ABSTRACT
Six case studies offer examples to encourage those interested in developing their own academic programs. Six design-build programs are described by their professors at University of California-Cal Poly, Iowa State University, Mississippi State University, New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects at Lincoln University, North Carolina State University and the University of Washington. They each describe their focus, scheduling and structure, funding mechanisms and student makeup. At Cal Poly the design-build is part of a study abroad program with a focus on playscapes primarily located in South Africa. The Iowa State program brings students into a state correctional facility for women to create therapeutic garden/landscapes in collaboration with the residents. At Mississippi State the programs partner with aligned disciplines such as Architecture, Graphic Arts, Civil Engineering, Plant and Soil Sciences and Food, Nutrition, Health. Interdepartmental collaboration is one of their focal points. Cultural sensitivity guides the program at Lincoln University; projects are closely aligned with indigenous beliefs and expression. North Carolina State design-build projects, funded by the university facilities department, demonstrate the benefits of sustainable stormwater solutions throughout the large campus. The design-build program at the University of Washington works with underserved communities using therapeutic design to address trauma, mental health and well-being. The program has both a capstone design-build with local projects and a well-established international design-build program including work in Guatemala, Croatia and Sweden. The reader will find different approaches, organizational models and evaluations to customize and advance their own curriculum toward their personal and programmatic goals.
