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- From: Open Architecture Challenge
- Contributed By: Blake Architecture For Humanity
Introduction:
There are many layers to modern construction. What you can see is usually only the outermost layer. Underneath is a maze of systems that keep the building standing and provide services such as electricity, heat, and water. A construction schedule must be very carefully planned so that the all the layers don't interfere with each other. Traditional site built construction require a different construction approach and planning as opposed to portable buildings which are built in a factory on an assembly line. If your class took a field trip, they would be able to see buildings in all different stages of construction. This lesson will familiarize students with what’s hidden behind the walls of a classroom, traditional or portable.
Group Size: Any
Learning Objectives:
Especially in the United States, we often take for granted that our structures symbolize safety and comfort, they protect us from the elements and offer safe places to work, learn and live. But it is important for the students to understand what it takes to build a roof and keep it up over their heads.
Guiding Question:
• What is inside my walls? • Why does my building stand up? • And what keeps me comfortable inside? VOCABULARY Foundation, wall structure (stick frame, steel, bamboo, concrete, sip’s panels), natural lighting and ventilation vs artificial lighting and ventilation
Materials:
Materials that can represent building elements (cardboard, Styrofoam, etc.), glue, X-acto knives Refer to Relocatable Classroom design resource in Lesson 3: Sustainable Building. Procedures:
Option 1: Build a 1:1 model of a section of a wall. This exercise may be done in groups of 3 or 4.
Option 2: How does your school work? Students break into teams to visit different parts of the school building. At the end of the day, each team gives a presentation to the class to explain the different technical systems, which help the building function.
For example: Team A: Structure, Team B: Electrical, Team C: Water, Team D: Heating, Team E: Communication.
Assessment:
Option 1: Evaluation of the accuracy and neatness of the model. Option 2: Evaluation will be based on the quality of the oral and visual presentations
Learning Objectives:
Especially in the United States, we often take for granted that our structures symbolize safety and comfort, they protect us from the elements and offer safe places to work, learn and live. But it is important for the students to understand what it takes to build a roof and keep it up over their heads.
Guiding Question:
• What is inside my walls? • Why does my building stand up? • And what keeps me comfortable inside? VOCABULARY Foundation, wall structure (stick frame, steel, bamboo, concrete, sip’s panels), natural lighting and ventilation vs artificial lighting and ventilation
Materials:
Materials that can represent building elements (cardboard, Styrofoam, etc.), glue, X-acto knives Refer to Relocatable Classroom design resource in Lesson 3: Sustainable Building. Procedures:
Option 1: Build a 1:1 model of a section of a wall. This exercise may be done in groups of 3 or 4.
Option 2: How does your school work? Students break into teams to visit different parts of the school building. At the end of the day, each team gives a presentation to the class to explain the different technical systems, which help the building function.
For example: Team A: Structure, Team B: Electrical, Team C: Water, Team D: Heating, Team E: Communication.
Assessment:
Option 1: Evaluation of the accuracy and neatness of the model. Option 2: Evaluation will be based on the quality of the oral and visual presentations
Collaborative for High Performance Schools, building components, sustainable and environmental design
Collaborative for High Performance, HVAC systems, building structure
Collaborative for High Performance Schools, materials for floors, walls interiors of buildings
Learn more about "Structure" with exercises, lesson plans, photographs, and workshop information.
Joe Addo, of ConstructLLC engages the students in a very interesting conversation of building in the developing world v/s the developed world, while focusing on basics of structure in building design.
Watch full video here
