I mastered Architecture!

I've been working on my architecture thesis since June. On December 12, I officially finished, meaning I've obtained my Master of Architecture from the University of Washington!

The process was exhausting, and at times I felt I wouldn't finish, but with encouragement from my advisers, friends, family, and Adrian, I did it! I'm really proud of what I produced during this 6 month process.

An architecture thesis is pretty different than most (very different from the Construction Management thesis I'll be writing next quarter). The thesis includes a document, which is the product of research (my first few months of work went entirely into this). Each student then takes their research and figures out how that would apply to designing an architecture building. I had two faculty advisers, Doug Zuberbuhler and Jim Nicholls who met with me weekly to give me much needed and appreciated feedback and guidance.

In my case, I began my research by looking at material samples libraries. Architects have a collection of samples in their office (such as tiles, bricks, or siding) which help them make selections as they determine how to build a building. I began researching the need for these collections in architecture schools. Unfortunately for me, there was very little written, so I had to work harder to get information. I found and surveyed eight schools to find out about their materials libraries.

This research sparked an on-going interest of mine in a broader topic: how architecture students are taught about the "nuts and bolts" of architecture. (Funny how literal "nuts and bolts" is in this case!) I found that the most innovative and interesting ways of teaching this technical side of architecture all included "hands-on" activities by the students. This often included building with real materials. How things are built is the part of architecture I love. In architecture school, this often takes second place to how things look. One of the hands-on ways of learning is in a "design-build" studio, where the students design a project and actually build it. (Most of the stuff we design stays on paper in school). Adrian and I met in a design-build studio.

From this research, I decided to design an addition for one of our architecture buildings, Gould Hall. The new space would have a materials library, a classroom, and a design-build shop. All of these support learning about the technology of architecture. In addition to these spaces, I decided that the building itself could be part of the education of the student. I asked myself "how can this building teach?"

After the research, I began designing the project. I determined that the building could enhance architecture education in three ways. First, by simply enclosing the rooms for teaching. Second, the building reveals how it was constructed, such as by showing the inside of a wall that would typically be covered. Finally, the building works as a laboratory, allowing the students to build and test specific elements of it. This occurs in three spots, where they can test a wall assembly, a roof assembly, or cladding.

The whole process was mentally exhausting, but really rewarding. I'm really happy with my final product. The presentation went well (I even remembered to breathe). My model is really amazing and I'm glad I built it. It's one I will actually keep. The document is long (over 100 pages) and there are people who actually want to read it, which almost never happens. I'm the official expert on materials libraries in schools.

I'm so happy to be done with architecture school. I wish I was done with school totally, but I have to do the next thesis and two more classes. After this ordeal, it will be a breeze! Plus I already know the silly official bureaucratic business that needs to be done.

Thanks to all of those who supported me in this, whether it be cheerleading videos (Jessica), proof-reading (Mom, Dad, Vanessa, Adrian), cookies (all my classmates in the cookie club), prayers or just supporting me on a daily basis (Adrian and Amanda). Your encouragement was critical to this process.

Enjoy the images of the project below. If for some crazy reason you'd like to read the 100+ page document, let me know.

Here's the title and a brief description:

Materials Library and Design-Build Shop Addition to Gould Hall

Ana J. Levan
Autumn 2008 Independent Thesis
Committee: Doug Zuberbuhler and Jim Nicholls

University of Washington Master of Architecture

This thesis explores how buildings can help teach the technology of construction. In addition to exposing construction details, the building provides opportunities for students to construct and test sections of the building. The program includes spaces that will house and support hands-on learning in architecture at the University of Washington. The design is intended to enhance educational opportunities that consider materiality, technology, and construction.

Overview of the model from above (Gould Hall in grey, addition wood)

View from sidewalk (digital model from SketchUp)

Similar view from physical model

View from across the street.

View of the back wall of the building, along property line.

Back wall again.

Back wall in the digital model.

View of the shop yard.

To help the students understand the building, the drawings were specifically included in the materials library a long with a "mock-up" of the exterior wall.

The block wall as it extends past the building peels away to show the insulation and air cavity inside.

The inside of the classroom is wood paneled, with the screws exposed to clearly identify the hidden studs behind.

The back wall, one last time, showing a student testing how cladding weathers under different water conditions from the downspouts.

Students building a wall panel to test.

Students building a roof panel to test (the area below is outside so if it leaks, they won't be sued).