ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE LAB PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION AS AN INTERNATIONAL DESIGN-BUILD STUDIO: TEACHING AND LEARNING EXPERIENCE

This working paper explores experiential learning and teaching experiences that aim to create socially responsible architects and buildings who prioritize sustainability and innovation and offer some questions for further research.   The ideas presented in this work are the evaluation of a cross-cultural Design-Build studio established in 2022 by design units from universities in Ecuador, Chile, and Germany to reflect on various aspects of architectural design, civil engineering, management, and other aspects of sustainable construction that are often overlooked in traditional teaching programs.  The Design-Build methodology, explores such potential linkages: 1-Interactive and dynamic learning environment allow to establish the design of an architectural project through a cooperative process, 2-The application through scientific inquiry and critical thinking of local construction techniques in international projects update the methods to comply with current building codes, and 3-Active involvement of the team planning in the construction of the building, allow to test and establish sustainable constructions methods that are suitable for informal self-build and can be reproduced by the local population. Over one hundred participants contributed to the completion of the building. A questionnaire was conducted to evaluate the academic experience. Most respondents reported an increase in their academic and practical knowledge in construction, as well as in architectural skills, self-confidence and personal skills.