College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Eric Brinkman, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
This paper presents a narrative detailing the design and construction process undertaken by an interdisciplinary team of students from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, representing the Construction Management, Architecture, and Architectural Engineering departments. The team collaborated to design, fabricate, and install three precast concrete benches for the nonprofit organization R.A.C.E. Matters. The project began in Fall 2024 and culminated in the installation of the benches at sites managed by the San Luis Obispo Conservancy: Pismo Preserve, the Octagon Barn, and Kathleen’s Overlook. Each bench will serve as a platform for murals, visually depicting diverse racial experiences. This paper focuses primarily on the design and construction phases, emphasising the collaborative effort required across disciplines. Particular attention is paid to the challenges encountered in balancing design aspirations with practical constructibility, along with the logistical complexities of coordinating a large, diverse team. Throughout this senior project, students gained hands-on experience in interdisciplinary collaboration, a key aspect of professional practice in construction and architecture. Overall, the project introduced students to the process of carrying out a project from start to finish, broadening their technical skill sets and reinforcing the importance of communication and compromise in real-world construction environments.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/870
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