Community Partnered Design-Build

Description: This course is all about BUILDING actual structures in the real world! This engagement studio partners with organizations and uses a co-design process to create innovative structures that advance the partner’s goals. Students work closely with the partner organization to understand their context and complete a needs assessment. Designs are presented to and reviewed by the partner. The class works as a team, mastering the materials, tools, and equipment necessary to complete the approved build. Special emphasis is placed on using sustainable materials and methods. Often, the class completes design work from subsequent courses because of the time needed to get proposals through official design reviews. This course has partnered with Neighbors Building Brightmoor, the UM Bio station, and the UM Campus Farm and is offered occasionally in the Fall or Spring terms.