September 15, 2017
In one architecture classroom, students aren’t just drawing houses – they’re building them.
Architecture students spend years creating designs and models, but the Parallel Construction program allows students to translate their designs into life-size structures.
This semester, the students will plan, design and obtain permits to build a single-family home this spring.
It’s important for students to have hands-on experience with the materials and construction process, said Brad McCorkle, lecturer and program coordinator.
Students learn the difference between what goes on the paper and what happens during construction, he said.
“They really start to understand the other side of architecture, the construction,” McCorkle said.
Sometimes, students design without considering the limitations of the materials, the tools or how to tighten a particular screw, he said. This project allows them to create a practical design that considers the construction process.
Lecturer and licensed architect Jamie Crawley co-instructs the class with McCorkle. Both instructors work at HA Architecture in Austin.
McCorkle and Crawley will assist the students, but not do the job for them, McCorkle said.
“The designs are 100 percent by the students,” he said.
Twelve undergraduate seniors and six graduate students will work together to complete this project.
The project has a $150,000 budget funded by the client and supplemented by donations.