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John Hollenhorst ReportingSometimes when beginners take a fresh look at something, they can see things the pros have missed. That's one of the lessons learned in an unusual collaboration with architecture students at the University of Utah.
Architecture students have been working all semester on an innovative project that's giving them a flying leap into new careers. Today it was adrenaline time as they had what amounts to a final exam in front of professional homebuilders.
This is the real world of homebuilding, Kennecott Land's Daybreak subdivision, where they intend to build 14,000 homes. Each one needs to be designed so people will actually want to buy it. On the other hand, at the U of U Architecture school students learn idealistic principles about sustainable architecture, environmental design and energy efficiency.
Ryan Berry, Architecture Graduate Student: "Normally, as architecture students, we're kind of working in a world of fantasy."
A world where there are no paying customers.
Ryan Berry: "There are no constraints, so we're not working with costs or buildability or market issues."
But this semester they tried something different, real-world designs in the classroom. Kennecott Land arranged a partnership with students. They've been designing homes specifically for the Daybreak project, sharpening idealism into practical blueprints for marketable homes.
Asst. Prof. Ryan Smith, College of Architecture, Univ. of Utah: "They have real constraints, such as budget and thinking about what people want in the community."
What's in it for the builders? Well, it's the hope that fresh ideas will take them in new directions.
David Bailey, Destination Homes: "Builders are typically pretty conservative in nature."
Dave Bailey and other Kennecott builders gathered for what's essentially the final exam, taking a close up look at the student designs. He says he had "Wow moments", seeing new ideas in materials and even in basic construction techniques.
David Bailey: "Working with these architects has really opened our eyes to different opportunities."
From a student perspective, it's a chance for fledglings to spread their wings and fly with the experienced pros.
Krystal Watts, Architecture Graduate Student: "We've had some debates on whether or not they think we're so modern, they want their money back."
Kennecott provided grant money to help the students. It's not certain yet how many student designs will actually make it into the Daybreak subdivision, but several of those involved told us they hope to do more of this in the future.
