 

I'm thinking the underlying justification would be about quality not quantity. Qualitative efficiency. With finite time and resource, apply efficiency that adds quality over mere quantity and excess effort and time for redundancy in a non-"gallery-style" presentational delivery.

Nov 8, 24 1:02 am  · 
 · 
Almosthip

I am not reading all that unless snacks are provided.

Nov 8, 24 10:39 am  · 
 · 

You want stale peanuts?

Nov 8, 24 10:46 am  · 
 · 
pj_heavy

In all seriousness Rick, what are asking?

Nov 8, 24 4:55 pm  · 
 · 

First question for now might be if the "deliverables" I am mentioning is in line more or less with what is typical from your architecture school experience for such terminal/capstone thesis projects. 

I'm fine-tuning and calibrating the deliverables for this project over roughly 10 week timeline for completion in January 2025. Partly why the project is leaned as "academic" versus an actual project is timeline. Professional policies are largely keeping academic work and professional work separate. 

Academic work that may involve a design for a building that would be non-exempt is legally best not be professional work unless done under direct supervision and control of a licensed architect. But that's also not the only reason or necessarily the most important but a good reason to pay attention to. The other is a "real" project involving clients and other third-parties involves people who may not be marching to your schedule and 10 weeks leaves zero room for slippage. 

I have to be making decisions on the project almost unilaterally to not allow project timeline slippage that can run behind schedule. Other questions would certainly be brought up in this thread as I go. Initial question seeks insight from your experiences in similar terminal/capstone projects in your architecture school experience. Partly, I am not trying to ask questions in terms of "doing my assignment". Obviously.

Nov 9, 24 1:20 pm  · 
 · 
BluecornGroup

What is the depth of your architectural toolbox, professional speaking? - have you designed or worked on commercial buildings especially along historical preservation lines? - why are you interested in historical preservation? - I would recommend you don't do a strictly academic (pretend) project - you will get real work experience if you worked with a local or national historic preservation society most of which are nonprofit and may actually provide a grant - part of you final project could include writing this preservation grant - work in conjunction with an architectural firm that creates CD's that you can use as a guide for clarity and professionalism (plus some mentorship) - your State library has a wealth of information on historic buildings and drawings available to you - you have the potential to become a specialized architectural researcher, historic building delineator and detailer, and a project presenter in a real world setting (persuasive, graphic, and public speaking skills) ...

Nov 9, 24 12:01 pm  · 
 · 

My experience involves both residential and commercial buildings. I also have background in historic preservation from both academic and professional experience. Think about where I am at. Astoria, Oregon. Most of the buildings are historic or otherwise existing. Therefore, a lot of projects in some way or form involves working with existing buildings and in many cases historic. Even new construction may be reviewed by historic landmarks commission. Partly why this specific project for this degree might be more academic is the 10 week timeframe. 

Certainly, a good advice to consider on say an M.Arch thesis/design project that might span 2 semesters. The problem wouldn't be me and my pace but the pace of others outside of my control. I like the idea and suggestion provide there is enough time to do that. Organizations don't always work at a pace convenient for this capstone project timeframe. If I had an entire academic year, that would be more feasible because of the third-parties involved. Researching library, SHPO database and the likes isn't the part that is hard. Not only am I aware of those resources in Oregon (and Washington), I am also aware of local resources. 

I tend to try to avoid bringing my private sector clients and their projects into academic work. It can be a nightmare of "human subjects" policies to contend with.

When doing the M.Arch, I'll definitely keep in mind that, above. Wrapping up this bachelor's degree which I am doing now, would be to position myself into that option. I also can proceed with something like you said, post-"Capstone Project" as well which can go into the professional portfolio. 

I already have college education and professional experience which involves historic preservation. That experience spans some 20+ years.

Nov 9, 24 1:01 pm  · 
 · 
BluecornGroup

You are answering many of your own questions and explaining the answers - perhaps a design component or issue might be how to incorporate the ADA requirements into historic preservation moving forward - the reason I mention this is because Downtown Santa Fe is in a designated historic district and this is a continuing concern with many public/private factions - have you dealt with this issue on any of your projects? ...

Nov 10, 24 1:58 pm  · 
 · 
One Spec in the Universe

On your list of deliverables, what's the difference between #2 "Project Proposal" and #3 "Capstone Project Proposal"?  Are those 2 different tasks? An annotated bibliography shouldn't be assignment #1.  You don't even have a proposal until assignment #3: there would be nothing yet to put in a bibliography.  And #4 Ethics assignment sounds like one of those university-mandated things about academic honesty and proper citations, which would usually happen outside of for-credit coursework during orientation or something, but if they're actually counting that as part of credit hours then it should be assignment #1, before the students submit anything.

Thesis requirements vary greatly from one architecture program to another.  Your list has very little resemblance to my experience.  In my version this was the progression:

1.  The thesis proposal wasn't part of the thesis semesters' work at all, because it had to be submitted and accepted toward the end of the previous academic year, in order for the student to be accepted into the fall Thesis semester.  The proposal was the posing of an architectural hypothesis, and a plan for testing it.  Only about 40% of proposals were accepted: the rest of the students did regular studios in their final year.  

2.  The fall semester of thesis was research and prelim investigations:  the deliverables were several related case studies, a 30 page research paper on relevant precedents and theories, sketchbooks/notebooks of design exploration to date, explanation of reasons for selection of a particular site, and a detailed schedule and plan of attack for the spring semester's design work.

3. Assuming the fall's work was accepted as complete and passing, the spring semester of thesis was the design testing of the hypothesis:  the final presentation consisted of a large set of visual work - both progress iterations and final diagrams, drawings, and models.  Most students filled three 16-foot long walls of a room:  not that quantity is necessarily any measure of quality - just trying to give you some idea of expected output.

Cramming that all into 10 weeks isn't feasible, so I'd suggest not trying to model your "capstone project" after a professional degree's thesis model, but more like an independent studio project, in which the deliverables are similar to those of any typical 6 to 12 week studio project, but the student selects the site and program.


Nov 12, 24 4:51 pm  · 
 · 

"#2 "Project Proposal" and #3 "Capstone Project Proposal"?  Are those 2 different tasks?"

Technically, yes. Regarding Annotated Bibliography, that begins with just two sources because at first like right now, we would have a number of options but #2, we narrow down. In this case, the assignment would be to propose the idea in a memo format to instructor. Then a "feasibility report" which conducts the practicality of a proposed course of action. Like can you really do the project in the timeframe or is there issues upon finding resources and such. Some parts of these are mini assignments. 

The Annotated Bibliography would be something you revise over the course of the project so it isn't just the two sources to do early to get started and those could even be pruned out as you revise and use other sources instead but the annotated bibliography is then updated but it won't be a separate submission and as you bring in new references you would update the project bibliography iteratively.  

The feasibility report assesses the viability of the idea and identify potential problems so you may need to make modifications to the project.  

Think of #2 as draft of project proposal. #3 "Capstone Project Proposal" as presentation of proposal with it refined and "presented" in a PowerPoint. (not to be confused with use of PowerPoint elsewhere with the Project itself. For me, it might akin to mid-term review of the project like mid-term pinup. 

One architecture school to another can easily have variation and this reflects on their deliverables. I sure the hell am not putting together a doctoral dissertation thesis project in 10 weeks. 

The ethics stuff is actually more than just about the academic honesty and those standard academic ethics but ethics in the profession and workplace and leadership in the profession as well as in the context of diverse cultural settings.

There are other course deliverables or mini-assignments/journals to prepare along the way addressing things that are not necessarily in your regular architecture capstone/thesis project so you can almost think of it blending a little of that "professional practice" course you may have taken before or concurrent with the thesis/capstone project.  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thesis requirements vary greatly from one architecture program to another.  Your list has very little resemblance to my experience.  In my version this was the progression:

1.  The thesis proposal wasn't part of the thesis semesters' work at all, because it had to be submitted and accepted toward the end of the previous academic year, in order for the student to be accepted into the fall Thesis semester.  The proposal was the posing of an architectural hypothesis, and a plan for testing it.  Only about 40% of proposals were accepted: the rest of the students did regular studios in their final year.  

2.  The fall semester of thesis was research and prelim investigations:  the deliverables were several related case studies, a 30 page research paper on relevant precedents and theories, sketchbooks/notebooks of design exploration to date, explanation of reasons for selection of a particular site, and a detailed schedule and plan of attack for the spring semester's design work.

3. Assuming the fall's work was accepted as complete and passing, the spring semester of thesis was the design testing of the hypothesis:  the final presentation consisted of a large set of visual work - both progress iterations and final diagrams, drawings, and models.  Most students filled three 16-foot long walls of a room:  not that quantity is necessarily any measure of quality - just trying to give you some idea of expected output.

Cramming that all into 10 weeks isn't feasible, so I'd suggest not trying to model your "capstone project" after a professional degree's thesis model, but more like an independent studio project, in which the deliverables are similar to those of any typical 6 to 12 week studio project, but the student selects the site and program.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you for your insight. I do believe I would have been simplifying the scale and like an independent studio project but where the student selects the site and program (actually creating the design problem to solve). The only examples I happen to actually have showing examples of deliverables for visual are these thesis/capstone design projects or studio projects of standard ordinary studio courses. I agree, doing a full year scale capstone project in 10 weeks would be insane.

You got a good point about modeling this closer to "independent studio project". If you can show me some example or know of, that would be great to communicate the deliverables and tighten up this. This is what I was asking so there can be some "sanity check" on the scope. In the meantime, I'll see if I can find some examples. The powerpoint examples I have seen are fine to the extent that they represent presenting an architectural design project of the nature over that medium instead of Presentation Boards / posters pinups. There is still the element of presenting so in that sense, these deliverables on the capstone projects I see would be same idea but maybe trimmed somewhat. Presentation is presentation. 

I think while conceptually, capstone/thesis design projects and independent study/studio project are similar (in the abstract)... but differ in magnitude of the deliverables and what's involved and time. When you have 30+ weeks to do something is vastly different than 10 weeks. 

If there is also some kind of syllabus example (it doesn't have to be current and/or examples of the deliverables involved... that would be great). It's a model to provide a sense of scale and the type of deliverables used. When I have a chance to do a full on professional degree capstone/thesis in say an M.Arch or whatever, I would have the more feasible timeframe so it isn't garbage produced. Too much in too little time is just a recipe for garbage. "Less is more" is apt point here.


Nov 13, 24 9:39 am  · 
 · 
One Spec in the Universe

I don't have a syllabus or a list of "deliverables" to give you for an independent studio or thesis project:  by the time a student gets to that level the assumption is that the student will determine what's necessary to illustrate their hypothesis, process, and solution, with some guidance from their advisor.  That's going to be different for every project and isn't final until the last exhibit is produced. It seems like you're approaching this a little backward, in trying to develop a quantifiable list of documents before you've determined what it is you're documenting.  Identify the hypothesis, and then work until you've proven or disproven it, and that body of work is pretty much what you'll present in the end, perhaps with some clean up and whatever additional diagrams are necessary to explain your process from Point A to Point Z.

As for not defending a doctoral dissertation:  nobody suggested that.  A dissertation averages 200+ pages and takes several years of research.  What you're describing is a project that needs to be done in roughly one academic quarter.  I was just explaining to you why that's not enough time to do a true architecture school thesis project - at least not a research-based one that's usually spread over the course of an academic year.  I did have to do a standard college-level +/- 30-page research paper as part of my undergrad thesis project, but, as I explained, one whole semester was dedicated to research.  In your case, beyond analyzing a few case studies, you're probably not going to have much time for research and writing.

Nov 13, 24 1:01 pm  · 
 · 

I understand the specifics of my deliverables (aside from certain core requirements that would be required), would require an indeterminate number of or types of deliverables. I am looking at normative and ballpark and from there adjust up or down or whatever I need as the specifics of my project. It's about being ahead of the 8-ball on what I need and then plan and manage time so knowing from A to Z. Even in professional work, you know the core or normative deliverables you need to prepare even before all projects scope of work is finalized. In other words, yes, it is a little bit of looking at Z before A is finalized but its making sure I have a sense of what is "normal" (albeit each project may differ somewhat from one another.). Part of that is also to think about what kind of project can be delivered in the time frame. I agree with your point with identifying the "hypothesis" / design-problem and work from there in the process as you said. 

"Identify the hypothesis, and then work until you've proven or disproven it, and that body of work is pretty much what you'll present in the end, perhaps with some clean up and whatever additional diagrams are necessary to explain your process from Point A to Point Z." 

Side note: I was actually joking about not defending a doctoral dissertation or crazy academic treatise (which the latter can be a bit more than even 200 pages but that's another matter). I understand no one is suggesting that. 

So I agree with you on your point that beyond analyzing a few case studies, it would be unrealistic to have much time to do deeper research & writing, design, and presentation. Even with 18 hours a day, 7 days a week solely dedicated, there are other logistical bottlenecks as well because over these longer time frames, you'd likely have multiple sessions with the instructor/reviewer/etc. from which there is the back and forth dialogue that would in some effect shape the course of the journey which would exceed likely the time availability from instructor et al. This is why I was trying to conceptualize the magnitude and normal types of deliverables and calibrate to a scale where it would be within pragmatic scope from which I can further fine tune that accordingly. 

As for me writing 30 pages is not really an issue. I've done ~50 pages in 48 hours while attending full-time. Crazy. I wouldn't recommend doing that. Obviously, it would be better if not pressed in that short of time. That's a qualitative matter or lack thereof. 

However a good research study is much more than cranking out 30 pages of a research paper. I know I can do an incredible amount of work in relatively short time frame. However, a true architecture school thesis/capstone project that spans over the course of an academic year (if not longer) would be quite the stretch and quite beyond the realm of probable success rate in 10 weeks. If such was done and not be garbage, it would be of borderline mythical legend not to mention an insane pressure on third-parties that would be involved. 

So I like your point of model derived from a "independent studio project" as they are typically calibrated based on most likely a similar scale of work as other term or semester length studio projects.

Nov 13, 24 5:35 pm  · 
 · 

Thank you for your feedback. My approach is not conventional. Never am. I even from my experience knows the full scale of a true architecture school final thesis/capstone project is likely to be extreme even in one whole "semester". Terms are even less weeks than a ~15-17 week semester. Therefore, I have to calibrate the scope of work and deliverables to that which would be feasible in 10 weeks not something done over 30-34 weeks. These questions about deliverables is more for initial mental picture (conceptually) what I would be doing and the exact deliverables produced be what I produce as I go from point A to point Z. This is why it can vary like you said. It is like being able to conceptually see the ballpark scale of magnitude to design a stadium or skyscraper versus designing a house or a restaurant. Most of the time these latter two would be less magnitude to that of say... a stadium or skyscraper (the prior two). Of course no two projects will be exactly alike with each their own distinct criteria. (Not suggesting these are my ideas for hypothesis) You given me something to scale this to sane levels as I nail down the hypothesis / design problem which would further refine my deliverables in detail. Again, thank you.

Nov 13, 24 5:52 pm  · 
 · 

Actually, I am working on shaping the "design topic" which is still being dialed into a more specific level but the broad topic surrounds "affordable housing". A year ago, I already wrote a essay/thesis about affordable housing crisis in Astoria which ultimately designed as a "civic proposal" versus a design project. This project would in part spring board off that but be a design problem / design project so it isn't merely "revising" an old assignment and that's that kind of issue. The deliverables becomes something new but also be a different project as outcome. Involves case studies examples and from that the design problem from which there is the design project itself. I've already have resources and material being gathered including resources. They would be material which would be looking at affordability and yet also look at sustainability, responses related to historic preservation & related issues/regulations, and so forth.

There are other misc. materials I am looking at that maybe referenced but the materials for resources would likely be pruned down as it proceeds. Starting with a broad array of materials and prune the resources as I get more defined on the hypothesis / design problem. This doesn't mean there won't possibly be new sources added and others pruned. It'll be fun.


Nov 14, 24 6:48 pm  · 
 · 

For some of the principles of sustainability, I am strongly considering PGH (Wood Guy knows what I mean) as part of the sustainability ethos and the associated building science.

Nov 14, 24 7:11 pm  · 
 · 

Block this user


Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?

Archinect


This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.

  • ×Search in: