Architecture Department Publications
Architecture + Design + Discourse
Every year, select works of Cal Poly's architecture students are collected and published in the ADD: Architecture, Design, and Discourse book. The publication showcases some of the past year's best work from our school, including student projects, alumni work and photography features.
This publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress), and is available at the annual 5th year Chumash Show and through the Architecture Department. Copies of some past year's publications are still available, see below for details or contact architecture@calpoly.edu.
Architecture + Design + Discourse XVIII (2018)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse XVIII is the eleventh annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work.
Copies available for $20.00 (inclusive of shipping and handling). Contact architecture@calpoly.edu for details.
Architecture + Design + Discourse XVII (2017)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse XVII is the tenth annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work.
Copies available for $20.00 (inclusive of shipping and handling). Contact architecture@calpoly.edu for details.
Architecture + Design + Discourse XVI (2016)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse XVI is the ninth annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work.
Copies available for $25.00 (inclusive of shipping and handling). Contact architecture@calpoly.edu for details.
Architecture + Design + Discourse XV (2015)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse XV is the eight annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work.
Copies available for $25.00 (inclusive of shipping and handling). Contact architecture@calpoly.edu for details.
Architecture + Design + Discourse XIV (2014)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse XIV is the seventh annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work.
Architecture + Design + Discourse XIII (2013)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse XIII is the sixth annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work. Introduction by Michael Lucas, Professor and past Architecture Associate Department Head.
Copies available for $15.00 (inclusive of shipping and handling). Contact architecture@calpoly.edu for details.
Architecture + Design + Discourse XII (2012)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse XII is the fifth annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work. Introduction by past Department Head Henri T. de Hahn.
Copies available for $15.00 (inclusive of shipping and handling). Contact architecture@calpoly.edu for details.
Architecture + Design + Discourse XI (2011)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse XI is the fourth annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work. Introduction by past Department Head Henri T. de Hahn.
Architecture + Design + Discourse 10 (2010)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse 10 is the third annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work. Introduction by Professor Doug Jackson.
"Consequently, the work exhibited in ADD 10 is work produced by individuals, who will one day define architecture and its role within culture; it is work that is mindful of both the past and the present, while nevertheless looking optimistically forward to the future —work that, ultimately, not only deserves our attention but also has the ability to sustain it."
This publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress) -ISBN 978-9019771-4-0, and is available for purchased on ADD10 Lulu.com webpage (146 pages, color, paperback).
Architecture + Design + Discourse 9 (2009)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse 9 is the second annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work. Introduction by past Department Head Henri T. de Hahn.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press, ISBN 978-0-9819771-0-2, and can be purchased at the ADD9 Lulu.com web page (134 pages, color, paperback).
Architecture + Design + Discourse 8 (2008)
ADD: Architecture + Design + Discourse 8 is the first annual student run publication of the Architecture Department of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA. It documents student and faculty work. Introduction by past Department Head Henri T. de Hahn.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press and can be purchased at the ADD8 Lulu.com web page (170 pages, color, paperback).
Chumash 5th Year Thesis Pamphlets
Unfold: Thesis Pamphlet (2012)
Compilation of Cal Poly Architecture students thesis topics conducted during the AY 2010-2011. Each student presented their thesis at the Chumash Auditorium, Friday, May 25, 2012. Introduction by Professor Jonathan Reich.
"This work is a small sample of the particularly challenging last year of a five-year education which differs from its previous four. The principle differences between 5th year design and the earlier design studios here at Cal Poly are that students select their own projects..."
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress). Off-campus individuals may request a copy for $15.00 (inclusive of shipping and handling) at architecture@calpoly.edu.
Abstract: Thesis Pamphlet (2011)
Compilation of Cal Poly Architecture students thesis topics conducted during the AY 2010-2011. Each student presented their thesis at the Chumash Auditorium, May 28-30, 2011. Introduction by Professor Barry Williams, Chumash Show Coordinator.
"Abstract: Architecture Thesis Work. Cal Poly is the student-initiated documentation of the initial gestures of thesis. Born out of a desire to demonstrate the strength of exploration at Cal Poly. Abstract archives each student work including theoretical, pragmatic, creative, and artistic explorations."
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress) and can be purchased at the Architecture Departmentby contacting architecture@calpoly.edu.
Abridged: Thesis Pamphlet (2010)
Compilation of Cal Poly Architecture students thesis topics conducted during the AY 2009-2010. Each student presented their thesis at the Chumash Auditorium, May 28-30, 2010. Introduction by past Department Head Henri T. de Hahn.
"Above all, this year's proposed topics engage our profession in three parallel paths; by favoring the experiential qualities of new spaces; by maintaining intellectual curiosity as a process of investigation; and, perhaps most importantly, by forcefully declaring a commitment to act as community activists and advocates for those who are in need of quality places."
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress) and can be viewed at Abridged 2010 (.swf)
Rise and Run: Thesis Pamphlet (2009)
Compilation of Cal Poly Architecture students thesis topics conducted during the AY 2009-2009. Each student presented their thesis at the Chumash Auditorium, May 22.25, 2009. Introduction by past Department Head Henri T. de Hahn.
"Architectural schools have always been a vibrant place for innovative ideas and radical change. Today, in a world where contemporary modes of thinking are challenging the idea of change itself, architectural educators are discerning the outline of another architect's mind: one similar to ours, yet profoundly different and not yet clearly defined.
This year's graduating students of the Architecture Department at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo express their ease in confronting this changing landscape..."
Unleashed: Thesis Pamphlet (2008)
Compilation of Cal Poly Architecture students thesis topics conducted during the AY 2007-2008. Each student presented their thesis at the Chumash Auditorium, May 23-25, 2008. Introduction by past Department Head Henri T. de Hahn.
"It is no wonder that the title of the 2008 Chumash Show is Unleashed. Even at first glance the projects suggest self-assurance through their allegiance to a contemporary language of architectural production: brash, provocative, and exuberant in the confidence of the students to create projects that are innovative and original. A second glance confirms that the first assessment of this burst of energy and imagination was correct. Yet upon closer scrutiny..."
The publication may be purchased at the Unleashed Lulu.com web page (61 pages, full-color, paperback). Unleashed: click to download.
Small Servings: Thesis Pamphlet (2007)
Compilation of Cal Poly Architecture students thesis topics conducted during the AY 2006-2007. Each student presented their thesis at the Chumash Auditorium, May 25-27, 2007. Introduction by past Department Head Henri T. de Hahn.
"Small Servings, and its accompanying iconography, speaks metaphorically to a world of culinary experience: one of elegance, distinction, accompanied by a twist of both familiarity and exotic delight. The little origami vessel prominently featured in the foreground of the composition, appears to be the instructional wrapper of a set of iconic and cultural eating utensils. Chopsticks as we well know, serve to bridge Small Servings through the intervals of time and space. Case in point we are in the presence of key architectural ingredients: to serve, to structure, and to coordinate space and place..."
The publication may be purchased at the Small Servings Lulu.com web page (36 pages, b&w, paperback. Small Servings: click to download.
Vellum Publications
Vellum_7 (2012)
Vellum_7: Seven Years of the Vellum Furniture Competition, a publication to document and display a small cross-section of the furniture and constructions conceived and fabricated in the context of this annual design competition held in San Luis Obispo for five years running. The Vellum Furniture Competition, now entering it’s ninth year, has been a collaborative effort between the community and the College of Architecture + Environmental Design - - most notably, the Architecture Department, architect Tom di Santo and local design-build and retail outfit Vellum Inc. Introduction by Professor Tom di Santo.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AEDPress).
Vellum_5 (2009)
Vellum_5: Five Years of the Vellum Furniture Competition, a publication to document and display a small cross-section of the furniture and constructions conceived and fabricated in the context of this annual design competition held in San Luis Obispo for five years running. The Vellum Furniture Competition, now entering it’s sixth year, has been a collaborative effort between the community and the College of Architecture + Environmental Design - - most notably, the Architecture Department, architect Tom di Santo and local design-build and retail outfit Vellum Inc. Introduction by Professor Tom di Santo.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press and can be purchased at the Vellum_5 Lulu.com web page (112 pages, color, paperback).
Svizzera | Suisse X (2011)
Professor Tom di Santo published Svizzera X, a visual compilation of the 2010 summer off-campus program conducted in and around Switzerland. Introduction by Professor Tom di Santo.
This publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress), and will be available for purchase through the Architecture Department at architecture@calpoly.edu.
Studio Ambition: Design Research Laboratory (2010)
Studio Ambition comprises a series of intellectual design projects produced at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo between 2006 and 2009 under the direction of architect, educator, and scholar Dr. Stephen Phillips, AIA. This book is an elaborate and thoughtful demonstration and guide to architecture design and its education--for students, faculty, and contemporary architects. Introduction by Professor Stephen Phillips.
This publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress), and is available for purchased on StudioAmbition Lulu.com webpage (color, paperback).
Affective Environments (2010)
Under the guidance of Professor Eric Nulman, eight designed and fabricated installations by 5th-year Cal Poly Architecture students in the Senior Thesis Design Studio "Affective Environments," are presented in this beautifully illustrated book.
"In recent years an emerging architectural avant-garde has shifted their interest away from producing objects - via abstraction and the virtual - towards producing effects -via materiality, surface, and the real. This constant production of architectural effects places an emphasis on the experiential aspect of architecture above all other interests (such as truth, meaning, communication, etc), and how these effects can affect your experience. Since your experience is affected by how you perceive the matter (material and immaterial) that surrounds you, it is of critical importance that this matter or its effects becomes the subject of design investigations."
Fog Bank (book cover) is an installation presented in San Francisco at 3A Gallery (February 1st - April 9th, 2010) investigating affective environments through multiple means: textural variation, light & shade, blurring, reflectivity, and varying opacity. The surface of the installation is composed of plastic tubes clustered together to form a surface derived from programmatic elements within the space. Together, the tubes create a highly animated effect, alternately shimmering with light or distorting it to create an atmosphere diffused throughout the space at once tangible yet ethereal.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press and will be available for purchase at the Affective Environments web page. (108 pages, color, paperback). Introduction by Professor Eric Nulman.
Fowler Studio: Selected Student Design Studio Work 2008-2010, Fall 2010
This book contains architecture projects by students in professor and architect Thomas Fowler's third year design studio as well as select work of his fourth and fifth year students.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress), and can be purchased at the Fowler Studio Lulu.com web page (457 pages, square, full-color, paperback).
2007-2010 Design Collaboratory, Fall 2010
This book traces the work of the Design Collaboratory endeavors of Professors Thomas Fowler, Mark Cabrinha, Jim Doerfler, and Kevin Dong of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress), and can be purchased at the Design Collaboratory Lulu.com web page (215 pages, square, full-color, paperback).
America's Cup Master Plan for
San Francisco, Spring 2010
This book contains architecture projects by students in professor and architect James Doerfler fourth-year 2009 summer design studio.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress), and can be purchased at the America'sCupMasterPlan Lulu.comweb page (125 pages, landscape, full-color, paperback).
Research Practice Symposium (2009)
Edited by Professor Stephen Phillips, this book entails the proceedings of the Research Practice Symposium held at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, May 2009 through generous support from the Hearst Foundation. Text include original presentations, discourse, and debate by architects and scholars: Beatriz Colomina, Raveevarn Choksombatchai, Jeffrey Inaba, Lisa Iwamoto, Ed Keller, Craig Scott, and Mark Wigley. Introduction by Professor Stephen Phillips.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press and can be purchased at the ResearchPracticeSymposium Lulu.com web page (104 pages, color, paperback).
One + TWO: TEN x NINE: studio 206
2007-2008, Fall 2008
This book contains architecture projects by several students in professor and architect Kent Macdonald's fifth-year thesis studios during the 2007-2008 academic year.
This particular studio was an experimental one, seeking to strengthen the students' awareness of building systems integration within the yearlong thesis curriculum. It did so by introducing a stand-alone "Integrative Studio" project in fall quarter to precede the students' independent thesis work in winter and spring. (In the usual sequence, the thesis itself is three-quarter long.)
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress), and can be purchased at the ONE+TWO:TENxNINE Lulu.com web page (73 pages, landscape, full-color, paperback) or downloaded in PDF format.
ARCH 453: RNT Professional Studio, Spring 2008, Carlsbad High School
The publication is an account of Cal Poly Architecture Department’s Fourth Year Professional Studio conducted in San Diego at the office architect and professor Ralph Roesling, principal of RNT Architects.
The New Carlsbad High School project, in the north county of San Diego with a proposed campus of 1,500 students, was under design at RNT’s San Diego office. A team of four Cal Poly students were asked to design the same project utilizing a broad based research approach understanding region, culture, climate, and project program. They took a Socratic approach probing fundamental questions about what a high school should be within this kind of regional context. The students developed a project narrative that addressed this broad based approach to immediate site specifics, regional issues, existing development patterns, and their interpretation of the School District’s criteria for an environmentally focused high school. They were encouraged to forge their own direction for this project and not be influenced by the direction of the design in the office.
The publication is part of the Architectural Environmental Design Press (AeDPress), and can be purchased at the CarlsbadHighSchool Lulu.com web page (69 pages, landscape, full-color, paperback).