Student Architects: Designing for the Real World

Students presented architectural designs for an “Outdoor Office Modules” project, to be built in downtown Silver Spring by Peterson Companies. Professor Shorieh Talaat ’76 tasked his Principles of Design (ARCH 201) students with developing a “kit of parts” that could be fabricated and assembled on site to create a portable, moveable outdoor work environment.

During an eight-week span, four teams of students researched precedents, components, and methods of assembly; they consulted with a structural engineer and fabrication companies; and continually refined their designs. Along with structural and design concerns, including accessibility, the teams had to solicit costs for all materials and furnishings, and develop a budget with a not-to-exceed number. Their final designs, rendered in 3D CAD software, included space to sit, socialize, work, and charge electronic devices.

“Given the complex requirements of the program, they delivered projects that were simple, elegant, and actually constructible,” says Professor Talaat. “They did an outstanding job.”

In January, the company chose a winning proposal. After some follow-up work—producing final drawings and details, meeting with consultants and subcontractors, and adding additional refinements to the design—the winning team’s project will be installed on Ellsworth Street.

Each year, students in the program’s 201 course engage in real-world projects and competitions. Projects typically comprise social and cultural components in the development of responsible design solutions. Past projects have included portable homeless shelters, a school house in Uganda, and post-war housing for Syria.

“When introduced early,” says Talaat, “it has the potential to enrich and activate learning in a way that goes beyond the stock curriculum. … The level of energy in the studio and the willingness of the students to elevate their investigations, work products, and professionalism is amazing.”