Q. I'm in a different time zone. How will I participate in the course?

A. The academic leads will make every attempt to structure the course in such a way that students will be able to participate in synchronous instruction regardless of their location.

 

Q. What is the meeting schedule/time commitment?

A. Participants in the Institute should expect to spend at least 35 hours per week in class and working on projects and assignments.

 

Q. What is the course structure?

A. There are three design assignments for the course that are supplemented with readings and films. The course structure is divided into two parts: studio, which is led by the Lead instructor, and media, which is led by a Graduate Student Instructor (GSI). Studio sessions consist of lectures, readings, discussions, desk crits, and pin-up reviews. Media sessions complement the studio curriculum with relevant exercises and software tutorials.

 

Q. What types of software will I be using?

A. The course will use the following software for communication, design, and production: Zoom, Miro, Rhinoceros 6.0, Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Students will need to download and install all software before the first day of instruction. Students will receive a free subscription to Rhino and the Adobe CC programs for the duration of the program.

 

Q. What type of computer will I need?

Participants can access all required software installed on the machines in the Wurster Hall computer lab via remote desktop connection. A reliable internet connection is more important than the type or computing power of the device used.

 

Q. What materials will I need to participate?

A.

Desktop or laptop computer with specifications to support the required software, and a computer mouse
Sketchbook
Pen and pencil
Eraser
Self-healing cutting mat (recommend 12"x18" or larger)
X-Acto knife with replacement blades
Non-slip straight edge ruler
Architecture Imperial triangular scale
White glue (ex. Aleene's Original Tacky Glue)
White bristol paper (ex. Strathmore 300 or Blick's Bristol Board Pad, 19" x 24", Smooth)

 

Q. How will I interact with the instructors and my classmates?

A. We will be in contact via Zoom and Miro.

 

Q. How will group work be conducted?

A. While there are no group projects for this studio, students are expected to contribute during group discussions and reviews.

 

Q.How will studio work be conducted?

A. We will meet via Zoom and Miro regularly to discuss and review the work you produced at home.

 

Q. How will my work be graded/evaluated? How will mid and final reviews be conducted remotely?

A. You can choose to have your coursework evaluated on a pass/no pass or letter grade basis, considering issues of quality, progress, consistency, completeness, attendance, and participation. As this is a voluntary course, learning—not a grade—is hopefully the primary motivation for the work!

 

Q. How will I learn model-making and fabrication remotely?

A. The assignments will incorporate analog physical models that can be produced at home with a simple set of materials (see list above). Students will learn and practice how to make models by hand.

 

Q. How will I participate in field trips, site visits and other group activities remotely?

The remote course will supplement in-person site visits with virtual tours and relevant films.

 

Q. What is the tuition cost?

A. Expenses such as printing, transportation and the like are going to be more than offset by the added costs necessary to deliver a high quality program remotely. We are committed to finding ways to avoid tuition hikes. Non-local participants will save on travel expenses and the cost of living in the Bay Area, and tuition and fees will remain approximately $4500. 

 

Q. Is financial aid available?

A. Some partial need-based stipends are available to accepted students. Please contact summer-institutes@berkeley.edu to request a stipend.