WO2018194570A1

WO2018194570A1 - A system and method of use for introducing architectural concepts and build environment considerations

Info

Publication number: WO2018194570A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/028168
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maureen F. FERRY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-04-18
Filing date: 2017-04-18
Publication date: 2018-10-25
Anticipated expiration: 2019-10-18

Abstract

A method of teaching architectural techniques comprising presenting to a group of students a plurality of environmental, climate, and material availability constraints found in particular geographic locations, then discussing the lifestyle or cultural values of the inhabitants of the location, and how the construction technique and style meet the shelter needs for the community, then further reinforcing those teachings by providing students with materials and base plates having construction guides so they can construct scale models using similar techniques. The constructions to have a a common scale for comparisons across different models, and to allow joining similar models together to illustrate community interaction.

Description

A System and Method of Use for Introducing Architectural Concepts and Build

Environment Considerations

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Background of the Invention

[0001] Teaching methods have been developed over time attempting to improve the learning performance of students. Such methods have taken many forms including lecturing, document- based questioning, word walls, joumaling, collaboration, learn by doing, and modeling, to name a few.

[0002] The lecturing, direct or traditional teaching method, has long been a standard classroom technique depending on student development level. Document-based questioning requires students to have a rudimentary knowledge base of the subject to drawn upon and/or an in-depth documentation source, which students comprehend in sufficient detail to draw answers to generalized questions. Word walls organize collections and strengthen associations of similar elements which have already been presented, and are, at least rudimentarily understood by the students. Students can then abstract the fact-based learning to new situations to demonstrate a true understanding of a subject.

[0003] Collaboration, learn by doing, and modeling techniques provide student interaction with each other and the learning environment to enhance the enjoyment and effectiveness of learning, thus making material more retainable. Joumaling invests students in their own learning process and affords the opportunity for clarification upon reflective thinking. [0004] Many "learning toys" have been developed to enhance children's learning opportunities, but few offer guidance in the learning process to build a structural understanding of the topic leading to the generalizations required to associate specific skills to real world environment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 is a flowchart for introducing architectural concepts and build environment considerations in a class environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0006] Figure 2 illustrates a Factors Chart relating environmental considerations and construction considerations for various architectural examples in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0007] Figure 3 shows a build plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0008] Figure 4 shows an alternative build plate having anchors in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0009] Figure 5 shows another alternative build plate having anchor points and elevations in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0010] Figure 6 is an assortment of build materials in accordance with an exemplary

embodiment of the invention. [0011] Figure 7A shows a frontal view of a community build plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0012] Figure 7B shows a rear view of a community build plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0013] Figure 8 shows a community representation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Described herein is a system and its method of implementation to provide a group of students with general understanding of housing needs across multiple cultures and geographic locations to promote critical thinking and problem solving skills. The system further develops the general understanding through specific examples to instruct on construction, geography, culture, environmental concerns, and other aspects of community life across the globe.

[0015] The innovation comprises instruction on housing considerations and construction techniques of different cultures throughout the world. Students are presented with a basic understanding of the culture, environment, climate, and materials readily available to different locations in an effort to understand how these factors influence and are manifested in the build environment.

[0016] Throughout a teaching opportunity, an instruction will present geometric shapes, and relate them to construction methods for various building styles. Instructors present environmental factors such as climate, geography, temperature ranges, present in various geographic locations.

[0017] The innovation described here comprises utilization of build plates by students to construct model building from natural or simulated materials in the same manner as the culture being studied. All buildings are scale models to facilitate comparisons between different models.

[0018] An instructor presents lessons focused on specific cultures and geographic areas.

Students study shapes and methods of construction and relate them to the lifestyle of the culture, including but not limited to family size, ties, food collection/storing habits, persistence of family, community ties. They also study the geographic environment, and related factors, including but not limited to rainfall, temperature ranges, building materials and their abundance.

[0019] An instructor presents several situations for students to compare. Students are then given Factors Chart for each building which shows the relationships between the building and the culture, climate, material and methods which result in its development. A Factors Chart focuses on a building type.

[0020] The embodiment utilized by the inventor has a central rendering of an example building, with the name and type description. It then has radiating outward relationships to graphic representations of each factor indicating the type of relationship, a representative icon, and a description, [0021] An instructor then presents students with build plates on which models are constructed. In one embodiment, a build plate may contain a floorplan, anchor points, and/or anchor holes to assist the student in preserving the desired scale of the building.

[0022] The build plate may further include depictions of cross sections, elevations to also assist in maintaining scale. The build plates may include icons or descriptions of the construction factors, which can be utilized by instructors for testing, or as a discussion trigger for student interaction.

[0023] In another embodiment the build plate may contain several sets of anchor holes or anchor points. The instructor may utilize these build plates with different lessons, or as a testing environment by seeing if students make the correct selection from the several presented options to meet the factors presented in the scenario. In another embodiment the building plates may contain floor plans, elevations, construction factors, and other indicators for a single construction type to reinforce the teaching material through repetitive exposure.

[0024] It is desirable to utilize simulated construction materials or actual construction materials where possible so that authenticity is preserved to enhance the learning environment. As examples, natural twigs/sticks are used to represent trees and natural poles. Mud and clay can be used in their natural state. Miniature mats and sheets are used to represent their larger counterparts in actual construction. [0025] In another embodiment, build plates are irregular shaped with anchor

point/floorplans/anchor holes on one side. The reverse side has community plans and community elevations.

[0026] Once each student constructs their individual building, they can fit the individual build plates together and supplement them with common community plates having community buildings and other accessory areas, thus forming a simulated community. This allows student interaction and comparisons between each other's work as well as providing a more complete picture of the culture simulated.

[0027] Figure 1 is a flowchart for introducing architectural concepts and build environment considerations in a class environment in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The flowchart (100) shows progression through an exemplary teaching session for a community study. One skilled in the art would appreciate that multiple communities can be presented in a class environment.

[0028] In one embodiment, students will rotate in groups between different community studies being presented concurrently. In another embodiment, a class of students will be taken through different community studies consecutively. In another embodiment, portions of separate community studies may overlap due to similar considerations to allow students to better understand similarities and make comparisons in how considerations are impacted by environmental concerns in different communities based on community values and priorities. [0029] An instructor will "Present instruction of physical and build environment" (110). The Instructor will "Present Geometric Shapes, Construction Methods, Environmental Factors, and Materials" (120). To "Relate Geometric Shapes and Construction Methods" (130) includes a study of how the structural possibilities and limitations of materials influence build structure and form/shape.

[0030] To "Associate construction methods with environmental factors" (140) causes students to take in to considerations about how, for example, raising a house on piles can mitigate frequent flooding or using high thermal mass materials, such as adobe, in a geographic areas with large temperature swings can increase human comfort.

[0031] To "Relate environmental factors and materials" (150) addresses issues with material availability, suitability, and durability. Students should "Discuss historic, climate, and geographical factors" (160) to enforce the relationships and between those aspects and the community being studied.

[0032] To demonstrate understanding of the materials presented, students are then encouraged to "utilize bases, material to construct scale models. (170). In one embodiment, the bases may contain icons representing factors for student consideration in determining the type of structure to be constructed. In another embodiment, the bases may provide construction anchor points for multiple type of structures, and an instructor presents other factors to be considered in the construction decisions. [0033] After models are constructed, one may "Gather plurality of models into a community and supplement with common buildings and accessories" (180) to demonstrate a larger view of a studied community. Once students see how some structures are commonly shared by a community, it opens discussion into community relationships, and demonstrates that cooperation prevents needless duplication in areas where such activity may be a wasteful luxury. This leads to "Discuss[ion of] arrangement of buildings, needs of individuals, and needs of the community." (190).

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates a Factors Chart relating environmental considerations and

construction considerations for various architectural examples in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The Factors Chart (200) focuses on a community (203) and their home type (207). An iconic drawing / example is shown (205) for a reference point. A plurality of relations is shown around the chart. The Method Relation (210) shows a method icon (213) and a method description (215) which classifies the building's construction type. The Shape Relation (220) shows a shape icon (223) and a shape description (225) which provides a representative shape of the building.

[0035] The Lifestyle Relation (230) shows a lifestyle icon (233) and a lifestyle description (235) indicating primary lifestyle of inhabitant. This further defines culture, beliefs, and family considerations.

[0036] The Climate Relation (240) shows a climate icon (243) and a climate description (245) where the building type may typically be considered a suitable option. The Material Relation (250) shows a material icon (253) for the primary material used in construction, and a material description (255). The Geography Relation (260) shows a map (263) and a geographic description (265) which may include, countries, coordinates, or more general geographic classifications as to where the building is usually located. Note that geographic is different from climate because it also pertains to cultural references.

[0037] Figure 3 shows a build plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The build plate (300) has a floor plan (330) to guide in construction of the building without requiring extensive planning or design/layout. Sectional drawings (350), and elevation drawings (370) provide reference for scale construction.

[0038] The build plate may include Relationship Icons (310) to reinforce the considerations for building construction and provide reference for later display of the model structure. Relationship Icons (310) may include, but not be limited to Method Icons (213), Shape Icons (223), Material Icons (255), Climate Icons (243), Geography maps (263), and Lifestyle Icon (233).

[0039] Figure 4 shows an alternative build plate having anchors in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. In this alternative build plate (300B) Anchor points (340) or anchor holes (345) are used to guild construction to proper scale.

[0040] Figure 5 shows another alternative build plate having anchor points and elevations in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. A third alternative embodiment of the build plate (300C) may include floor plans indicated by the anchor points (340), and sectional drawings (350) may further illustrate the difference between winter and summer climate effects and how they are used to the advantage of the building construction. [0041] Figure 6 is an assortment of build materials in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The build materials (360) are natural materials used to illustrate the properties of the larger scale natural materials they represent. Illustrated is a tied bamboo wall, woven grass mat, construction poles, limbs/branches, and woven mats of natural fibers.

[0042] Figure 7A shows a frontal view of a community build plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. A community build plate (400) may have a unique shape such that a plurality of community build plates may be joined or positioned in relation to one another to form a model community. The community build page (400) has a plurality of anchor holes (345) and/or anchor points (340) to demonstrate scale of buildings for the community.

[0043] Figure 7B shows a rear view of a community build plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The rear of the community plate (400') is shown to have elevations of the community (410) which may further illustrate the difference between winter and summer climate effects and how they are used to the advantage of the building construction. There is also a community plan (420) shown

[0044] Figure 8 shows a community representation in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Shown is a plurality of community build plates (400) group and arranged with one or more community common build plates (450). The build plates (400) have scale building constructions (460) and are paired with common buildings & accessory areas (480) on the Community common build plate (450). [0045] The flow diagram, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention, is provided as an example and should not be construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the invention. For instance, the blocks should not be construed as steps that must proceed in a specific order. Additional blocks/steps may be added, some blocks/steps removed, or the order of the blocks/steps altered and still be within the scope of the invention. Further, blocks within different figures can be added to or exchanged with other blocks in other figures.

[0046] The illustrations in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided as examples and should not be construed to limit other embodiments within the scope of the invention. For instance, heights, widths, and thicknesses may not be to scale and should not be construed to limit the invention to the proportions illustrated. Additionally, some elements illustrated in the singularity may be implemented in a plurality. Further, some element illustrated in the plurality could vary in count. Further, some elements illustrated in one form could vary in detail. Further yet, specific numerical data values (such as specific quantities, numbers, categories, etc.) or other specific information shown or indicated should be interpreted as illustrative for discussing exemplary embodiments. Such specific information is not provided to limit the invention.

[0047] The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles and various

embodiments of the present invention. Numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An architectural modeling system comprising;

a home base plate having one or more environmental factors and at least one of the following:

a floor plan,

an elevation view,

a sectional reference;

build materials representative of the desired environmental consideration factors. 2. A system as described in claim 1 further comprising a community plan for joining two or more home base plates into a model community. 3. A system as described in claim 2 further comprising a community base plate adjoining the two or more home base plates, and further comprising one or more community structures representative of the architecture environment modeled. 4. A system as described in claim 1 further comprising one or more anchor holes for

securing building materials to support the architectural model. 5. A system as described in claim 1 wherein the environmental factors comprises one or more of the following: build method, representative shape, lifestyle of inhabitants, climate, available local materials, geographic area. A system as described in claim 2 wherein a plurality of home base plates and/or community base plates have a common scale to facilitate comparisons between models.

A system as described in claim 1 wherein the environmental factors comprises one or more of the following: build method, representative shape, lifestyle of inhabitants, climate, available local materials, geographic area.

A method of teaching architectural techniques comprising;

presenting

a floor plan,

an elevation view,

a sectional reference;

build materials representative of the desired environmental consideration factors.

A system as described in claim 8 further comprising a community plan for joining two or more home base plates into a model community.

A system as described in claim 9 further comprising a community base plate adjoining the two or more home base plates, and further comprising one or more community structures representative of the architecture environment modeled.

11. A system as described in claim 8 further comprising one or more anchor holes for securing building materials to support the architectural model.

A system as described in claim 8 wherein the environmental factors comprises one or more of the following: build method, representative shape, lifestyle of inhabitants, climate, available local materials, geographic area.

A system as described in claim 9 wherein a plurality of home base plates and/or community base plates have a common scale to facilitate comparisons between models.