Unit 	CAD-Architecture	
1		
Research Brief-The Louvre

Overview

The purpose of this brief is to help the student understand that designing a public building has both design and political ramifications. Many different sources contribute toward the finalization of a design. The architect must balance all this input with his/her own vision and creativity. Finding a  “balance” is often a challenging task. This research brief helps students understand this concept.

Standards

ITEA Content Standards:
8-Students will develop and understanding of attributes of design.
2-Student will develop and understanding of the cultural, economic, social, and political effects of technology.

Objectives
 
The student will experience how ideas for a design must be refined and critiqued as well as following certain requirements.

Teacher Preparation

The intent of this exercise is to have the student use online resources to complete the research questions. A simple grading scale has been provided. Look for insightful answers to the questions to show that the student has done a thorough job of researching the project and understand the balance an architect must strike before completing a design. 
Hand out the brief as homework. Give the students a couple of days to complete it. You can either have them hand it in for you to grade, or (I have found this works the best) collect the completed briefs, then lead a class discussion on the answers you were looking for.

Content Outline

A. Introduction
1.	What is a research brief 
a.	Expectations
b.	Timeline

B. Background content
1.What is The Lourve?
c.	Historical significance
d.	Political significance

2.	I.M. Pei
a.	Architectural designs
b.	Design philosophy

3.	Creating a balanced design
a.	Social concerns
b.	Political concerns
c.	Final decision

Activities/Case Studies

The Louvre was originally built as a fortress in 1546, during the reign of Francis I. When  Charles V took over the throne, the Louvre took a more pleasant and intellectual visage. The King installed his private library, a rich collection of manuscripts, in one of the towers. 

In 1848 the museum became the property of the State. With an annual budget devoted to acquiring new art, the collections continued to grow. Private donations also augmented the Museum's holdings. Today, the catalogue lists nearly 300,000 works, only a fraction of which are on display at any one time. 

The Louvre covers more then 19 hectares (1 hectares = 2.47 acres, so the Louvre takes up about 47 acres) there are 7 departments containing artifacts dating from the beginning of civilization up to the 19th Century. Francis I had a collection of Italian Renaissance paintings which plays an important part of the Museums basis, part of which is Leonardo da Vinci's infamous painting of 'Mona Lisa'.

I. M. Pei

In 1993 President Mitterrand opened the most modern piece of the Museum, the Richelieu wing. Designed by an American architect, I.M.Pei, the new building included an addition of three glass pyramids, rising 71 feet high at the most, providing an entrance hall to the main galleries and some skylight to these spaces. The Louvre is a showcase of unparalleled visibility and one of the most coveted plots in the world. These outstanding and controversial buildings have been debated as to whether they provide a compliment to the ancient building or an unflattering appendage. 

Time needed: This brief is intended as a take home assignment. You can anticipate a 25-35 min. discussion in class when you ask for student responses to the questions.

Assessment

Questions: (You may use the back of this paper or a new piece of paper to respond.)

1.	Does the main Pyramid, disturb the balance of the old Louvre courtyard?

2.	Design decisions typically involve individual, familial, economic, social, and ethical issues. What design decisions do you think Pei considered when designing such a controversial structure?

3.	Why would Mitterrand award the design of such an important landmark to Pei, an outsider, (American) without holding a public competition?

4.	How did Pei conduct research to eventually determine his design? 

5.	What political risks did Mitterrand take in selecting Pei as the architect?

6.	What would you have done if you were Mitterrand?

7.	The Louvre's history is, by and large, the history of France with entire chapters of French history (11 Kings) unfolding within the Louvre's walls.  What do you think the French people thought of the new Louvre design?

8.	What impression did Pei want people to take with them when they viewed his Louvre design?

Evaluation:

I am looking for answers that penetrate, understand, and see into each question. In other words I am looking for “insightful” answers from you for each question. Ask yourself why before responding. Therefore, the following grade scale is provided.

+  or 2 =  you provided a wonderful “insightful” answer to the question for which you will earn 2 points. 

1	=  you took the time to answer the question with a small amount of thought and earned 1 point.

=  did not answer the question in an “insightful” manner and will earn 0 points.

Web Resources

The Lourve Official Museum Site -http://www.louvre.fr/louvrea.htm
I.M. Pei - http://www.pritzkerprize.com/pei.htm

Academic Connections

Wisconsin Science Standard: 
H.12.4 Advocate a solution or combination of solutions to a problem in science or technology.
Wisconsin Social Studies Standard:
C.12.8 Locate, organize, analyze, and use information from various sources to understand an issue of public concern, take a position, and communicate that position.
Wisconsin English Standard:
B.12.1 Use a variety of writing technologies including pen, and paper as well as computer.

About the Author

Steve Johnston is a Technology Educator at Logan High School in La Crosse, Wisconsin. 
E-mail: sjohnsto@mail.sdlax.k12.wi.us