COURSE INFORMATION Course Title: BASIC DESIGN

Code	Course Type	Regular Semester	Theory	Practice	Lab	Credits	ECTS
ARCH 101	A	1	4	8	0	8	12

Academic staff member responsible for the design of the course syllabus (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature)	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Odeta Manahasa odurmishi@epoka.edu.al
Main Course Lecturer (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	Assoc.Prof.Dr. Odeta Manahasa odurmishi@epoka.edu.al , Tuesday(s) 12.30-14.30
Second Course Lecturer(s) (name, surname, academic title/scientific degree, email address and signature) and Office Hours:	M.Sc. Redion Spaho rspaho@epoka.edu.al
Language:	English
Compulsory/Elective:	Compulsory
Study program: (the study for which this course is offered)	Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years)
Classroom and Meeting Time:	Arch I Studio, Monday/Thursday: 09.40-15.30
Teaching Assistant(s) and Office Hours:	NA
Code of Ethics:	Code of Ethics of EPOKA University Regulation of EPOKA University "On Student Discipline"
Attendance Requirement:	75%
Course Description:	Definition of the elements of basic design: line, direction, shape, size, space interval, texture, color, movement, light, shadow, sound, the principles that help determine the definition in visual perception, foreground-background relationships, foreground-background definition, definitions of the principles of basic design: harmony, contrast, gradation, dominance, balance, unity.
Course Objectives:	Establishing the foundation to comprehend the common design language for five different disciplines, providing the basis for multidimensional thinking, developing the manual and mental skills to complement the ‘hands on practice’

BASIC CONCEPTS OF THE COURSE

1	architectural vocabulary
2	visual perception
3	principles of basic design
4	composition
5	scale and proportion
6	harmony
7	contrast
8	design tools

COURSE OUTLINE

Week	Topics
1	What is a composition? Types of organization: according to a point, line and coordinate system
2	What is a composition? Types of organization: according to a point, line and coordinate system
3	Part-whole relationship, forming groups, group properties
4	The conditions that facilitate perception: similarity, proximity, continuity, closure
5	The conditions that facilitate perception: similarity, proximity, continuity, closure
6	The properties of the elements in a composition: tonal values and color
7	Relation between the groups in a composition: phenomenal transparency
8	The properties of the elements in a composition: texture and dominance as an ordering principle of design
9	The properties of the groups of elements in a composition: texture
10	Ordering principles of design: repetition and rhythm The difference between pattern and composition
11	Ordering principles of design: repetition and rhythm The difference between pattern and composition
12	The properties of the elements in a composition: level difference
13	Organization of relations between the groups in a composition and hierarchy as an ordering principle of design
14	Working on the final exercise: studio critics

Prerequisite(s):	No
Textbook(s):	TBA
Additional Literature:	Will be given based on the assignments
Laboratory Work:	-
Computer Usage:	-
Others:	No

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

1	Student will be able to achieve the skill of using universal values, basic principles and rules of art and design.
2	Student will be able to determine the attributes of elements in two- and three-dimensional compositions.
3	Student will be able to organize the set of relations in between the elements and to the whole of a composition so to achieve unity.
4	Student will be able to achieve the skill of evaluating the objects, the environment, the art works and the design objects with a critical view.

COURSE CONTRIBUTION TO... PROGRAM COMPETENCIES (Blank : no contribution, 1: least contribution ... 5: highest contribution)

No	Program Competencies	Cont.
Integrated second cycle study program in Architecture (5 years) Program
1	Speaking and Writing Skills Ability to read, write, listen, and speak effectively	1
2	Critical Thinking Skills Ability to raise clear and precise questions, use abstract ideas to interpret information, consider diverse points of view, reach well-reasoned conclusions, and test them against relevant criteria and standards	5
3	Graphics Skills Ability to use appropriate representational media, including freehand drawing and computer technology, to convey essential formal elements at each stage of the programming and design process	4
4	Research Skills Ability to gather, assess, record, and apply relevant information in architectural course work	4
5	Formal Ordering Systems Understanding of the fundamentals of visual perception and the principles and systems of order that inform two- and three-dimensional design, architectural composition, and urban design	4
6	Fundamental Design Skills Ability to use basic architectural principles in the design of buildings, interior spaces, and sites	5
7	Collaborative Skills Ability to recognize the varied talent found in interdisciplinary design project teams in professional practice and work in collaboration with other students as members of a design team	4
8	International Traditions Understanding of the International architectural canons and traditions in architecture, landscape and urban design, as well as the climatic, technological, culture-economic, and other cultural factors that have shaped and sustained them
9	National and Regional Traditions Understanding of national traditions and the local regional heritage in architecture, landscape design and urban design, including the vernacular tradition
10	Use of Precedents Ability to incorporate relevant precedents into architecture and urban design projects	2
11	Conservation and Restoration of Historical Districts Knowledge on historical districts and the gain of conservation consciousness documentation of historical buildings and the understanding the techniques which are needed to prepare restoration projects.
12	Human Behavior Understanding of the theories and methods of inquiry that seek to clarify the relationship between human behavior and the physical environment
13	Human Diversity Understanding of the diverse needs, values, behavioral norms, physical ability, and social and spatial patterns that characterize different cultures and individuals and the implication of this diversity for the societal roles and responsibilities of architects

COURSE EVALUATION METHOD

Method	Quantity	Percentage
Homework	15	3
Midterm Exam(s)	1	15
Final Exam	1	40
	Total Percent:	100%

ECTS (ALLOCATED BASED ON STUDENT WORKLOAD)

Activities	Quantity	Duration(Hours)	Total Workload(Hours)
Course Duration (Including the exam week: 16x Total course hours)	16	12	192
Hours for off-the-classroom study (Pre-study, practice)	16	2	32
Mid-terms	1	10	10
Assignments	10	5	50
Final examination	1	16	16
Other			0
Total Work Load:			300
Total Work Load/25(h):			12
ECTS Credit of the Course:			12

CONCLUDING REMARKS BY THE COURSE LECTURER