The School of Architecture Studio Culture Policy is dedicated to creating the best educational experiences and design environment for every School of Architecture student. The Ruggles Architecture Studio space is a place of learning and research that is designed to stimulate intellectual and social interaction among students, faculty, staff and invited guests. Undergraduate and graduate students from Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Sustainable Urban Environments degree programs work side-by-side to foster a context of interdisciplinary exploration, innovation and collaboration.

Open Spaces

The spatial type of our studio spaces is one continuous and open space. This spatial type is meant to encourage both formal and informal learning opportunities for our students. In this space there are both individual workstations and group gathering spaces. Each student is assigned her or his own workstation organized in immediate proximity to the other students in their studio section. The group gathering spaces are distributed throughout the studio and can be used by any group or student at any time. There are digital reservation systems to reserve the group spaces. The only studio space that is not open at all times is the laser cutters room. These facilities can only be accessed when a faculty member or a student monitor is present.

Respect

Because the Ruggles Architecture Studio space is an open space of interaction, and it is imperative for all students, faculty, staff and guest to behave with the utmost respect for each other. Members of the School of Architecture community come from diverse backgrounds, geographical locations and cultural foundations, and the studio space is a place for diverse opinions and design solutions to be shared as an essential core of our Studio Culture Policy. The process of reconciling differences among diverse attitudes is of paramount importance as a designer and as an aspiring professional in our increasingly globalized world.

Academic Integrity

It is expected that all students in the School of Architecture will abide by both the Northeastern Code of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity Policy. The policy states, “A commitment to the principles of academic integrity is essential to the mission of Northeastern University. The promotion of independent and original scholarship ensures that students derive the most from their educational
 experience and their pursuit of knowledge. Academic dishonesty violates the most fundamental values of an intellectual community and undermines the achievements of the entire University.”

Workload Management

An important feature of attending the School of Architecture is workload management. Due to the subjective nature of the design and critical thinking processes, it is often tempting to continue to strive for a better design solution or critical concept in lieu of the one correct answer that may exist in more quantitative disciplines. But a proper balance of the time a student spends in studio must be in balance with work for other courses and the appropriate social interaction we encourage for all of our students outside of studio. There will always be exceptional moments in a semester where the necessary production expectations will suggest that the students work long hours in studio, this should be the exception not the regular habit. Although the Ruggles Architecture Studio is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, this should not imply that the expectation is that you need to be in the studio beyond normal working hours. In fact, it is strongly encouraged for students to develop a good work/life balance.

Clean and Safe Space

It is expected that all students, faculty and staff work towards maintaining a clean and safe studio space. This means that all trash and recyclable material will be properly disposed of in the proper receptacle. Food consumption should be kept to a minimum and discarded properly so the studio can remain clean, so no work or equipment is damaged, and so we do not attract any unwanted fauna. Of particular importance is the proper use and disposal of sharp cutting blades. These must be disposed of in the blade containers mounted throughout the studio space. Additionally, a thorough cleanout of the studio will be conducted each week by the custodial staff, so any material that is left on the floor will be discarded. The Ruggles Studio also houses a Campus Police Sub-Station located at the entrance that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with a University Police Officer.

Facilities

If any student, faculty of staff member identifies damaged or dysfunctional facilities, including workstation desks or chairs, dividing partitions, electrical outlets, laser cutter equipment, or other studio artifacts, please notify your studio teacher, staff member or School Director of the issue.

Egress and Fire Safety

The Ruggles Architecture Studio has very well defined egress parameters designated by red floor tiles. No material or furniture may be placed in the red tile areas at any time. Additionally, any material that is stored above the suspended Unistrut system would impede the functioning of the fire-suppression sprinkler system, and therefore is not allowed. The studio is a space of creative making, and equipment and materials often accumulate in places that can cause safety issues. Please be cognizant of your safety and the safety of others while working in the studio space.

Drugs and Alcohol

In keeping with the University’s alcohol policy, the consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in Ruggles Architecture Studio. No alcoholic beverages may be served to or consumed by anyone under the age of 21 under any circumstances. Similarly, the School or the University does not permit or condone the possession, use, consumption, sale, or distribution of illegal drugs by students or employees on its property or as part of its activities. Students who violate these policies will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action consistent with local, state and federal law, and Northeastern University policy.