William R. Jenkins Architecture and Art Library
The Architecture and Art Library, located within the college, houses a collection of more than 70,000 books and periodical volumes in the disciplines of architecture and art. The library’s online catalog provides easy access to the collection of the Architecture and Art Library, as well as the holdings of the campus and system libraries. Subject access to articles in the last 20 years of architecture journals is available through the Avery Index on CD-ROM. The Architecture and Art Library Special Collections include the personal libraries of architects John F. Staub and Kenneth Franzheim, FAIA.
The Burdette Keeland Jr. Design Exploration Lab
The Keeland Jr. Design Exploration Lab houses an extensive collection of the latest digital fabrication equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, computer-controlled routers and vacuum molding equipment. It also contains areas for the more conventional processes of steel cutting and welding, and an exceptionally well-equipped woodshop. This extraordinary facility is emblematic of the Colleges’ commitment to the craft and the processes of making as cornerstones of design exploration and the art of construction.
Research Centers and Institutes
The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design offers many opportunities for students to be involved in classes and research programs which are of special significance to the community and the profession. These activities are found within the resource areas of the College and include:
- Design LAB generates preliminary design studies and research and development work across the disciplines of architecture, planning, and industrial design.
- The Community Design Resource Center works to address issues of community development, design, planning, affordable housing and civic projects in partnership with communities.
- University of Houston Green Building Components (UHGBC) seeks to advance the design and implementation of sustainable, renewable, green building components and technologies across the architecture, engineering, and construction industries, increasing the presence of sustainable technology in the built environment.
- The Computer Design Laboratory, established in 1983, extends its mission beyond teaching computer literacy to include academic research and practical investigation of the computer as an architectural design tool, with emphasis placed on modeling, visualization and animation. The Materials Research Collaborative (MRC) serves as a materials resource for material discovery, innovation, instruction, and research. The MRC has developed a web-based database that catalogs the physical samples, and researching and inputting data regarding the specific extrinsic and intrinsic properties of these materials. The MRC is also engaged in specific material research projects such as a database of local materials, LEED v 4 consulting, and carbon emissions analysis of buildings.
|