Aug '08 - Nov '08
First days always kinda suck. You don't know who's going to be in your class, nor how the professor likes the class to behave, or what the semester will really be like. There's always preconceptions and expectations, and usually, nothing turns out the way you though it would. So, I was under the impression that we would have a training/safety session for a few days and then get right to building. Boy, was I wrong. The project has had to go through a long permitting process, and though the City of San Antonio is very excited about UTSA students designing and building a park, there has been some trouble. Namely, the budget. We cannot do much about consulting fees or anything like that, but we have been told to cut $60,000 off the project costs before we can move forward. Seeing as it's already a fairly low cost design, we're not sure how we'll manage to do that. It's going to be interesting looking for unconventional materials or ways of putting everything together. Essentially, the project consists of several decked "outdoor classrooms" connected via pathways. There are also several steel walls, some benches, and shading devices made of steel tubes. What we've come up with so far is to drill through some of the steel connector plates rather than weld them all. However, due to the sudden budgetary issues and several other problems, mostly the civil engineer, we probably won't be starting construction until October.
Not to worry though! Until then, we will be studying and revising the construction drawings. Most of the people in the class have never even seen once before, so it'll be a great learning experience. For me, it will be only somewhat interesting as I've been utilizing and creating construction docs. at work for most of the summer. Regardless, I'm sure there's plenty to learn.
4 Comments
I think that's a great start for this class. It reflects the sporadic and sometimes disappointing [possibilities for creativity] that we'll face in the working world.
Can you post pics of the project? model/renders?
whoa, crash course in real life!
I don't believe I've ever worked on a single project in which I didn't have to at some point whack large-ish chunks out of the budget. Good luck!!! Sounds like an interesting project!
i'd start looking for material donations from local suppliers... i'm sure that you'll be able to get the $60K number down a bit...
Is this intended to be a design-build project as well? Seems that it has many opportunities for learning besides design/construction doc - and yes show us some images please
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.