ARCH A4988 Proposed Syllabus

Syllabus

Columbia University

Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation

Spring 2021

Coding for Spatial Practices

ARCH A4988

Tuesday, 7PM – 9PM, via zoom

Instructor: Celeste Layne, cl2754@columbia.edu

Course Communication: Slack

Course Description

Coding for Spatial Practices introduces students to web design and development as a means of representation, speculation and communication. Students will learn the foundational, front-end languages HTML, CSS and JavaScript to create work for the web browser.

To guide our study, we will explore questions such as: What is the relationship between architecture and the World Wide Web? What parallels can be drawn between the development process and our own design processes?

The class will consist of exercises and long-form projects which allow students to develop concepts, ideas, and strategies for web-based projects. These projects will be supplemented/contextualized by lectures, readings, writing, and student-led group discussions, to reinforce core concepts.

Course Schedule (Subject to change)

Week	Day	Theme	In Class	Assignment
SESSION A
01	01/12	Hello World & History	Intro to the Internet	P1 Image Journal
02	01/19	Content & Hypertext	HTML Basics	P2 Text
03	01/26	Interface & Identity	CSS Basics
04	02/02	Form & Structure	Layout Basics	P3 Poster
05	02/09	Motion	Animations & Transitions
06	02/16	Interaction I	JavaScript Basics
07	02/23	Adaptability & Context	Responsive Web Design	P4 Catalog
SPRING BREAK // SESSION B
08	03/02	Change	DOM Manipulation
09	03/09	Interaction III	Functions & Events
10	03/16	Data	Objects & API Basics	P5 Clock
11	03/23	Libraries	API Basics cont’d
12	03/30	Going Live!	Hosting Basics
13	04/06		Studio Time
14	04/13		Final Presentations

Course Objectives

Use the browser as a platform for expression and experimentation
Produce working prototypes of web pages and gain a working knowledge of HTML, CSS and Javascript.
Understand the technology involved in implementing a website
Learn to find answers online to coding problems

Prerequisites

No coding requirements
A willingness to explore the web in many forms, uses, and aesthetics, as well as a whole array of alternative and out of the ordinary sites

Requirements

Hardware

A laptop or desktop
Backup storage: use a cloud service or external hard drive to backup your work. You are responsible for ensuring all of your work is available throughout the class. You will not be excused for preventable loss of data.

Software

Github
A text editor for coding such as Sublime Text, Atom, Visual Studio Code
Accounts to the following services: Slack, Are.na

Attendance

Attendance in our planned remote meetings, whether with the class, small-group or 1-on-1, is mandatory. Please join meeting times promptly to avoid cascading delays. Work missed due to any type of absence is the student’s responsibility. Three or more absences will result in a failing grade. I understand that things may arise and you will need to miss a class; but please inform me beforehand so we can plan around it. That said, you are responsible for making up any missed assignments by next class.

Our Slack channel will be the main source of information on class schedule and logistics.

Grading

Stay informed of class plans and requirements announced via Slack, and actively communicate any concerns
Complete all assignments to the best of your ability
Actively participate in class discussions

Participation 30%
Assignments 50%
Exercises 20%