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Syllabus
 
COURSE:   ARCH 480/DSGN 311 Special Projects
 
TYPE:   Service-Learning/ Hands-On Construction
 
OFFERED:   Fall & Spring Semesters
 
INSTRUCTOR:   W. Geoff Gjertson, AIA, Assistant Professor
 
OFFICE:   Fletcher Hall, Room 124
Mon, Wed, Fri: 9:45am-11:45am
Tue, Thu: by appointment
337-482-5175 (Office)
337-278-2722 (Cell)
337-235-4945 (Home)
gjertson@louisiana.edu
 
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
 
Students will work in groups to design and build various interventions at Acadiana Outreach Center (125 So. Buchanan, 237-7618), a homeless shelter. Each student will develop a written program and budget for their project. The monies for some materials will be provided by the client (Acadiana Outreach) and placed in an account at Lowe’s Home Improvement on the north side of Lafayette at the Gloria Switch exit. Prof. LaSala or Asst. Prof. Gjertson must sign for these purchases. Therefore, it is required that you coordinate your purchases with other groups and with the professors, at their convenience. We require a notification one day before, a call when you arrive at Lowe’s and a call at the time you are ready for check-out. Some materials are available in the Depot warehouse (on the Acadiana Outreach warehouse- as well as the tool trailer for the Building Institute.) Another important factor in this course will be student solicitation for donated material to increase the range of available materials. One person in each group shall be selected as a team leader and is responsible for purchase coordination, the trailer key and clean-up. The course will meet a minimum of once weekly at an agreed upon time for class discussions, design critiques and construction sessions. Weekend work sessions are also expected.
 
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
 
The Building Institute aims to teach students that design can transform, gain and lose elements, be enriched through craft, be physically experienced in the ritual of making and be experienced in a new way in its occupation.
 
BUILDING INSTITUTE MISSION STATEMENT:
 
  • The Building Institute provides a mechanism for learning an expanded notion of design- design reconnected with the act of building.
  • The learning in the Building Institute is accomplished through actual “hands-on” building construction.
  • The tools of the Building Institute are an intimate knowledge and use of traditional and new building materials, equipment and techniques.
  • The Building Institute is dedicated to preservation: preservation of the environment and preservation of the local culture.
  • The Building Institute is dedicated to the Acadiana Community by addressing local sites and needs and by building relationships with local charities, industries and professionals.
 
REQUIREMENTS:
 
Students must come prepared and equipped to work with the proper personal protection equipment. If for some reason you will be unable to work, please call Asst. Prof. Gjertson ASAP. Construction is very serious business. Unprofessional and/or unsafe actions, behavior or practices will also result in a failing grade.
 
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:   Safety Glasses
Work Boots
Gloves
Work Clothes
Hand Tools

 
EVALUATION:  
Attendance 10%
Cooperation 10%
Professionalism 10%
Craft/ Production 10%
Engagement/Depth of Insight 10%
Project Completion 50%
TOTAL
 100%
 
SAFETY EQUIPMENT & TIPS:
 
Eye and Face Protection
There are many types of eye and face protection - safety glasses, goggles, face shields, and hoods. They are all designed for protection against different hazards. Make sure you use the right protection for your job. Use the OH&S regulations as a minimum standard. As well, look for the CSA imprint. Wearing the right eye and face protection can save two important things - your sight and your smile.
 
Foot Protection
Your feet can be impacted, severely compressed, or punctured if you don't wear safety footwear. Pick you foot protection according to the specific job you're doing and hazards you're facing - or you may be in for a painful, crushing experience. Approved construction footwear is verified by a green CSA triangle on the side of the boot.
 
Clothes and Gloves
Clean, fitted work clothes and gloves are your skin's defense. Some jobs require long sleeves and gloves. In other jobs
 
SAFE HANDLING FOR GOOD HEALTH
  • Keeping your good health is the key to enjoyment of life. With a healthy safety attitude on the job, you will avoid minor and major injuries.
  • Back injuries that occur while handling materials or lifting while on the job are very common. Research shows that about one quarter of all WCB claims are for back problems. Use equipment that will help you do the job efficiently.
  • Don't become a statistic - follow the basic safety steps that will prevent injuries and keep you on the job.
 
SPRAINS AND STRAINS
  • Most back injuries are sprains and strains.
  • Don't over-exert yourself. Over-exertion, especially from lifting heavy objects, causes many back injuries. Don't break your back .
  • Get help when lifting or moving materials.
  • Use equipment that will help you do the job efficiently.
  • Don't get caught in a situation where you must rush or work alone. Get all hands "on deck" and the job will be done well with reduced chances of injury for everyone.
 
SERIOUS ABOUT SAFETY
  • Back injuries and other accidents that occur while lifting can easily be prevented. Use the proper methods, equipment, and work procedures. Injuries that occur when lifting are caused by:
  • Pushing or pulling too hard.
  • Slipping, tripping, stretching or twisting.
  • When you're in motion on the job, take care to avoid hazards. Don't test yourself beyond your strength. Learn efficient methods along with your co-workers. Your supervisor will recognize a job done well - with safety in mind.
 
TIME AND EFFORT:
Many construction workers spend one-quarter or more of their day handling materials. Be sure to take some time to plan the best methods for moving items. Remember:
  • Where possible, eliminate the manual task - move items by some other method
  • Break or divide the material into smaller loads for easier transport
  • Use dollies, hoists, forklifts, pallets and other tools to do the job more efficiently
 
PROTECT YOURSELF:
Always wear appropriate PPE when handling and moving materials. Gloves, coveralls, and safety boots are standard gear. Check to see if the materials are hazardous and wear additional equipment if needed.
 
EVERYONE KNOWS BETTER:
The best way to lift and reduce the strain on your back is to use the squat technique. Bending at the knees with your back straight and your head up allows you to transfer more weight to your legs.

We all know that we should take care and use proper techniques when lifting or doing physical work. We also know we shouldn't over-exert ourselves. Do the right things for yourself:
  • Reduce the weight of the load
  • Get help. Have a team of workers share the work
  • Store materials at or above hip height. This reduces the need for bending
  • Use carts, ropes, forklifts, and other tools to assist you
  • Minimize the distance needed to carry items - plan your storage and movements properly
  • Transfer the weight of the load to stronger parts of your body and use handgrips, straps or belts
  • Reduce twisting your body: keep loads in front of you. Turn by moving your feet - not your body
  • Don't swing and throw heavy loads
  • Minimize bending to lift or shift a load. Don't bend to the side when carrying material
 

Document last revised Wednesday, April 5, 2006 5:15 PM

Copyright 2003 by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Building Institute, PO Box 43850, Lafayette LA 70504-3850
Phone: 337/482-5175 · E-Mail: gjertson@louisiana.edu