Architecture is complex world. Some architects are
interested in scholarly theoretical ideas, others use technology and science in
their work. Some architects seek suitable and environmentally appropriate
buildings, and a few strive to make their buildings as different, surreal, or
unusual as possible. Architecture can be approached through any scope of design
and with an innumerable set of intents or ideas. Architecture school is very
much the same way. One studies classical architecture, mathematics and
structures, while learning representation, analytical, and theoretical
methodologies. Scholarly architecture studio projects involve the design of
whole buildings which carries many dialogs discussing the building’s being and
the things that make it be. However there always remains the very clear
discrepancy between theory and practice, the scholastic world of architecture
and the built world of architecture.
In my opinion the best architects are those who know
both design and construction. John Floan at Carnegi Mellon University School of
Architecture in Pittsburgh has done several successful projects in the
Southwestern US. He has created houses for economically deprived Native
Americans that are stylish, functional with all modern amenities, and suited to
the climate and available passive strategies. Furthermore the layouts of the
homes cater to the values and family structure of its inhabitants while adding appraised
economic wealth. With John’s work, students undertake both the drawing and
construction of the projects. They learn hands on the value of architecture
through the both aspects of the profession, design & construction.
In our thesis we would like to bring design build close
to home for Cincinnati using another design/ build practitioner’s ideals. Bryan
Bell and The SEED Network show the process to create Social, Economic, & Environmental
Design in a community. We will partner with a non-profit as our operations
umbrella and follow SEED’s guidelines. Our umbrella could be Habitat for
Humanity or a Local Church, they will help us acquire a 1200-1500 sf home in
need of restoration and find a deserving family to move into it when it is
complete. They will be the name under which we can get skilled labor &
fundraising an identity. Nathan and I will facilitate the project and contribute
most of the labor, and lead the fundraising campaign, we just need an
established, charitable organization to work under.
For the existing home we are looking for a good shell and
plan on renovating most of the interior utilities. For electrical we are
looking for relatively new service with an ample electrical panel. We can re
wire convenience outlets and upgrade fixtures easily. It is unknown how much plumbing will need to
be modified, but pex and pvc lines are relatively cheap and inexpensive, we are
prepared to redo everything for main supply to main drain. The HVAC will
certainly be outdated, compared to todays ~95% efficient furnaces, so we will
have to find an HVAC contractor as another major donor, or fundraise for its
professional installation. Architecturally we will rework interior walls to
create a living environment that accommodates the family. It is unknown what
the family’s needs are, but it is possible we will have to create extra bedroom(s)
in such a small house. We will also strive for flexible areas that can be adjusted
at different times of the day by the residents as they need for the activity at
hand. We can also model and analyze the house using advanced software and,
implement passive strategies making the residence the a more economical and
environmentally friendly building to operate. We will seek donations from Ikea,
Home Depot, Lowes, Ace and all smaller retailers for building materials and
fixtures. Under the non-profit operation umbrella we hope to be able to offer
charitable donation tax write-offs to all material and monetary donors (the
operation umbrella also eliminates the payment of sales tax on bought items and
property exchanges).
For assistance, the consultants and experts are
already in place at UC and our previous employers; they can help answer
technical questions and know the city and its businesses very well. During
Mike’s upcoming Summer Co-Op he will be in Cincinnati, he can make connections,
fundraise, and stockpile materials. For further fundraising and we will ask
local ad and marketing companies to promote the project, perhaps they can ask
businesses outside the construction industry to offer services in exchange for
free advertising. At festivals & events we will inform the community of the
project and find labor and financial help.
Mike has worked on an ABC extreme home makeover house
for the Dickinson Family with Court Atkins Architects in Beaufort South
Carolina and The Joe Kaluza Project with Sam Pitzulo homes in Youngstown Ohio. He
knows how to implement this work on site with a hammer and in an office with a
telephone. Nate holds degrees in both architecture and construction systems management. He has worked for Turner construction, one of the largest
construction management companies in the world and as well as a few local contractors in central Ohio. If
this team starts now on the project we can find our operation umbrella, the
family, and the house before the 9 month ‘thesis period’ even begins. While we
work on the design and modeling in thesis studio, we can begin the demo and
simple repairs to the house on site.
Together we know how to market the project,
where to find the money, professional advice and material. We can Jump design
build right into UC & Cincinnati Non-Profits with a local project. What we
learn can be published as a how too manual for the school’s and community’s
use. And when were done, we will have given the most gracious gift a community
can give to a distressed family, a health new home.
