Collaborating Through Design Challenges

The attributes of precast concrete enable realization of aesthetic and structural goals for new student life environments
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Sponsored by Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI)
By Amanda C. Voss, MPP
This test is no longer available for credit

Precast can Integrate Windows, Insulation, Structural Loading, and Other Systems

Precast also affords the opportunity for enclosure integration, thereby arriving at the site pre-insulated and pre-glazed, with return air ducts and electric fixtures.

The pre-glazed, pre-insulated panels could then be installed immediately upon arrival at the jobsite without the need for on-site glazing or insulation subcontractors, resulting in additional schedule and cost savings.

Precast solves the problem of needing multiple products and trades to create a facade with different elements, such as a base wall, window surrounds, coining, beltlines, and pediments. All those elements and more can be created in a single precast panel, eliminating the need for frequent expansion joints and slip joints to account for differential movement, as well as flashing and other moisture management components.

Precast concrete is a quality material whose initial plasticity is incredibly responsive to the designer’s creative needs. Manufactured in a plant under factory-controlled conditions, it ensures a uniform, high-quality building facade in the desired shapes, colors, and textures. For the owner and tenant, precast concrete provides the long-term durability, fire resistance, sound attenuation, energy conservation, and general life-safety attributes that are inherent in the material.


Conclusion

As Albert Einstein once said, “The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”

A huge misconception is that precast is used for parking decks only and is flat and grayish. Aesthetic versatility in material is important because it allows both designer and institution to be truly creative. Attractive precast structures are popping up on campuses nationwide, offering not only a full palette but defying this stereotype. By embracing precast, universities not only gain flexibility in design, they also secure a structure that will perform, be efficient, and withstand natural disasters over time.

Concept, design, and construction: change has affected them all. It is not often that such a diverse set of demands is met with a ready solution. Yet precast concrete’s attributes can satisfy the needs of the institution, the student, and the design-build team. Precast systems can play a vital part in the aesthetic appearance, resiliency, and process-driven early occupancy in new student life environments.


End Notes

  1. Watson, Brian and McMinn, Mark. “A Closer Look at Student Housing.” GenslerOnCities. 30 January 2015. Web. 20 September 2016. www.gensleron.com/cities/2015/1/30/a-closer-look-at-student-housing.html.
  2. Siegle, Steve. “Trends in student residences: Part one.” VOA Blog. 24 May 2016. Web. 20 September 2016. www.voa.com/blog/trends-in-student-residences-i-part-one/.
  3. Cain, David and Reynolds, Gary. “The Impact of Facilities on Recruitment and Retention of Students: Part I.” Facilities Manager Magazine. Vol. 22, March–April 2006.
  4. La Roche, Claire Reeves; Flanigan, Mary; and Copeland Jr., P. Kenneth. “Student Housing: Trends, Preferences and Needs.” Contemporary Issues in Education Research. Vol. 3, No. 10, October 2010. Web. 20 September 2016. www.cluteinstitute.com/ojs/index.php/CIER/article/viewFile/238/228.
  5. Miller, Herman. “Room and Board Redefined: Trends in Residence Halls.” HermanMiller. Web. 20 September 2016. www.hermanmiller.com/content/dam/hermanmiller/documents/research_summaries/wp_Room_and_Board.pdf.
  6. Angelo, Jean Marie and Rivard, Nicole. “If You Build It, They Will Come: 6 trends to build by, from campus innovators in higher ed housing.” University Business. 30 April 2003. Web. 20 September 2016. www.opt.uab.edu/retentioncouncil/Exhibits/if_you_build_it.htm.
  7. “Commercial & Institutional Green Building: Green Trends Driving Market Change.” SmartMarket Report: Design & Construction Intelligence. McGraw-Hill Construction. January 2007. Web. 20 September 2016. http://mts.sustainableproducts.com/Capital_Markets_Partnership/BusinessCase/MHC%20Commercial
    %20&%20Institutional%20Green%20Building%20SMR%20(2008).pdf
    .
  8. College Housing 2006 Special Report.” College Planning & Management.
  9. Hart, David. “The Basics of Design-Assist Contracting.” AIA Best Practices.October 2007. Web. 20 September 2016. www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/secure/documents/document/aiap029127.pdf.
  10. Noel, L.; Levitz, R.; and Saluri, D. Increasing Student Retention. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 1985.
  11. Batdorf, Joseph. “Survey Says: The Top Student Housing Common Areas and Amenities.” Multifamily Executive. 5 August 2013. Web. 20 September 2016. www.multifamilyexecutive.com/property-management/apartment-trends/survey-says-the-top-student-housing-common-areas-and-amenities_o.
  12. Collison, Michele. “Many Colleges Begin to Pay Attention to the Time Students Spend Outside the Classroom.” Chronicle of Higher Education. 28 March 1990. Web. 20 September 2016. http://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ407155.
  13. "Predictors of overall satisfaction for ACUHO- I/EBI college housing studies: Changes over time.” College and University Housing Perspectives (E-news). 11 October 2002. Web. 20 September 2016. http://skyfactor.com/.

Amanda Voss, MPP, is an author, editor, and policy analyst. Writing for multiple publications, she also serves as the managing editor for Energy Design Update.



PCI

PCI is the technical institute for the precast concrete structures industry. PCI develops, maintains, and disseminates the body of knowledge for designing, fabricating, and constructing with precast concrete. PCI provides technical resources, certification, continuing education, and much more. www.pci.org/

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in November 2016


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