The Academic Commons

This episode features Andrew Hart as he discusses community building design in architectural education. He emphasizes intentional collaboration, amplification, and the importance of connecting students with their communities. Through immersive, experiential learning, Hart demonstrates how architecture can be a tool for social engagement and empowerment.

Transcript Episode 8: Community Building Design with Andrew Hart

Guest: Andrew Hart

• Role: Assistant Professor of Architecture, College of Architecture and the Built Environment
• Expertise: Community-based design, experiential learning, architectural education

Quote from the Episode:

Getting Started:

• Start small: Introduce community engagement through manageable classroom activities.
• Embrace discomfort: Allow students to take ownership and guide the learning process.
• Use feedback: Collect student and community feedback throughout the semester to adapt and improve.
• Contact us to talk about engagement in the classroom.

Terms to Know:

The terms below are mentioned in the episode, and for context and clarity, we've provided brief definitions of potentially unfamiliar terms you may hear.

• Community-Based Design: An approach that involves community members in the design process to ensure outcomes reflect their needs and values.
• Experiential Learning: Learning through reflection on doing, often involving real-world engagement.

Selected Resources:

The Learning Curve team curated this list based on university resources or guest recommendations.

1. Felten, P., & Lambert, L. M. (2020). Relationship-rich education: how human connections drive success in college. Johns Hopkins University Press.
2. Finley, L. L., & Bowen, G. A. (2021). Experiential Learning in Higher Education: Issues, Ideas, and Challenges for Promoting Peace and Justice. (1st ed.). Information Age Publishing, Incorporated.
3. Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities in Any Course
4. Engaging Students Through Experiential Learning Inside the Classroom
5. Academic Commons Upcoming Workshops and Events