ARH 498 Collaborative Project B.lab

B.lab Community-Based Design

ARH 498 (and ARH 512) courses comprise the B.lab community-based design program at the School of Architecture. You will design and build a real project for actual occupants that you will have met through the community outreach process. By the end of the sequence, you will have taken part in a robust community design process, a fundraising campaign, and the rigorous design, prototyping and fabrication process. For B.Arch students, two semesters of ARH 498 is an alternate track to ARH 510 & ARH 550. We also welcome BA and graduate students who wish to take these courses as electives.

This class involves collaboration and engagement with local residents and your fellow students and instructors. The goal is to delve into the real world impact and power of architecture, acquiring critical professional skills as you transition into your careers. It will also allow you to explore the merging of theoretical exploration with professional reality while using design to further social justice in our local community.

Please visit B.lab Community Design webpage

Gain hands-on experience in community-based design and make a difference in a local neighborhood. Collaboratively design, prototype, and fabricate a real project. Develop valuable professional skills incorporating client feedback under real world conditions of budget and schedule.

Prerequisite: Department Director approval

Software: Rhino, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Rendering engine such as Twin Motion or Enscape, Drafting software such as AutoCAD or Revit

Course Learning Outcomes

Listen with empathy to identify the needs of the community
Create interactive communication tools to engage community members
Prototype and test design proposals using an iterative process
Recognize behaviors that build a positive team culture
Develop skills to resolve differences in design approaches
Exhibit professionalism and accountability during service project events
Document and publish the final project and the design process

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