Practicing Design-Build

This paper discusses a studio structured to mimic the professional environment while at the same time researching through prototyping pre-fabrication, modular building, DfD (Design for Disassembly), and panelization theory including on-site/off-site construction methods. This body of applied research describes how students' abilities to design are dramatically increased through hands-on experience. The studio operates under the auspice of two divisions within a single firm, collaborating and working independently when appropriate. The studio mimics firms by “hiring” Project Managers, Construction Supervisors, Digi-Fab Specialists, Design Presentation, Materiality and Donation Teams/Groups. This paper demonstrates the process for collaboration and cross-pollination for two simultaneous design-build projects. This paper articulates that through building in multiple mediums students not only blur the disconnect from academia to practice but also from design to fabrication and construction.