Reinstatement of the Poly Canyon Caretaker Program through the Development of a Tiny Home Community

Author(s) Information

Leily Martin, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

College - Author 1

College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department - Author 1

Construction Management Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Construction Management

Date

2024

Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Thomas Kommer, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department

Abstract/Summary

The Poly Canyon Experimental Structures Laboratory, through its Design/Build program, is unique in the educational opportunity it provides Cal Poly College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED) students. However, since the conclusion of the Caretaker Program in 2011, the facility’s structures have deteriorated due to vandalism, purposeful destruction, and weathering. This study examines the perspectives of CAED students, the interim CAED Dean, Kevin Dong, and Cal Poly Risk Manager, Mike Morgan, on the effectiveness in reinstating the Caretaker Program through the development of a tiny home community. Results indicated educational value in this facility, so addressing these issues must occur to ensure the preservation and maintenance of the structures. Due to its undeveloped location, the reinstatement of this program poses liability to the University regarding the safety and wellbeing of the caretakers. For such a proposal to be approved, risks must be identified, and controls must be designed and developed. There is support from all surveyed and interviewed parties to revitalize the space so that it can be used as it's intended purpose of further impacting interdisciplinary collaboration. This study’s findings serve as a foundation in the proposal of such a development in the future.

URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/754