Course Overview

Design + Build Studio is an immersive studio experience where you will design, develop, prototype, and build real-world projects for local community partners. This studio will explore comprehensive digital design practices, interdisciplinary collaboration, material investigations, systems analysis, integrated sustainability, physical prototyping and fabrication, project management, and construction document delivery. You will collaborate with professors and students in Architecture and Construction Sciences, and develop project workflows that take ideas from concept, to full-scale prototypes and testing, to complete working drawings and fabricated components that are ready for construction.

Real-World Application

In this studio, you will expand your individual creative process while operating as a professional design team engaged at all levels of project design, development, and fabrication using Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, and an array of digital and analog tools at the C_ML. A dedication and passion for creative problem solving, making, and craft will be absolutely essential for this studio. In return, you will come out of this studio a stronger, more competitive maker and design thinker. The semester will begin with client and contractor meetings, site visits, group research, and individual design charettes presented to project stakeholders. After a design is selected, it will be developed and refined by the entire studio with regular project deliverables including comprehensive design development presentations, scale model studies, full-scale physical prototypes, finalized fabrication solutions, and a complete construction document set that will be delivered to students participating in the Spring 2024, CNS-4603-001 Design+Build elective and D10 Design Studio.

Students that excel in this studio will be recommended for priority enrollment in the spring semester Design + Build Studio. Should you choose to participate in this studio, you will spend your in-class time...out of the classroom, managing a real-world project, participating in full-scale shop fabrication, and working on-site, constructing your design ideas!

This studio will operate like a professional design practice and our project will be submitted to the OKC Downtown Design Review Committee for approval. The likelihood of approval completely hinges on the studio delivering early and often and gelling as a tight team. In this studio it is paramount that we operate like a well oiled machine. There will be times for individual success but we will ultimately succeed or fail as together. Success will mean that your project will actually be built, by you, in the Spring. Take a moment to absorb the this. You will graduate from OU, with your name on a real-world project, that you have designed and built, from concept to completion, impacting real communities, and making its mark.

Course Goals

Comprehensive Sustainable Design Integration: Develop an in-depth understanding of sustainable design principles and their integration into architectural concepts, emphasizing resource efficiency, energy conservation, and reduced environmental impact.
Biodiversity-Focused Design Solutions: Explore innovative strategies to integrate biodiversity-friendly design practices, creating habitats that support diverse species and enhance the ecological health of urban environments.
Urban Farming and Agricultural Integration: Investigate the incorporation of urban farming concepts within architectural design, fostering a deeper connection between residents and sustainable food production in urban settings.
Contextual Responsiveness: Cultivate the ability to analyze site-specific conditions, climate, and cultural context to inform sustainable design decisions that contribute positively to the environment and address local needs.
Regenerative Architectural Solutions: Develop design approaches that go beyond sustainability, focusing on regenerative design strategies that replenish resources, enhance ecosystem services, and promote long-term environmental well-being.
Materiality and Resource Efficiency: Explore the selection of sustainable materials, finishes, and construction techniques that align with ecological principles, minimizing waste and promoting efficient use of resources.
Integration of Passive Strategies: Develop proficiency in integrating passive design strategies, renewable energy sources, and water management systems that optimize energy consumption and enhance indoor comfort.
Hands-On Urban Farming and Biodiversity Interventions: Engage in hands-on construction and implementation of architectural elements that support urban farming and enhance biodiversity, bridging the gap between design theory and real-world impact.
Collaboration and Multidisciplinary Engagement: Foster effective teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills through interdisciplinary interactions, promoting holistic solutions and engaging with experts in relevant fields.
Effective Communication of Sustainable Design Concepts: Develop strong oral, written, and visual communication skills to effectively convey sustainable design ideas, concepts, and solutions to technical and non-technical audiences.
Ethical and Social Responsibility: Instill a strong sense of ethical conduct and social responsibility in sustainable architectural design, recognizing the architect's role in addressing global environmental and societal challenges.
Innovation and Creativity: Encourage the exploration of innovative design approaches that push the boundaries of sustainable architectural design, promoting unique solutions that contribute positively to the built environment.

Weekly Roadmap

[Aug 21 - Aug 25] Week 1 : Course Introduction and Contextual Analysis

Introduction to design-build, course objectives, goals, and expectations.
Overview of sustainable design, biodiversity, and urban farming concepts.
Site selection and analysis: Identifying potential project sites for design interventions.
Collaboration with local communities, experts, and stakeholders.
Lectures in sustainability, biodiversity, and urban farming.
Site Visit and meeting with stakeholders (Aug 25)

[Aug 28 - Sep 01] Week 2: Site Assessment and Program Analysis (Team-based)

Site Assessment

In-depth site analysis considering ecological, climatic, and contextual factors.
Understanding local building codes and regulations.
Development of a design framework integrating sustainability, biodiversity, and urban farming elements.
Exploration of precedents and case studies showcasing successful sustainable design and urban farming initiatives.

Program Analysis
Analysis of project program and user requirements.
Translate programmatic needs into spatial organization and design strategies.
Demonstrate a balance between functional requirements and creative design solutions.

Assignment 1 + 2 : Site Assessment and Program Analysis Presentation (Sep 01)

[Sep 04 - Sep 08] Week 3: Schematic Design and Sustainable Material Selection, Systems, and Urban Farming Integration (Solo-design)

Conceptual Design

Generation of design concepts that respond to the site analysis and design framework.
Exploration of innovative ways to integrate biodiversity and urban farming into architectural design.
Critique and review sessions to discuss and refine design concepts.

Sustainable Material Selection, Systems, and Urban Farming Integration

Investigation of sustainable material choices and construction methods that align with ecological principles.
Integration of passive design strategies, renewable energy, and water management systems.
Consideration of ecological infrastructure and systems that enhance biodiversity and support urban farming.
In-depth exploration of urban farming concepts, such as vertical gardening, aquaponics, and rooftop agriculture.

[Sep 11 - Sep 15] Week 4: Schematic Design and Sustainable Material Selection, Systems, and Urban Farming Integration (Solo-design)

...continue conceptual design
Assignment 3 : Conceptual Design Presentation with Stakeholders (Sep 15)

[Sep 18 - Sep 22] Week 5: Design Development and Prototyping (Team-based)

Refinement of design concepts based on feedback and insights.
Development of detailed design drawings, renderings, and preliminary construction documents.
Fabrication and construction of architectural elements that integrate sustainability and urban farming.

[Sep 25 - Sep 29] Week 6: Design Development and Prototyping (Team-based)

...continue design development and prototyping
Assignment 4 : Design Development Mid-Check Presentation (Sep 27)

[Oct 02 - Oct 06] Week 7: Design Development and Prototyping (Team-based)

...continue design development and prototyping
Begin preparation of a comprehensive design package for the Downtown Design Review Committee (see attached documents for rquirements)

[Oct 09 - Oct 13] Week 8: Downtown Design Review Committee Pre-Check Presentation + Adjustments and Modifications (Team-based)

Assignment 5 : Downtown Design Review Committee Pre-Check (Oct 09)

[Oct 16 - Oct 20] Week 9: Downtown Design Review Committee Final Submission (Team-based)

Assignment 6 : Downtown Design Review Committee Final Submission (Oct 16)
Preparation of a comprehensive design presentation showcasing the integration of sustainability, biodiversity, and urban farming.
Final critique and review sessions with faculty and invited professionals.
Documentation of the design process, construction, and outcomes for portfolio and exhibition.
Assignment 7 : Final Design Presentation with Stakeholders (Oct 20)

[Oct 23 - Oct 27] Week 10: Technical Documentation and Material Research (Team-based)

Development of a comprehensive construction documentation plan
Development of detailed construction drawings, sections, and elevations.
Material selection and sourcing, material specifications, and assembly details.
Preliminary cost estimation

[Oct 30 - Nov 03] Week 11: Technical Documentation and Material Research (Team-based)

[Nov 06 - Nov 10] Week 12: Technical Documentation and Material Research (Team-based)

[Nov 13 - Nov 17] Week 13: Technical Documentation and Material Research (Team-based)

Downtown Design Review Committee Review (Nov 16)
Assignment 8 : Construction Documents Presentation (Nov 17)

[Nov 20 - Nov 24] Week 14: Thanksgiving

[Nov 27 - Dec 01] Week 15: Fabrication OR Downtown Design Review Modifications (Team-based)

Hands-on fabrication and construction of architectural elements.
Implementation of urban farming installations and biodiversity-friendly features.

[Dec 04 - Dec 08] Week 16: Fabrication OR Downtown Design Review Modifications (Team-based)

Design+Build Studio Celebration at the C_ML with Stakeholders and CNS faculty and students (Dec 08)
Assignment 9 : Fabrication Presentation + Final Presentation, Construction Documents, and Downtown Design Review Committee submission on display (presented during the celebration, relaxed, gallery style)