Students will be in groups of maximum seven students at their respective studios and present their seminar.
The objective of this seminar presentation is to put you in the driver’s seat and allow you to learn by teaching on the innovative and relevant topic of their course. Furthermore the research you will make to prepare the presentation helps you cover innovative and unique contraction techniques and drafting techniques in the built environment. Since you will be doing the task in groups unlike other assignments, you will exercise your teamwork skills.
You will be in groups of maximum seven students at you respective studios and present your seminar. To carry out the seminar the students in your studio will be divided in to 4 groups. Each group will contain a maximum of 7 students.The groups will be named: Seminar-group-1, Seminar-group-2, Seminar-group-3, and Seminar-goroup-4 respectively. Each group will be given 15 minutes to present their works.
For the presentation each group shall use two A2 printout pinups and optionally other handmade drawings / sketches. Covering the theory of their topics (text, diagrams, and images) and the technical drawing (Construction drawing general and details) representation of the topic/ interest. You should discuss the relevance/ lesson of the constriction technique and representations in their context/ country.Furthermore, you must explore the impact of the topic you coverd on contraction drafting conventions and construction techniques, building codes, standards, and specifications.
These groups will research and present the following topics respectively (Groups can only work on their specifically assigned topics):
This topic explores how historic structures in Venice are supported using timber pile foundations driven into lagoon sediments, and how these systems have remained durable for centuries. Students will illustrate foundation systems, load transfer mechanisms, and detailing of pile caps and masonry interfaces through technical drawings.
References:
Building in Venice: Foundations and Urban Form – University of Venice publications
The Stones of Venice – John Ruskin
Research articles on lagoon engineering and timber pile preservation
This topic focuses on the design and construction of vegetated roofing systems and vertical gardens, including waterproofing layers, drainage systems, and structural considerations. Students will produce layered construction details and sections demonstrating integration with building envelopes.
References:
Green Roof Manual – Green Roofs for Healthy Cities
Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls – Nigel Dunnett
Case studies from World Green Building Council
This topic explores how large-scale 3D printers are used to construct building components and entire structures using layered materials like concrete and composites, reducing waste and construction time. Students will illustrate printing processes, layer bonding, structural behavior, and detail sections showing wall assemblies and material deposition logic.
References:
3D Printing of Buildings – ICON
Research by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Digital Construction Platform)
Reports from World Economic Forum on construction innovation
This topic examines how sensors, IoT systems, and automation technologies are integrated into buildings to optimize energy use, comfort, and security. Students will present system diagrams, wiring schematics, and integration details between architectural, mechanical, and electrical components.
References:
Smart Buildings Systems for Architects – James Sinopoli
Publications by ASHRAE
Case studies from Siemens Smart Infrastructure