Four interior architecture students participated in the 2017 American Institute of Architecture for Health (AIA/AAH) STERIS Student Design Charrette in Orlando, FL. The annual charrette was held during the Healthcare Design Expo and Conference at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center on November 11th to the 13th.
Students from Florida International University (FIU), joined Clemson University, University of Virginia and University of Kansas to participate in this year’s charrette. Each team consisted of 4 students and 1 faculty advisor. FIU was represented by students Mariana Lamberti, Matheus Lauer Da Silveira, Martha Salazar and Vivian Taboada. Professor Newton D’souza served as faculty advisor.
“The interaction with other students from renowned universities was a life time opportunity. To be able to follow the design process of the another groups and see that we all face the same issues and difficulties to develop the project was very interesting,” said Matheus Lauer Da Silveira.
The charrette’s topic was “Mending the Body & Mind”. The teams had to design and build a healthcare center to treat mental and physical wellness. The FIU team’s specific building type was to create a pediatric clinic for mental and behavioral issues. The charrette started with the students visiting host firm, HKS Orlando, and conducting a site analysis. Students then worked at the conference venue and participated in mid-critique and visits from various conference participants. The charrette concluded with a presentation and review of the projects by a jury consisting of recognized healthcare design leaders.
“Being a first-time participant, it was a great experience to interact with peers in the healthcare education,” said Professor D’souza. At times it was demanding to motivate and manage students within this intense session, but I think our students benefited from this experience. I was amazed how much the students were able to accomplish within 48 hours which included evidence-based research, programming, space planning, and design.”
The annual charrette offers students the opportunity to participate in a design challenge and contribute their creativity and ideas. The charrette is designed to highlight the brilliance and innovation of our future healthcare architects.
Read more on the Healthcare track, here.
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