REAL 655: Design and Construction Master Syllabus
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Course Description
The class introduces the principles of site and building design and the basic technical aspects of construction. The design portion of the class includes both site and building layouts and challenges students to consider the relationship between design, function, and cost. The construction component features both horizontal and vertical construction challenges. Throughout the course, students will analyze how related decisions impact project costs/viability.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of relevant design and construction vocabulary and concepts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the roles of architects, GCs, and contractors
- Evaluate trade-offs between design, function, and cost priorities
- Analyze construction schedules and drawings
- Identify risk factors and mitigation strategies throughout the design and construction process
- Evaluate critical site layout and phasing decisions and their impact on project costs and timeline
- Analyze different building systems and their impact on project and operating costs
- Demonstrate an understanding of construction administration
- Develop teamwork and presentation skills
Approach to Learning
This course involves an interactive, discussion-based lecture format as well as activities organized around group work to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among students. Discussions and questions are highly encouraged. In group projects, each student is responsible for their individual contribution as well as collectively for the overall analysis, presentation, and written assignment.
Topics Covered:
- Technical due diligence, site layout, and evaluation of environmental features
- The role of the architect
- Relationships between design and function
- AIA contracts
- Building design, systems, and BOMA standards
- LEED and sustainability concerns
- Reading construction drawings
- Phases of construction: pre-construction, construction, and post-construction
- Construction bids and delivery methods
- Construction budgeting and scheduling
- Project close-out and dispute resolution
Representative Text and Learning Materials
The following are examples of the types of books that may be used as required or supplementary material for the class:
- The Commercial Real Estate Revolution. 2009, Rex Miller, Dean Strombom, Bill Black, and Mark Iammarino. (John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey) ISBN: 978-0470-45746-7
Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to attend all classes, and are responsible for keeping themselves updated on any changes on the course website. In case of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to catch up with the material covered. Without advance notice and approval, no extensions or options to retake are provided if for any missed quizzes, exams, or assignments due to absence.
Methods of Student Evaluation
Exams, quizzes, class participation, discussion of assigned readings, and group project reports and presentations.
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