Planning Rationale
Programs in Architecture and Construction cover various stages of a construction project - from idea to design to production.
The programs in this cluster offer students the opportunity to bring their design ideas to life, gain hands-on experience on construction projects, and master the skills necessary to pursue a career in this field. Opportunities after high school range from apprenticeships and two-year college programs to four-year college and graduate programs.
Pathways
Architecture
Students in the Architecture program learn the basic principles of architecture and learn to use the latest technology to design buildings and complete architectural drawings. Students master architectural skills such as preparing preliminary drawings and basic layouts; producing working drawings; and creating computer-aided drafts.
Carpentry
Students in the Carpentry program learn to estimate materials, prepare building sites, install rough framing, and install exterior and interior finishes. Some of their hands-on experiences will include working in the lab to prepare foundations; install rough framing, exterior finishes and interior finishes basic framing (wall, floor, and roof); and choosing types of framing materials. At the end of the program, students will have gained the skills needed to design and construct buildings.
Electricity
Students in the Electricity program will learn the skills necessary to wire the interior of buildings. They practice selecting the size and type of wire installation necessary for installation of furnace motors, vent fans, 3-4 way switches, and switch boxes in drywall.
HVAC and Refrigeration
Students in the HVAC and Refrigeration program learn skills necessary to install and maintain heating and cooling systems. Some of the tasks students will learn to perform include, brazing, soldering, and using gauges to set temperature relationships. At the end of the program, students will have the knowledge and skills to service residential and commercial refrigerators, window and central air conditioners, ice machines, forced air furnaces, dehumidifiers, and humidifiers.
Welding
Students in the Welding program learn to permanently bond metal parts. They practice joining ferrous and nonferrous metals. By the end of the program, students will understand the various techniques of welding that will allow them to use their skills in different ways. For instance, if they enjoy following instructions to create uniform items they may pursue careers that involve repairing cars, appliances, and highway bridges, but if they enjoy creative freedom they may try their hand at creating metal art.
Layout
Architecture: The Classroom/Lab shall provide individual drafting tables, student work tables for computer workstations, and space for printers, plotters and laser cutters.
Carpentry: Carpentry Lab shall include work tables/benches for students. Separate lockable Tool Storage and Material Storage rooms shall be located immediately adjacent to the Lab space.
Welding: The welding Lab includes student work tables/benches and 6-8 welding booths with independent ventilation units. Student work tables will be used for physical projects as well as laptop use.
HVAC: The HVAC and Refrigeration Lab includes student work tables and furnace workstation.
Electricity: Students will gain experience and accreditation within this Lab space working on full size building component mockups and using real-world equipment. Overhead coiling doors to the exterior are utilized for full size building mockups.
A direct connection between the Electrical Classroom and Electrical Lab shall be provided. Requirements for fire separations shall be considered when providing these connections between occupancy types. Access to an enclosed Storage Room and Caged Storage area shall be provided, and consideration for a storage and equipment mezzanine should also be given for this lab space.