ACTIVITY BRIEF
Topic: Post-Structuralism & Deconstructivism in Architecture
Activity: Conceptual Architectural Installation – From Sketch to Physical Model
OBJECTIVE
To study the theoretical foundations of Post-Structuralism and its architectural
counterpart Deconstructivism, and to translate this knowledge into a conceptual
architectural installation that expresses disruption, fragmentation, and
non-linearity—both visually and spatially.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this exercise, students will:
● Understand and interpret Post-Structuralist philosophy and
Deconstructivist architecture.
● Learn to translate theoretical concepts into architectural expressions.
● Develop a conceptual project through manual sketching, digital modeling,
rendering, and physical prototyping.
● Improve presentation and design communication skills.
ACTIVITY FLOW
1. RESEARCH PHASE
● Study and document:
○ Key ideas of Post-Structuralism (e.g., Jacques Derrida’s
“deconstruction”, multiplicity, instability of meaning).
○ Principles of Deconstructivist Architecture (e.g., non-rectilinear forms,
fragmentation, skewed geometry).
○ Works by Zaha Hadid, Bernard Tschumi, Peter Eisenman, Daniel
Libeskind, etc.
● Record your research insights and choose 3 keywords/concepts that
inspire your installation.
2. CONCEPT SKETCHING
● Based on your research, develop initial 2D conceptual sketches.
● These should explore form, space, movement, and distortion.
● Think in terms of architectural language (planes, voids, structure,
circulation).
● Minimum: 3 conceptual hand sketches exploring different iterations.
3. DIGITAL 3D MODELING (SketchUp)
● Convert your final sketch into a 3D model using SketchUp.
● The model must reflect architectural elements like:
○ Planes and volumes
○ Circulation pathways
○ Fragmented/formal disruptions
○ Interplay of solid and void
● The model should read as a conceptual architectural installation with
design logic.
4. RENDERING
● Render your SketchUp model using tools like V-Ray, Enscape, or Lumion.
● Produce a minimum of 3 views:
○ Overall perspective
○ Interior/exploded spatial view
○ Detail highlighting materiality or structural play
5. PHYSICAL MODEL
● Construct a scaled physical model of the installation using suitable
materials (foam board, acrylic, wood, etc.).
● Model must clearly reflect:
○ Key formal moves
○ Architectural articulation
○ Conceptual intent
SHEET PRESENTATION (A2 SIZE)
Your final sheet should include:
● Title & Concept Statement (max. 150 words)
● Selected sketches
● Rendered 3D views
● Process evolution (sketch → 3D → physical)
● Theoretical connections (with 1-2 short quotes or references)
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Criteria Marks
Concept Clarity & Theoretical 20%
Link
Quality of Sketches & Process 15%
3D Modeling & Renders 20%
Physical Model Execution 25%
Final Presentation Sheet 20%
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
● 1 A2 Sheet (digital + print)
● 1 Physical Model
● 3+ rendered views
● Sketchbook/pages with conceptual development
SUGGESTED REFERENCES
● Jacques Derrida – Of Grammatology
● Bernard Tschumi – Event-Cities
● Daniel Libeskind – Chamber Works
● Peter Eisenman – Diagram Diaries
● Zaha Hadid – Vitra Fire Station
● Libeskind – Jewish Museum, Berlin
