Architectural Design & Build | Massachusetts College of Art & Design
In this year’s course, students met with the client, Chelsea Housing Authority for the Elderly and Disabled, to develop a budget, procure project materials, and build a timber-framed pergola to create a space of gathering that is fully accessible, providing shade and seating. The wood employed is reclaimed from an early 20th ce toy factory that was being dismantled in western Massachusetts. Some of the heartwood pine is nearly 800 years old.
MISSION STATEMENT
“Established in 2009, The MassArt Community Build Program promotes projects for public and non-profit entities that solve practical problems encouraging human interaction in the built environment. Through education, advocacy, and research leading to design and construction, it provides opportunities for students and communities to work as partners on design-build projects.
PROGRAM
A core goal of the MassArt Community Build Program is to embed curricular work within the architectural profession, using the studio as a laboratory that results in built projects.
Community Build, a key studio in the program, is a central required element of the M.Arch curriculum. During this summer studio, M.Arch students lead the design and construction of a project for a community partner. Over the course of the term, students bring architectural form from concept to reality while meeting the goals of the client group and exploring the expressive potential of building materials and structural systems. Mentoring and supervision is provided by industry professionals including architects and engineers.
The program also includes interdisciplinary courses and projects which involve students and faculty from majors across the college in innovative art and design partnerships.” Read more here.
