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Contributors

Bomin Kim, Maya Byrd, Sarah Cai, Joy Chane, Cristina Ciborowski Escoferry, Kaila Holland, Mark Hong, Rustin Javadimotlagh, Noah Kaller, Cai Kenemore, Hariett Krajcovic, Isaac Lendechy Olivares, Axel Ramirez, Joseph Sorel, Elio Standen-Bloom, Michael Werner, Camille Wise

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Description

Catalina Freixas, Associate Professor in Architecture, Washington University in St. Louis, Editor, AFNA

The course Architecture For Non-Architects [AFNA] is supported by CityStudio STL, Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Washington University in St. Louis.

Bomin Kim, Lecturer; Maya Byrd Masters of Architecture + Construction Management 2024, Teaching Assistant and Assistant Editor, AFNA

Partners: Samantha Lee Smugala, President and Founder, Pocketparks; Tashara Earl, President, Revitalization of Baden Association (ROBA); Jean Ponzi, Green Resources Manager, EarthWays Center, Missouri Botanical Garden

“Architecture for Non-Architects” (AFNA) is a foundational course designed to introduce non-architecture students to the architectural design process. This course uses a community engaged project as the starting point and combines lectures, readings, and research to guide students through the process of designing and understanding the built environment. Field trips play a crucial role in this course, helping students learn to observe, interpret, and critically engage with both the physical space (“the site”) and those that are share and interest in the community [“the stakeholders”].

Observation plays a key role in how we perceive our surroundings, yet for many, seeing becomes habitual and passive. Information processed visually tends to be quickly categorized based on preconceived notions or past experiences, leading to a generalized perception of our environment. To combat this, AFNA students are encouraged to actively observe and document the built environment during visits to specific neighborhoods and parks. They are tasked with mapping the people, places, and events described in their tour guides’ narratives, annotating this information, and taking snapshots to creatively capture both the formal and informal histories as a means of preserving cultural identity.

Students delve into researching the people, spaces, and historical events that have shaped the identity of Baden, synthesizing their findings into a final document that blends textual and visual analysis in a collage format. This collage then serves as a foundational tool for further design exploration.

Document Type

Restricted Access Book

DOI

https://doi.org/10.7936/crr6-t476

Publication Date

2024

Publisher

Washington University in St. Louis

City

St. Louis (MO)

Disciplines

Architecture | Urban, Community and Regional Planning

Comments

©2024 Catalina Freixas. Copyright of each work belongs to its respective creator.

AFNA. A Pocket Park in Baden, Community Life
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