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SUPR 100: Intro. to Environmental Problems and Design Units: 3

The course introduces students to the many dimensions of problem-solving in environmentally-based design. Students use fieldwork and case studies informed by interdisciplinary inquiry to examine actual sites around Los Angeles, which becomes a living laboratory. This allows students to re-envision the problems and solutions to current and future design challenges posed by climate change in the built environment. Course material emphasizes visualizing and communication of data, applying interdisciplinary, analytic tools across multiple information platforms, and collaborative problem-solving via a design studio format. Key course objectives include understanding the changing relation between humans and the environment, effectively communicating findings in a rapidly-shifting environmental design discourse, and the ability to identify and articulate design opportunities for addressing the impacts of climate change.

SUPR 110: Intro. to Environmental Policy and ManagementÌý

This course explores how complex decision-making processes lead to the design and enactment of effective environmental policy. Students explore multiple stakeholder entities and pathways that lead to adopting environmental policy through historical, recent, international and local environmental crises. They engage case study methodology, real-world scenarios and contexts, and current policy proposals, when using environmental management tools. Students also employ current environmental policy mechanisms to debate and resolve environmental policy proposals by adopting multiple stakeholders’ perspectives, leading to writing and presenting their own policy interventions.

ENVT 230: Ecology, Earth Science, Infrastructure

This course invites students to consider and acknowledge the symbiotic relationship between the natural and built environments, and how our personal ecological footprint at the micro-level and infrastructure at the macro-level impact those environments. Course readings, movies, and field trips help students understand the delicate balance between our ecosystems and urban contexts, and the need for development to occur in more sustainable ways. Students explore responsible decision-making tactics and processes such as the use of ‘negative emissions’ as a means of ecosystem restoration, and how to leverage our own agency and advocate for change.

DCMG 202: Materials & Methods of Construction 1 – Sitework, Concrete, Masonry, SteelÌý

The course examines the statics and strength of various materials and assemblies in the construction process specific to concrete, masonry and steel. Students are introduced to site work, concrete masonry and steel, and to the behavior and design of fundamental structural elements and strength of properties in the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure projects. Current trends and innovations in concrete and steel and how these innovations inform sustainability are key elements in the coursework. Learning occurs through research, analysis, discussion and presentation, and site visits to local construction sites.

DCMG 302: Materials & Methods of Construction 2 – Light Frame, Steel, FinishesÌý

The course examines the construction processes specific to light-frame construction, steel, and finishes. Students gain an understanding of the properties of wood (bending, compression, elasticity, shear) and structural light framing, and light-gauge steel framing in construction projects are studied through texts, discussions, and site visits. Building finishes (textures, materials, colors, coatings) in both fixed and temporary conditions and their sustainability components such as VOCs are investigated and alternative methodologies are studied for enhanced indoor air quality.

DCMG 304: Energy: Mechanical Systems HVAC + Electrical SystemsÌý

This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable building strategies and green building technologies for HVAC and electrical systems. Students are grounded in the concepts of renewable energy and carbon emissions and the wider benefits of renewable energy in an integrated building system. Mechanical and electrical systems, code requirements, life cycle analysis and data driven decision making are incorporated into the coursework. Learning occurs through texts, case studies, software platforms and site visits.

DCMG 301: Design Studio 3 – Automation and MechanizationÌý

The course is structured to explore architectonical and construction solutions to achieve greater efficiencies in the construction process. Students have access to the Making Complex to ideate and experiment with 3D printing technology and fabrication. They use software platforms for management processes and experiment with automating and mechanizing these processes to produce cost effective and timely project delivery. Students look to the future and consider drone technology and robotics to see how these technologies can impact the future of construction.

DCMG 303: Materials & Methods of Construction 3 – Experimental Fabrication & MaterialsÌý

In conjunction with Studio 3, students experiment with materials and fabrication using the Making Complex and its sophisticated fabrication technologies. Focused on digital fabrication and prototyping, students explore synergies between the materials and methodologies they are experimenting with and the projects identified in Studio 3. They study sustainable material alternatives and methodologies and have the opportunity to research, design and fabricate through hands-on experimentation.

DCMG 305: History and Theory of Build Environment

DCMG 402: Entrepreneurship and Management TheoryÌý

Students prepare for the future of practice and explore management strategies and the tools necessary for an entrepreneurial mindset. They are introduced to frameworks around the theories of management, business models, leadership qualities, sustainability best practices, and various business constructs important to the successful management of a project team, a small business and a large enterprise. The important role a manager plays within an organizational structure and the notion that as a potential career path one might have a practice of one’s own, is central to the course material.

DCMG 403: Water: Plumbing Systems + Site SystemsÌý

This course provides an interdisciplinary approach to sustainable building strategies and green building technologies for water and plumbing systems. Students are grounded in the concepts of renewable water systems such as rainwater harvesting, grey water reuse and black water recycling systems within an integrated building system of water, plumbing, and site. Code requirements, life cycle analysis, and data-driven decision-making are incorporated into the coursework. Learning occurs through texts, case studies, software platforms, and site visits.

DCMG 404: Construction Management Law, EthicsÌý

The course examines legal implications of contracts, common, and regulatory law to manage construction projects. Case law and Tort law to include contracts, sales, leases, and business ethics are discussed through real world scenarios and implications. Managing risk, insurances and assurances, intellectual property and copyright, negligence and liability are core elements of the course. Ethics in relation to corporate governance, finance, discrimination, corporate social responsibility, ESG, fiduciary responsibilities, facts and disinformation are debated and discussed for robust outcomes.

DCMG 401: Design Studio 4 – Project-based Design/Build for the CommunityÌý

The course centers on developing a project and practicing theoretical concepts and prior learnings from coursework in the previous three years. Through design, sustainability, technology, business, and interdisciplinary skills students work collaboratively to design and build a community project for the public good. Projects are located in the surrounding neighborhoods or on campus. Students are encouraged to innovate, use their entrepreneurship skills, business knowledge, and sustainability goals to design and manage the project from inception to completion, within specified cost and time parameters.

DCMG 405: Construction Materials: Testing and Inspection

The course is structured so students access the Making Complex to test construction materials and work closely with the Institute for Material Ecologies to develop in-depth understanding of materials and their connections to environmental and political systems. Sustainable material indices are accessed to better understand the consequences of embodied carbon, material supply chains, and the inspection processes involved.