Discussing the project method: case of the Amparho headquarters

Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary study of the Amparho Association headquarters to be developed in Pelotas, observing the design method. It has the aim to present an exemple about the development of an architecture project with the participation of graduation students. The method of the design procedure is divided into three steps. In the first step the design challenge was conceptually defined, observing the Contemporary Quaternum of Mahfuz (2004), in which the design challenge is worked out under three approaches connected to the design problems – place, program and technic, and another fourth one regards to the architecture theory – formal structure. The research’s second step was to work out a study of masses or volumetry, and a study of spots in consonance with the design concept. The third and last step is to launch the preliminary study. As a work result, we can highlight the didactic character of the project development proposal as a learning exercise for a graduation student group that is participating in the extension project.