Student-Driven Campus Design
In this project, we mixed our core classes and were asked to design the ideal campus for our new school. We first learned how the art of design works and how to make sure that what we design will be the most comfortable experience for the users. After that, we performed some surveys to see what the students, teachers, and parents want in the new building. After that, we took all of the surveys and grouped them into the most common and the least common wants. We then started the design process by taking the most common wants and needs and put them into our first prototype.
We were asked to think about what material use would be the best and most suitable for the building. I learned a lot about this. I learned that there is a lot more to a building then just looks. Little things like the installation you use can affect the building and how it will react to the environment around it. When you make a building, you want to use the most cost effective insulation. Not only does it need to be cost effective, it needs to be environmentally friendly. You should design your building so that it will breathe, and will not have dangerous “off-gassing” but will still hold up to the environment.
The biggest struggle for my group was communication. At the beginning, we took a survey so we could be placed appropriately and mixed. My group consisted of all introverts and so naturally, we didn't talk too much at first. Over time, we talked a little more, but it was still a challenge, especially when it came to presenting projects. We worked well together otherwise, and were productive with everything we did. Other than not talking, my group was one of the best groups I've ever had.
I think it's really important for students to have a voice on what the school will look. This is because students use the school space more than anyone else. We will be using the space for about 180 days throughout the school year, so it makes total sense to have the students design the spaces we will be using. Yes, architects are more qualified, but they don't always do a good job of making a comfortable learning and working space. So yes, I would say it is very important for the students to have a voice.
We were asked to think about what material use would be the best and most suitable for the building. I learned a lot about this. I learned that there is a lot more to a building then just looks. Little things like the installation you use can affect the building and how it will react to the environment around it. When you make a building, you want to use the most cost effective insulation. Not only does it need to be cost effective, it needs to be environmentally friendly. You should design your building so that it will breathe, and will not have dangerous “off-gassing” but will still hold up to the environment.
The biggest struggle for my group was communication. At the beginning, we took a survey so we could be placed appropriately and mixed. My group consisted of all introverts and so naturally, we didn't talk too much at first. Over time, we talked a little more, but it was still a challenge, especially when it came to presenting projects. We worked well together otherwise, and were productive with everything we did. Other than not talking, my group was one of the best groups I've ever had.
I think it's really important for students to have a voice on what the school will look. This is because students use the school space more than anyone else. We will be using the space for about 180 days throughout the school year, so it makes total sense to have the students design the spaces we will be using. Yes, architects are more qualified, but they don't always do a good job of making a comfortable learning and working space. So yes, I would say it is very important for the students to have a voice.