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6.32. Capstone project II (Mandatory)

6.32.1. Justification ↑ Back to top

This course develops the student's anteproyecto (AR402, prerequisite) into a complete executive-level architectural project: full technical construction documentation, coordination of building systems and assemblies, compliance with applicable building codes and regulations, and selection of an appropriate project delivery method and contract framework. The course culminates in the final defense (sustentación) of the thesis before a jury, under the continued individualized supervision of the thesis advisor.

6.32.2. Generales Goals ↑ Back to top

1. That the student develops complete executive-level construction documentation for the thesis project, integrating structural, envelope, and building-system assemblies.
2. That the student verifies the project's compliance with applicable building codes and regulations, and selects an appropriate project delivery method and contract framework.
3. The deliverables of this course are:

   [Partial:] Executive project advance – construction documents, building-system assemblies, and a code-compliance review.

   [Final:] Complete executive project (construction documentation set) and final thesis defense (sustentación) before a jury.

6.32.3. Contribution to Outcomes ↑ Back to top

AG-A02) Applies ethical principles and the standards of professional architectural practice, respecting the legal framework and human diversity. (Assessment)

AG-A04) Communicates effectively and inclusively with the architecture community and society through reports, design documentation, and presentations tailored to different audiences. (Assessment)

AG-A12) Possesses the design skills needed to satisfy building users' requirements within cost constraints and building regulations. (Assessment)

AG-A14) Possesses creative capacity in construction techniques, grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the disciplines and construction methods related to architecture. (Assessment)

6.32.4. Content ↑ Back to top

6.32.4.1. Executive Project Development (30 hours) [Skills AG-A02,AG-A04,AG-A12,AG-A14] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Allen and Iano, 2019; of Architects (AIA), 2017)

Topics

1. Development of executive-level construction documentation: building-system assemblies, structural/envelope coordination, and construction details.
2. Verification of code compliance (zoning, accessibility, life safety, energy) and selection of an appropriate project delivery method and contract framework.

Learning Outcomes

1. Produce executive-level construction documents that correctly coordinate structural, envelope, and building-system assemblies [Assessment].
2. Verify the project's compliance with applicable building codes and regulations [Assessment].
3. Select and justify an appropriate project delivery method and contract framework for the thesis project [Assessment].

6.32.4.2. Final Defense (Sustentación) (30 hours) [Skills AG-A02,AG-A04,AG-A12,AG-A14] ↑ Back to top

Bibliography: (Ching, 2020)

Topics

1. Preparation of the final thesis defense: presentation boards, portfolio, and oral defense strategy.
2. Response to jury questions and critique on design, technical, and methodological decisions.

Learning Outcomes

1. Produce a design presentation (boards, portfolio, oral presentation) that communicates the complete thesis project to a jury [Assessment].
2. Defend the thesis project's design, technical, and methodological decisions before a jury, responding to critique [Assessment].

6.32.5. Bibliography ↑ Back to top

Allen, E. and Iano, J. (2019). Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods. Wiley, 7th edition.

of Architects (AIA), A. I. (2017). The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice. Wiley, 15th edition.

Ching, F. D. K. (2020). Building Construction Illustrated. Wiley, 6th edition.