Design Build in the SOA

10-25-13

After hearing Greg and John talk about the history of design build in Storrs, it became apparent that the goal of design-build within the SOA was something that was no longer a major presence as it had once been.  The school had a strong relationship with studios emphasizing the design build process, but one thing that John mentioned was that with this type of program, there isn’t much design practice.  It’s difficult to have that balance when a class can only dedicate a few weeks to designing a house then have to spend the rest of the semester building it.  This balance was reached with the introduction of smaller projects such as pavilions that would allow for a more equal split of building to designing.  However, even this ended with the school saying no to new building projects by the SOA.  As a result, the design build projects became smaller and smaller.  However, these projects can still retain their significance by ensuring that students put the same amount of attention to detail into these projects. 

            The nature of design build at an inhabitable scale is changing rapidly.  Construction methods are evolving as well as the design methods that go with them.  As a profession, we’re moving towards a more hands off way of thinking and practicing.  Tools such as CNC machines and 3D printers are giving us the ability to create things quickly and easily from our chairs.  The next step for the school could be in the direction of marrying the digital design with the hand craft.  The combination of the two elements can yield an environment that is beneficial to both design approaches.