January 01, 2020

Project 1.2.2 Design Charrette

Introduction

The White House is more than 200 years old. During that time the White House has been a testing ground for technological innovation. The White House was one of the first facilities to install plumbing, gas lights, elevators, and air conditioning. On Earth Day 1993 it was announced that the energy and environmental performance of the White House would be evaluated and that changes would be made based on the evaluation. This initiative was known as the “Greening of the White House.” In order to achieve project objectives, over 90 government experts and individuals from the private sector collaborated in a charrette sponsored by the American Institute of Architects.

Equipment

• Internet access

• Paper for sketching

• Optional – presentation software

• Optional – 3D modeling software

Procedure

In this activity you will work in a group of 4 to 6 students to complete a design charrette. At the conclusion of the charrette, you will present your idea in persuasive format to the rest of the class.

Design Charrette

A design charrette is often described as a brainstorming/planning method used at the beginning stages of a structure, building, community, or other urban setting project. A charrette is an intensive workshop in which various stakeholders and experts are brought together to address a particular design issue.

1. Divide into teams of 4-6.

2. Familiarize yourself with the scenario that you have been assigned by your instructor. Assign each team member a role as a stakeholder from the list below. If you wish to represent a stakeholder not listed below, you must obtain instructor approval.

3. Individually research the job responsibilities of your chosen stakeholder and complete A1.2.2a Stakeholder Role to prepare for the charrette. Online sources of information include:

• Sloan Career Cornerstone Center: http://careercornerstone.org/index.htm

• College Career Life Planning: http://www.collegecareerlifeplanning.com

• The American Society of Civil Engineers Find Your Dream Job: http://www.asceville.org/find_your_dream_job.html

• Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/

• Engineer Girls: http://www.engineergirl.org/

• The American Society of Civil Engineers – Civil Engineering Careers: http://www.asce.org/kids/careers.cfm

• Discover Engineering: http://www.discoverengineering.org/

• American Institute of Architects – Careers in Architecture: http://www.aia.org/careerstages/index.htm

1. As a professional, take personal notes of the meeting to record the discussion and conclusions.

2. Within your group introduce yourself and explain what you see as your role in the charrette. Be sure to record the name and role of each participant in your notes. In addition, everyone in the group should consider the role of building user during the brainstorming session.

3. As a team brainstorm ideas and create a preliminary proposal to address your scenario. Your teacher will circulate during the charrette and act as the building owner, so keep a list of questions to pose to the owner when he/she is available.

4. At the conclusion of the charrette, your group must provide an official record of the meeting. Create a typed document that each member of the charrette will sign to indicate that the minutes are accurate.

5. Present your team’s ideas to the class. You must provide the following at a minimum for the presentation.

• Introduction of each stakeholder and a brief job description

• Statement of the problem

• Sketches (hand or computer-generated) to illustrate the vision

• A bulleted list of the benefits of your plan

• A bulleted list of unanswered questions and potential barriers, along with suggestions for answers and ways to overcome identified barriers

Potential Stakeholders

• Architect

• Architectural Engineer

• Health and Safety Engineer

• Commissioning Agent

• Construction Contractor/Manager

• Environmental Engineer

• Energy Consultant

• Construction or Building Inspector

• Interior Designer

• Landscape Architect

• Urban Planner

• Civil Engineer/Site Planner

• Building Inspector/Code Enforcement Officer

• Structural Engineer

• Cost Estimator

Scenarios

a. The city is considering purchasing a vacant warehouse in a blighted section of town. The area was once a busy manufacturing district along a riverfront near the downtown area. The city would like to convert the warehouse to a facility that provides a community service. The goal is to encourage redevelopment of the area.

b. A wealthy citizen willed 100 undeveloped acres of wooded land bordering an urban area. In her will she designated that the land should be comprised of a mixed income community of 150 homes. Space for some shopping, doctor’s offices, restaurants, etc. should also be planned. Although streets for vehicle traffic are needed, it was her wish that it should be convenient and safe to travel by bike or on foot throughout the community.

c. It has been decided that a two mile long bridge must be constructed to connect two areas along a coast. Officials believe this will promote tourism because it will connect two areas that are currently separated by a 30 minute drive. This bridge will span a wetland where the tide comes in and out. Typically at low tide much of the area is dry; however, a narrow channel remains navigable by small vessels except at extremely low tides. The average tidal range is around five feet. The development should also include a small community boat ramp, dock, and public facilities.

d. A historical society has purchased an 18th century farm house on ten acres of forested land that was designed, built, and owned by a former United States President. The structure has undergone many renovations; some were well done and others were not. The structure is deteriorating quickly and may be lost if some action is not taken.

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Project 1.2.2A Stakeholder Role

Instructions

Now that you know who your team members are, the scenario, and your role, prepare for the charrette activity by completing the items listed below.

• Stakeholder Identity:

• What is the nature of your work?  What are your areas of expertise?

• What issues are you responsible for that potentially no other stakeholders would know about?

• Going into the charrette, list the top five issues in order of importance that you want to address during the meeting.

• List any other important notes to yourself as you prepare for the charrette.

January 01, 2020

Activity 1.1.1 History of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Introduction

Can you name any of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World? Each was a feat of civil engineering and architecture. What causes structures such as these to fill us with awe even today? What is it that makes them seem more wondrous in our time of modernization? These structures have paved the way for many new advances in the design of the structures you see today.

In this activity you will learn about the history of civil engineering and architecture. You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.

Equipment

• History of Civil Engineering and Architecture presentation

Procedure

In this activity you will investigate the history of civil engineering and architecture. You will see differences between the two professions and learn of their beginnings.

1. Define civil engineering.

2. Define architecture.

3. Describe the origination of the concept of architecture?

4. In ancient times how were building materials chosen?

5. Give two examples of vernacular architecture.

6. Name and describe the type of system used to create many early buildings.

7. What was the purpose of the Egyptian pyramids? Mexican pyramids?

8. What kind of construction method was used to build the Parthenon? Make a simple sketch to illustrate.

9. What problem in architecture led to this form of construction?

10. Explain how an arch is created.

11.  How is the vault used in civil engineering?

12.  Give an example of an arch and dome system.

13. Give an example of a modern material we have that was not available to the ancients. How did the absence of this material restrict construction in ancient times

14.  What was the purpose of the Roman aqueducts?

15.  Compare ancient Greek roads to ancient Roman roads.

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16. Describe an ancient Roman bridge.

17. How did building materials and methods change after the Romans?

August 26, 2016

Project 1.2.1 This is Your Career

Introduction

Do you want a job . . . or a career? Many people go to their job every day and consider going home as the highlight of the day. Other people choose a career based on their interests and talents so they can enjoy their work and contribute to society in a meaningful way. In this way they can enjoy their career and the work they do. Have you considered that you have a talent to offer to other people and the world? You owe it to yourself and others to pursue a career that matches your interests and talents. If you choose a job rather than a career, you deprive yourself of the opportunity to contribute to interesting and challenging projects which can benefit people and communities around the world. You owe it yourself and others to pursue something that matches your interests and talents.

Equipment

• Access to reference sources and the Internet

• Video capture device

• Optional – video editing software

Procedure

In this activity you will imagine yourself 10 years from now. In this scenario you have chosen a career in (or related to) engineering.

A professional society interested in promoting careers in the engineering design and construction industry has decided to undertake an ad campaign to inspire interest in fields related to the industry in high school students. The society will feature three professionals in the first round of the ad campaign. They have identified 150 people (you being one of them) from which to choose personalities to promote specific professions within the broad industry. To be considered you must submit two things. Thoughtful answers to the questions below and a short video segment.

You have been given a number of questions to answer. Some questions are of a personal nature, while most are specific to your career path. You will need to conduct research to accurately portray your chosen career. Accuracy is a crucial component to completing this project. Part of your research could include obtaining information from real professionals. You must submit a set of answers to these questions along with your video.

You will also submit a 45-90 second video. The reviewers would like to see your camera presence, highlights from the interview questions, possibly explanations / images of some of your best work, and/or your opinions on why a student should choose your profession as a career. You will want to impress them with yourself, your work, your creativity, and your ability to inspire interest in your field. The video should present you as a thoughtful professional, not a salesman.

At the end of many questions you have been asked to cite your source. Where indicated you must cite any sources that you used to respond to the questions.

This is Your Career Form (Answer all questions)

1. What is your age?

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2. Where do you live?

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3. What do you like to do outside of work?

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4. What is your job title?

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5. When and why did you choose your career path?

6. What is the name of your company or employer?

7. Describe your primary duties and skills. [Cite your source(s)]

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8. Describe your physical work environment.

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9. What is your favorite part of your job?

10. What is your salary? [Cite your source(s)]

11. Which accredited school did you first attend, and what was your degree? [Cite your source(s)]

12. Describe in detail three of the courses that you took which are closely related to your current career. [Cite your source(s)]

13. Describe the two courses that you considered most challenging. [Cite your source(s) and include a course listing from the appropriate degree program]

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14. What resources did your school have available to help you get through the most difficult courses? [Cite your source(s)]

15. Regarding the two most challenging courses, how did you persevere?  

16. From what school(s) did you receive graduate degrees? [Cite your source(s)]

17. What was the title or titles of the degree(s)? [Cite your source(s)]

18. What licenses do you have and what were the exams required to receive those licenses? [Cite your source(s)]

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 19. How would your clients and co-workers describe you?

20. What do you hope to accomplish at the conclusion of your career?

21. Why should a high school student consider a career in your field?  What important contribution(s) can they make?

August 26, 2016

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