Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Ken Marold
Instructor
Architecture
Office Hours: by appointment
Email: ken.marold@ou.edu
Course Details
Gibbs Collective Creating is an immersive seminar where you will design, develop, prototype, and construct a unique, real-world project for local community partners.
This seminar delves into the intricate process of researching, fabricating, and finishing an exhibition for the Oklahoma Contemporary. Through hands-on experiences and immersive study, we will construct a comprehensive American School exhibition spotlighting the architectural innovations of Mickey Muennig and the furniture designs of Donald MacDonald. We will collaborate with professors and students throughout Gibbs and beyond, taking ideas from concept to full-scale prototypes and testing, completing fabricated components, to actual construction and installation work. This work will add your contributions to the enduring and ever-growing story of the American School at OU.
This seminar is not just about understanding design principles; it is about marrying those principles with practical know-how, resource management, and teamwork. Students will engage deeply with material choices, fabrication techniques, site considerations, and the intricacies of installation, ensuring the resultant space not only serves its functional purpose but also embodies the essence of architectural innovation.
You will advance your individual creative process while operating as a professional team engaged at all levels of design, development, and fabrication using Rhino, Grasshopper, and an array of digital and analog tools at the C_ML. This seminar will operate as a team-based course. Dedication and passion for creative problem solving, making, and craft will be absolutely essential for this seminar. In return, you will come out of this seminar as a stronger, more competitive maker, design thinker, and entrepreneur.
Course Objectives
- Equip students with an end-to-end understanding of the design-build process within an architectural context.
- Foster a balance between aesthetic sensibilities, functional design, and practical constraints.
- Cultivate a strong sense of teamwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and resource management.
- Instill an appreciation for detailed documentation, from design sketches to assembly instructions.
Course Prerequisites
- Second year or above
- Beginning knowledge (~one semester or more) of Rhino3D, Photoshop, and Illustrator
- Solid work ethic, self-motivated and focused
- Intense desire to solve problems and make rad work
- Desire to gain a competitive advantage in your field
Course Experiences
- Design and build a real-world project for your job portfolio
- Learn to design, fabricate and build like a pro
- Cultivate opportunities to shine within team settings to research, define, design, and refine progressive design ideas
- Unitilize analog and digital fabrication tools, CNC milling, and 3D printing, to execute full-scale prototypes of furniture, framing assemblies, enclosures, and finishes
- Develop designs into sophisticated presentations, physical prototypes, and construction documents
- Work effectively in a collaborative, interdisciplinary team setting with other students and faculty
- Engage with community partners and stakeholders to outline and execute project goals
- Evaluate designs to ensure that constructability, cost, and timing goals are achievable
- Gain real-world experience in the architecture and construction fields
Course Materials
- 5x8" Sketchbook
- .9 Pentel Graphgear 1000 Mechanical Pencil
- Tape Measure
- Digital Calipers
Software
Rhino3D, RhinoCAM, Discord, Midjourney, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
Protective Gear
Eyewear, Gloves, Workboots
Materials
Model building materials
Prototypes
TBD
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points/Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1-2: Introduction and Historical Context |
|
5% |
| Week 3-4: Preliminary Research and Planning |
|
10% |
| Week 5-6: Design Development |
|
25% |
| Week 7: Material Sourcing and Budgeting |
|
5% |
| Week 8-15: Fabrication + Finishing |
|
45% |
| Week 16: Reflection and Course Conclusion |
|
5% |
| Total | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Course Component 1 : Introduction and Historical Context
Course Component 2 : Preliminary Research and Planning
Course Component 3 : Design Development
Course Component 4 : Material Sourcing and Budgeting
Course Component 5 : Fabrication + Finishing
Course Component 6 : Reflection and Course Conclusion
Course Policies
Communication + Feedback
Effective communication is crucial for a productive and collaborative learning environment in a design-build studio course. This policy outlines guidelines and expectations for communication among students, instructors, and other stakeholders involved in the course.
1. Communication Channels:
- Instructor-Student Communication: Instructors will primarily communicate through the course management system (Canvas) and official university email. Urgent announcements may also be made in-person during studio sessions.
- Student-Student Communication: Students are encouraged to use designated communication channels (e.g., discussion forums, messaging platforms) within the course management system to discuss project-related matters.
2. Response Times:
- Instructor Response: Instructors will respond to student inquiries within 24-48 hours on business days. Responses may take longer during weekends, holidays, or exceptional circumstances.
- Peer Response: Students are encouraged to respond to their peers' inquiries and discussions promptly, fostering a collaborative and supportive studio environment.
3. Studio Sessions:
- Scheduled Studio Sessions: In-person studio sessions are designated for direct engagement, design discussions, reviews, and presentations. Attendance is mandatory, and punctuality is expected.
4. Assignment Submissions:
- All assignments, including design work, reports, and presentations, must be submitted according to the specified deadlines through the designated submission platform.
- Late submissions will result in penalties, unless accommodations have been approved due to extenuating circumstances.
5. Professional and Respectful Communication:
- All communication, whether written or verbal, should be respectful, professional, and constructive.
- Constructive criticism is encouraged during critiques and discussions, focusing on design improvement and creative exploration.
6. Group Collaboration:
- Group projects require open and transparent communication within the team. Regular meetings and effective communication tools are essential for successful collaboration.
- Conflict resolution within teams should prioritize respectful discussions and finding mutually beneficial solutions.
7. Online Communication Etiquette:
- All written communication should be clear, concise, and free of grammatical errors.
- Use of appropriate language, tone, and etiquette is expected in all interactions, whether in-person or online.
8. Privacy and Confidentiality:
- Respect the privacy and confidentiality of personal information shared within the course context.
- Avoid sharing sensitive or personal information without permission.
9. Emergency Communication:
- In case of emergencies that affect the course schedule or activities, instructors will communicate promptly through official university channels.
10. Updates and Modifications:
- The communication policy may be subject to updates or modifications. Students will be informed of any changes through the course management system and official email.
By adhering to this communication policy, students, instructors, and stakeholders can create a positive and productive learning environment that supports effective collaboration, respectful discourse, and the achievement of the course objectives.
Late Policy
Timely completion of assignments and projects is crucial for a successful learning experience in our design-build studio course. This policy outlines the guidelines and procedures for handling late submissions of assignments and projects.
1. Submission Deadlines:
- All assignments and projects have specified deadlines, clearly communicated in the course syllabus and assignment instructions.
- Students are responsible for adhering to these deadlines and planning their work accordingly.
2. Late Submissions:
- Late submissions will be subject to a penalty unless prior arrangements have been made with the instructor due to extenuating circumstances.
- The penalty for late submissions is as follows: 10% deduction per day, up to a maximum of 50%
3. Communication of Late Submissions:
- Students who anticipate submitting their work after the deadline must communicate with the instructor before the due date to request an extension and provide a valid reason.
- Requests for extensions should be made through official university email and should include a brief explanation for the delay and a proposed new submission date.
4. Valid Reasons for Extensions:
- Valid reasons for extensions may include medical emergencies, family emergencies, documented illness, or other unforeseen circumstances beyond the student's control.
- Students are encouraged to communicate as soon as they anticipate a potential delay.
5. Documentation for Extensions:
- Students requesting extensions based on medical or personal reasons are required to provide appropriate documentation to support their request.
- Documentation should be submitted to the instructor within a reasonable timeframe after the request has been made.
6. Maximum Allowable Extension:
- The maximum allowable extension for any assignment or project is 48 hours beyond the original deadline.
7. No Extensions for Critique and Review Days:
- No extensions will be granted for assignments or projects due on days designated for critique, review, or presentation sessions.
8. Impact on Final Grades:
- Consistent late submissions will impact a student's overall performance and final grade in the course.
- Frequent or significant late submissions demonstrate a lack of commitment to the course and could affect the instructor's evaluation of the student's progress.
9. Communication and Feedback:
- Instructors will provide timely feedback on late submissions, even if penalties are applied, to ensure that students can learn from their work and improve their performance.
By adhering to this late work policy, students can develop effective time management skills, prioritize assignments, and take responsibility for meeting deadlines. This policy is designed to strike a balance between accommodating legitimate reasons for late submissions and maintaining the integrity and fairness of the course evaluation process.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the most common form of academic misconduct at OU. There is basically no college-level assignment that can be satisfactorily completed by copying. OU's basic assumption about writing is that all written assignments show the student's own understanding in the student's own words. That means all writing assignments, in class or out, are assumed to be composed entirely of words generated (not simply found) by the student, except where words written by someone else are specifically marked as such with proper citation. Including other people's words in your paper is helpful when you do it honestly and correctly. When you don't, it's plagiarism.
For more information about plagiarism, watch this video and then take this short course offered by University Libraries.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|