The term "Pre-Fab" has recently gained momentum in high style design magazines and architectural circles for being a trendy, new way to build. The truth of the matter is that the notion of pre-fabricating structures or parts of structures has always been a common construction practice at one level or another. The notion of "Pre-Fab" or modular housing has also had negative connotations as being limited to cheap and ugly dwellings. The fact of the matter is that "Pre-Fab," like any form of construction, is only as good as its design.The course will give a brief overview on the trends in the history of "Pre-Fab." We will then redefine the term "Pre-Fab" into one of "Design-Build Efficiency". The students will gain an understanding of efficient design by learning the most common measurements and proportions of standard building materials and construction methodology. They will then gain the tools to begin developing their own "Design-Build Efficient" dwellings. Students will develop design drawings and learn the basic skills of developing "shop drawings" for the specific building components that are being employed in their designs. In addition, students will focus on a specific building material being used in their design. Each student will develop their own building modules or measured unit with this material. They will then build mock up structures that demonstrate the endless configurations that are possible by working within a "Design-Build Efficient" system. Intermediate to Professional.
