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LSU Architecture Students Design and Build Local Habitat for Humanity Home “I haven’t been in a project before that has had an effect on a group of people like this will. When it comes to the day the family moves in, it will be a huge emotional event for everyone” said Erica, a senior from Lake Charles, LA. In early 2005, fifth-year LSU architecture students participated in a student design/build competition, sponsored by the Vinyl Institute, the Greater Baton Rouge Habitat for Humanity, and the LSU School of Architecture. Students designed the plans for the Habitat for Humanity home, and the winning design was chosen by a panel of experts. Then, in April, as part of the “Vinyl Partners Spirit Blitz,” six Habitat houses were built over three, three-day periods in Baton Rouge and its surrounding areas. An expert jury consisting of Ann Ruble, executive director for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge; Roy Decker, Duvall Decker Architects; Steve Dumez, president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Louisiana; Terry Hill, president of Womack Construction; and Raymond “Skipper” Post, past president of AIA, selected the winning design in February. “I was impressed by the students, by their dedication to what they designed, and by their dedication to their client,” said Post. “All of the projects had great thoughts and ideas. There’s not a one that we were not proud to talk about as a judge and extol the good qualities that it had.” After the semester, Habitat for Humanity began exploring the possibility of using the winning design as a model for future builds in the area.
“This design competition was a great learning opportunity for my class and the LSU School of Architecture,” said David Baird, assistant professor of architecture. “In one semester the students were exposed to the process of producing vinyl, explored the potential uses of vinyl, designed an affordable house, completed a set of house plans, and participated in a major volunteer construction effort that resulted in a local family owning a home.” Under the guidance of Baird, the class was divided into six teams to design a home that offered minimal maintenance, operating costs and energy consumption; could be built by modestly skilled but highly motivated, homeowners and volunteers; had space-use alternatives that could support home-based activities like co-operative childcare; and fit within the $55,000 construction budget set by Habitat for Humanity. Students also had to consider the needs of Sarah Smith, the future homeowner and a single mother of three.
All 14 students who participated in the competition worked together, along with Habitat for Humanity and the future homeowner, to blend the two winning designs into one final house plan, which was constructed in April. The competition was seen as an opportunity to provide the students with a learning experience that could not be replicated in the classroom. Students were faced with the reality of a budget, client wants and needs, project time frames and deadlines, contracts and documentation, and working with outside contractors. Designing the home, as part of Habitat for Humanity’s goal of providing affordable housing, gave the students an opportunity to explore areas they otherwise would not have been concerned with. Areas such as natural lighting, ventilation, energy use, or other factors that could lower the families' utility bills all had to be considered by students in the planning process.
David Cronrath, dean of the College of Art and Design, said that all architects, in order to be licensed, need experience working on contract documents. This competition provided many of the students with their first opportunity to do such work. “Many design graduates don't have this opportunity until they work for a few years,” said Cronrath. “The challenge was for them to test their ideas in real life, firsthand.” Students were exposed to the construction industry and had a chance to bridge the gap between academics and the real world. “Being able to think up a project and seeing a finished product intrigued me. You get to see all aspects of what you do in the real world,” said Greg, a senior from Fairfax, VA. Traditionally in LSU architecture courses, students are taught in three ways: by the traditional T-square and drawings, computer imaging, and building and construction. What better way to teach the third component, than with the actual construction of a house. “It’s an invaluable learning experience to see a house built from the ground up. Very few students have this opportunity,” said Hunter, a senior from Baton Rouge. The students were also able to provide unique architectural elements in the home that the owners otherwise would not have been able to afford. “Oftentimes, you talk about a building providing a structure and if there's extra money, then you can provide architecture,” said Tom Sofranko, interim director for the LSU School of Architecture. “Economic condition should not dictate whether you get to experience architecture or not. From the poorest citizens in Baton Rouge to Donald Trump, all should be able to have architecture (in their homes).”
The project also served as an opportunity for students to be exposed to new construction materials and their production processes. Early in the semester, students toured a local Georgia Gulf facility to learn about vinyl production processes and building material uses. They also attended presentations on the vinyl industry by experts from the Vinyl Institute. “The future holds such great opportunity for us,” said Habitat for Humanity’s Ruble. “This year is a learning experience. We're just hitting the tip of the iceberg of need. Just think how many more families could have a house to call home.” Habitat for Humanity of Greater Baton Rouge is a Christian-based ministry that builds and renovates houses in partnership with the community. They provide opportunities for families in need to purchase their own homes, build community, and improve their lives. The Vinyl Institute is an industry trade association, which represents the manufacturers of vinyl resin, additives and stabilizers, vinyl compound, and finished vinyl products. Contact Ernie Ballard | LSU
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With sweat beading on her brow and a hammer in hand, Erica takes a look at the house she and her classmates have designed and built. She ponders the impact their class project will have on someone’s life. 
Along with the student-designed house, the “Vinyl Partners Spirit Blitz” included three houses built in Plaquemine, LA, by Georgia Gulf, The Dow Chemical Company, and Shintech Louisiana LLC. Additionally, Formosa Plastics built a house next to the student-designed house and one sponsored by LSU's Greek community. 
After
deliberating over the six plans, the judges selected two winning
designs. Along with Erica, John, Taylor, and Brian were members
of the two winning teams, who received $2,000 each for their work.
The remaining four participating teams received $500 each. 
“With us designing this house, it does create constraints on the design, and it challenged us on what we could do,” Erica said. “Hopefully, the design intent works to its fullest advantage, and the family enjoys the house that’s been built. We want them to be excited about their home.”
