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University of Arkansas School of ArchitectureUniversity of Arkansas School of Architecture

120 Vol Walker Hall
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone (479) 575-4945
Fax (479) 575-7099

Design/Build

Since 1999, School of Architecture students and faculty have sketched, sweated and hammered through some 16  design/build projects. Projects include a pavilion and outdoor learning center for local schools, a bi-level fishing pier and boat dock, and four homes for families of modest means.

Teamwork, tight budgets and construction restraints introduce students to the rigors of real-world design. “They learn not to be overly complicated when there’s no good reason to be overly complicated. Buildability is important,” said Professor Mark Boyer, who has led landscape architecture students in developing several amenities for local parks and schools.

Students have gained hands-on knowledge of inclusive design by creating a 22-foot-high, fully accessible tree house and other features for Camp Aldersgate, a Little Rock camp that serves young campers with special needs. Other projects have introduced students to modular housing, wetlands ecology and flood-proof construction techniques.

Students also learn the satisfaction to be gained from community service. “We bring labor, our design sensibility and a desire to make a difference,” said Professor Laura Terry, director of the Camp Aldersgate design/build program.  “In return, our students learn in a very concrete way that architecture is a service profession.”


Design/Build projects

Student Ben Trantham maneuvers a mini-excavator.

Check out photos of design build project at Washington Elementary School

 

View video on Camp Aldersgate design/build program