THE FACTS MAN, JUST THE FACTS...
We spend a great deal of time in school listening to stories about buildings. Those stories are based in part upon "known facts" (the writings of experts), and in part upon "deduced facts". "Deduced facts" are created through a process of understanding the principles associated with the field (history, style, construction, materiality, building science, other failures), and examining the current project with this in mind.

For example, once we know what the characteristics of the classical orders are, we can look at any building and make an educated opinion upon its adherence to this style. Once we know how buildings are to supposed to be constructed we should also be able to judge whether a project is built "properly" and "to code", and therefore should withstand the ravages of time and weather.

Familiarity with Building Codes and Zoning By-laws, the reasons for their evolution, and current applications, should also provide us with adequate information so that we can form an educated opinion about any building project we should happen to see. Is it the right fit into the neighbourhood? Does it respond to its specific context and the nature of adjacent buildings and properties? Is its use in keeping with the area? Does it represent conflict or complement the status quo?

THE NARRATIVE...
Facts may represent the "truth", but they can also be hideously boring. Retention rates for information are better when the facts have been woven into an interesting story. Historical Fiction is an example of this "oxymoronic genre". Entertainment can trick us into learning the facts.

THE ASSIGNMENT...
The two courses that you have taken to date in Building Construction have introduced you to a very wide range of facts about buildings: systems, construction methods, laws, rules, building science, etc. Where possible, I have woven the facts into building case studies so to give a better overview of how this pertinent information is part of a more integrated whole. Some buildings we have seen multiple times, in different lectures, each speaking to a different aspect of their design and construction. In some instances I have openly admitted to inventing facts based upon CSI like deduction, merely from associating my knowledge with the images we are viewing.

In this assignment, you are being asked to do the same thing. You are going to write a story about this building. Successful buildings have one type of story to tell. Abandoned buildings have a very different story and reasons for their state.

I have been driving by this building for quite a few years now, just wondering what story it has to tell. I don't know the story. I don't have "the answer".

INSTRUCTIONS - PLEASE READ VERY VERY CAREFULLY...
You are being asked to invent the story, based upon a talented weaving of the facts that you know about: zoning regulations, the building code, and construction. I am giving you lots of pictures of the building. You don't really need to know where it is. You are asked NOT to visit it. It is private property. It is fenced off. It is falling apart. It is unsafe. Entry constitutes trespassing. I don't want to know the REAL story. I want to know your version of the story.

1. Write a story. It should be interesting. This is not only to be historical fiction, it is a creative writing assignment. (For examply ONLY: It was to be Henry and Ingrid's dream rooming house. They had every last penny of grandfather's inheritance tied up in it. The homeless people were counting on them. But then... ) It may include "characters". The specific length is unspecified. It must, however, include all of the following information.

2. Zoning Regulations. Speculate that this building was partially built and the people in the neighbourhood objected to it based upon its "fit" and adherence to the zoning regulations. Refer to the material that we covered in Arch 172 on this topic in the "Making and Designing Buildings" lecture. Also the course notes. Include 5 very specific points about zoning and how the building breaks the rules. Weave these into your story. HIGHLIGHT THEM IN RED.

3. Building Code. The lectures have looked at the Residential Project as well as Fire Protection issues. Code issues, unlike zoning, do not allow variances. They are based on minimum performance and a concern for the health and safety of the occupants. Based upon what we looked at in class, weave 10 very specific points into your story about how this building suffers from building code issues as related to its use as a residence of sorts and fire protection. Look at issues such as unprotected openings, the fact that it appears to be a multi family dwelling, issues of egress, etc. HIGHLIGHT THEM IN BLUE.

4. Construction. The balance of the two courses dealt with issues of building construction and building science. What issues, structural, envelope, building science, etc. might have triggered the Building Inspectors to close down the site. Weave 5 of these into your story. HIGHLIGHT THEM IN GREEN.

5. Remember that you are writing a story. It has a beginning, middle and an end. The story should be run through spell check and grammar check. It will be graded on that basis as well.

6. The colour coding is an essential part of this project! It will allow you to express very clearly the points you are making and in which category you intend them to count. It also will allow for easier and less disputed grading for the TAs.

GRADING BREAKDOWN:
As follows:

Total Assignment - 40 marks (10% of your term grade)
Zoning Information - 5 marks
Building Code Information - 10 marks
Construction Information - 5 marks
Spinning an interesting story - 10 marks
Spelling and grammar - 5 marks
Following these instructions accurately - 5 marks

DUE DATE:
This is a take home assignment. Due date as per course outline. Early assignments are very welcome. Late assignments will not be accepted. Please provide a digital copy in colour so that your coding is visible. The assignment is to be submitted hard copy in class.

HAVE FUN WITH IT!! The most innovative and interesting stories will be posted here!

MORE INFORMATION!

NEXT... overall views of the site and context