ABSTRACT
Design-build practice and teaching models coalesce design and construction. A single synchronized approach brings efficiencies, experimentation and advancement of new ideas in practice and improved learning outcomes for students. As a practice model design-build offers the full partnership of the designer and the builder throughout the process, elevation of craft and lower project costs.
In academic design-build programs, students address real world challenges using a participatory process requiring adaptation, collaboration and continuing iterative design. Design-build programs explore emerging concerns in landscape architecture to address social and environmental challenges, often partnering with underserved populations. Concepts and skills introduced in the landscape architecture curriculum are tested and honed. The inter-connections among the concerns of design, construction and technology are made clear.
Students learn skills of participatory design, construction, documentation and project management. Students practice critical soft skills, adaptability, flexibility and multi-tasking as they take on multiple roles. Design-build courses probe material expression, craft, cultural referencing and sensory awakenings that are intentions, not features, in the landscape architecture curricula.
