Choose 1 of the buildings listed above. Apply the techniques and methods you learned in class to analyze its formal/visual attributes. The paper must have a thesis that addresses how the architect used materials, line, color, shape, etc. to convey his meaning. Use the attributes you describe to support your thesis. This is not an exercise in description. If you find yourself writing long paragraphs about details, you are being too descriptive. Your description of details, etc. must support your analysis.

Paper length: 650 - 1000 words

Strategies for completing the assignment: Start by making as detailed a drawing of the building as you can. Your drawing does not have to rival the Mona Lisa; I won't be grading it. Whether or not you have artistic talent, this exercise will help you notice subtle shapes, colors, and forms that you might otherwise miss. After completing your drawing, take detailed notes. Using O'Gorman's (ABC of Architecture) methods as a guide, organize your observations into 3 or 4 categories such as ornament, massing and color; use these to outline your paper. Look at these categories and consider how they function together: What statement do they make about the building? What is the overall meaning these forms convey? The answer to these questions should help you formulate your thesis. Once you have developed a clear argument for your paper, begin writing the body of the essay. Wait to write the introduction until you have finished writing and have read the paper at least once. As always, edit and proofread carefully.

Helpful texts:
Ching, Frank. A Visual Dictionary of Architecture. New York: Van Nostrand, 1995. [NA31 C44 1995 -- Reference]
Harris, Cyril M. Dictionary of Architecture & Construction. New York: McGraw Hill, 1993. [NA31 H32 1993 -- Reference]

Practice:
1. Writing concise prose free of grammatical and mechanical errors.
2. Developing a thesis from visual evidence and expressing it clearly.
3. Expressing your opinions.
4. Looking carefully.
5. Describing what you see.
6. Interpreting architectural forms.
7. Using visual evidence to support an argument.

Grading Criteria:
How well you:
1. Edited and proofread toward eliminating wordiness and grammatical and mechanical errors.
2. Articulated your thesis.
3. Expressed and explained your opinions.
4. Analyzed the form of the building and considered ornamental and structural details.
5. Constructed meaningful sentences and used adjectives to describe the building, its structure and its details.
6. Applied information from class to interpret the meaning of the forms chosen by the architect.
7. Used visual evidence to support your conclusions and interpretations.

Policy on late drafts/papers: One plus or minus grade for every day late.
Policy on missed conferences: One plus or minus grade for every conference missed without 24 hour prior phone or email notice.

Writing Center (898 8525), Writing Advisors (drop in), writeme@english(24 hour)

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