Eco-Friendly Design Jam: Create Your Dream Space

12th Grade

Project
5 weeks

Eco-Friendly Design Jam: Create Your Dream Space

Leonardo Nava

Purpose

Embark on an exciting journey of architectural exploration with the 'Virtual Design Jam' project. Over the next five weeks, you'll dive into the world of architectural design software, experimenting with innovative layouts and sustainable features for a shed or room. This project is your opportunity to design a functional and eco-friendly space that meets diverse needs, whether it's a home office, art studio, or relaxation area. You'll engage with peers and mentors in a virtual design jam session, presenting your digital model for constructive feedback. With guidance from a local carpentry expert, you'll learn hands-on building techniques and safety measures, culminating in the creation of a modular room that embodies flexible design principles. Document your journey in a detailed portfolio, showcasing your application of sustainable practices and architectural principles. Finally, share your insights and skills in a 'Design and Build Workshop,' where you'll inspire others to embrace sustainable building techniques. This project not only hones your design skills but also empowers you to make a positive environmental impact through thoughtful architectural innovation.

Learning goals

In this project, you will learn to utilize architectural design software to create digital models of a shed or room, experimenting with various layouts and features to enhance functionality and sustainability. You will explore architectural design principles and apply them to develop an innovative and efficient backyard space. Additionally, you will gain hands-on experience in sustainable building techniques, guided by a local carpentry or construction expert. Throughout the project, you will document your design and building process in a detailed portfolio, emphasizing the integration of sustainable practices and architectural concepts. Finally, you will refine your design through a virtual design jam session, receiving feedback from peers and mentors.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Products

In this project, you will create a modular room that embodies flexible design principles, allowing it to be easily adapted for various uses such as a home office, art studio, or relaxation space. Your final product will not only showcase your understanding of sustainable and innovative architectural design but also demonstrate your ability to apply these principles in a real-world context. Additionally, you will develop a comprehensive portfolio that documents each phase of your design and building process, highlighting the sustainable practices and architectural principles you have incorporated. This portfolio will serve as a testament to your creativity, problem-solving skills, and commitment to environmental stewardship.

Launch

Kick off your project with an exciting 'Virtual Design Jam' session. Use architectural software to dive into the creative process of designing your shed or room. Experiment with various layouts and features, and invite your peers to join in, offering collaborative feedback and sparking innovative ideas. This interactive launch will set the stage for your journey in crafting a sustainable and functional space, while also honing your skills in architectural design principles.

Exhibition

At the culmination of your project, host a 'Design and Build Workshop' in collaboration with your community partner. This exhibition will serve as a platform to showcase your innovative modular room design, highlighting its adaptability and sustainable features. Invite peers, mentors, and community members to participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate the building techniques and sustainable practices you employed. This interactive event will not only celebrate your achievements but also educate attendees about the importance of sustainable architectural design in creating functional and environmentally-friendly spaces.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Architectural Design Software - Familiarize yourself with the software tools that will be used throughout the project. Complete tutorials and practice creating basic designs.	Activity 2: Research and Ideation - Conduct research on sustainable architectural design principles and innovative layouts for small spaces. Begin brainstorming ideas for your modular room or shed.	Activity 3: Virtual Design Jam Session - Participate in the initial virtual design jam. Collaborate with peers to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and refine your design concepts.	Activity 4: Conceptual Design Drafting - Develop initial sketches and digital models of your design ideas. Focus on integrating sustainable features and flexible design principles.	Activity 5: Peer Review and Feedback - Present your initial design concepts to peers and mentors. Gather constructive feedback to guide further development of your project.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed tutorials and practice designs using architectural design software. 2. Deliverable 2: A research summary highlighting sustainable architectural principles and innovative design concepts. 3. Deliverable 3: Initial sketches and digital models of your modular room or shed design, incorporating feedback from the Virtual Design Jam.
Preparation

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Advanced Software Techniques - Delve deeper into the architectural design software by exploring advanced features and tools. Learn how to apply them to enhance your digital models.	Activity 2: Sustainability Workshop - Attend a virtual workshop on sustainable building techniques, focusing on materials and energy-efficient designs. Collaborate with a local carpentry expert for practical insights.	Activity 3: Design Refinement - Use the feedback received from Week 1 to refine your digital models. Focus on improving the functionality and sustainability of your design.	Activity 4: Peer Collaboration - Work in small groups to share design ideas and progress. Offer and receive constructive criticism to further enhance your projects.	Activity 5: Mid-Week Check-in - Present your refined designs to mentors for additional feedback. Prepare a brief progress report documenting changes and justifications.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A refined digital model of your modular room or shed, incorporating advanced software techniques and sustainability features. 2. Deliverable 2: A report summarizing the insights gained from the sustainability workshop and how they have been applied to your design. 3. Deliverable 3: A progress report detailing design improvements based on peer and mentor feedback.
Preparation

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Material Selection and Procurement - Research and select sustainable building materials for your project. Collaborate with peers to discuss potential suppliers and procurement strategies.	Activity 2: Structural Design and Analysis - Focus on the structural aspects of your design. Use architectural software to simulate load-bearing capacities and ensure the stability of your modular room or shed.	Activity 3: Integration of Sustainable Features - Incorporate additional sustainable elements into your design, such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, or green roofs. Consider how these features can enhance the functionality and environmental impact of your project.	Activity 4: Mentor Consultation - Meet with the local carpentry or construction expert to discuss your design's feasibility and receive practical advice on building techniques and safety measures.	Activity 5: Design Presentation Preparation - Prepare a comprehensive presentation of your updated design. Focus on communicating the sustainable features and structural integrity of your project to peers and mentors.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A list of selected sustainable materials and potential suppliers, including a brief rationale for each choice. 2. Deliverable 2: A structural design report detailing the load-bearing analysis and stability considerations of your modular room or shed. 3. Deliverable 3: An updated digital model showcasing the integration of new sustainable features, ready for presentation to peers and mentors.
Preparation

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Design Adjustments - Implement any final changes to your digital model based on feedback received from peers, mentors, and the carpentry expert. Ensure that all sustainable and functional elements are effectively integrated and that the overall design is coherent and practical.	Activity 2: Construction Planning - Develop a detailed construction plan for your modular room or shed. Include timelines, tasks, and resource allocation. Collaborate with peers to discuss potential challenges and mitigation strategies.	Activity 3: Build Preparation - Prepare for the construction phase by organizing materials and tools. Ensure that all necessary safety measures are in place, and review safety protocols with the guidance of the carpentry expert.	Activity 4: Prototype Testing - If possible, create a small-scale prototype of a specific aspect of your design to test its feasibility and functionality. Use these insights to make any necessary adjustments to the final design.	Activity 5: Portfolio Development - Begin compiling your detailed portfolio. Document each phase of your design and building process, emphasizing the integration of sustainable practices and architectural concepts. Include sketches, digital models, and any feedback received throughout the project.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A finalized digital model of your modular room or shed, incorporating all feedback and ready for construction. 2. Deliverable 2: A comprehensive construction plan detailing timelines, tasks, and resource allocation. 3. Deliverable 3: A small-scale prototype or detailed report of the prototype testing process and results. 4. Deliverable 4: Initial draft of the portfolio, including documentation of design and building processes, sketches, models, and feedback.
Preparation

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Construction - Begin the actual construction of your modular room or shed. Follow the construction plan developed in Week 4, ensuring that all safety measures are adhered to. Work collaboratively with peers and the carpentry expert to address any issues that arise during the building process.	Activity 2: Quality Assurance and Optimization - Conduct a thorough inspection of the constructed module to identify any areas that require optimization. Ensure that the sustainable features are functioning as intended and make necessary adjustments.	Activity 3: Portfolio Finalization - Complete the portfolio, adding detailed descriptions and photographs of the construction process. Highlight the challenges faced and how they were overcome, as well as the sustainable practices incorporated.	Activity 4: Final Presentation Preparation - Prepare for the final presentation at the 'Design and Build Workshop'. Focus on how to effectively communicate the design process, sustainable features, and the impact of your project.	Activity 5: Design and Build Workshop - Host the workshop to showcase your completed modular room or shed. Engage with peers, mentors, and community members, sharing your journey and insights. Facilitate hands-on activities to demonstrate key building techniques and sustainable practices.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: A fully constructed modular room or shed, completed according to the design specifications and construction plan. 2. Deliverable 2: A finalized and comprehensive portfolio documenting the entire project journey, including design, feedback, construction, and reflection on sustainable practices. 3. Deliverable 3: A prepared presentation for the 'Design and Build Workshop', including visual aids and demonstration materials.
Preparation