SITE + PLACE: ORGANIZE | INVESTIGATE | RECORD

This project will deal with the creation of complex spatial and performative ordering systems derived from calibrating a new program of activities with existing cultural and natural systems. To begin the project, the studio must successfully complete an extensive documentation and analysis of the building site in downtown Muncie.

In short, the deliverables for this phase will include 1) Group Inventory and Analysis of the Site and its history, and 2) Base Information, Drawings, a model, and Site Analysis for individual use on the next project phases.

Over the next week the studio (as a team) will discover the history of the site and its neighborhood, including beyond the immediate context. Investigate orientation, size and accessibility of nearby major and minor arterial and collection streets. Understand the existing urban fabric through elevations and figure ground diagrams. Analyze existing parking, circulation and access points for vehicles and pedestrians. Areas and elements of scientific, archeological, and historic importance should also be investigated. Also, investigate the political and social history of the area.

SITE DETAILS:

Location: Approx. 102 South Walnut St. (NorthEast corner lot of Walnut and Main)

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Site Documentation + Analysis: This phase is devoted to achieving an appropriate awareness of the project situation in preparation for identifying and developing design conjectures. In order to develop awareness expeditiously there will be several lines of investigation simultaneously.

Design Management: Understand the importance of communication between colleagues, while working out a system of file and management and sharing to provide a fluent collection of research.

Craft + Making Objectives: Deliberately and carefully apply drawing, modeling, and making skills in the creation of well-crafted documentation, while developing skills with both, digital and analog tools.

OUTCOMES / DELIVERABLES (by Wednesday 26 October):

1. Digital Site Plan
2. Digital Site Sections
3. Street/Site Elevations
4. Site Model (physical)
5. Digital Site Model
6. Indexing of Historical maps and records including details such as topo and infrastructure
7. Figure Ground Studies in Site Plan and Street Elevations
8. Historical research on the specific site and block, site parcel, drawings (plans, elevations, sections of existing and maybe even past buildings on the block)

*Each group should be prepared to make a brief oral presentation along with work to be
pinned up of their outcomes by Friday.