Overview

The Engineering students researched the current housing crisis in San Diego, and the methods currently employed to move families from shelters to semi-permanent housing. Developing cost cutting solutions that allowed for more families to be placed in permanent housing was the goal.

Project Initiation

Students were introduced to the United Nations Global Goals at the beginning of the year.  With a focus on Sustainable Communities/Cities the students were tasked with researching the current housing crisis for low income families in San Diego.  Students interviewed local officials and engaged community members who were working in shelters and temporary housing programs to help them understand San Diego's unique housing problem, and the types of programs currently available for helping families.

Project Exploration and Development

Through the students research they came to an understanding that the cost of creating housing for families was a major contributing factor.  Using this knowledge they focused on ways to cut costs by designing sliding room partitions and implementing energy efficient appliances that work around current hookups and load bearing walls.  The intent was to allow the designers and contractors to quickly and cheaply design spaces for the clients needs. Due to the Covid restrictions students quickly learned to work in virtual teams, and use technology to share ideas and design plans. Throughout this process students learned how to communicate with clients, work with vendors, ask questions from industry professionals, meet deadlines, compromise on design aspects, and work as a team.

Project Revision and Exhibition

The student team and teacher met weekly to review their progress, make sure that the focus had not strayed from the original intent, and allow the students to reflect on their contributions. The students presented their project to Pari Zaker, who works for the SD Housing Commission. She gave them valuable feedback on how their project could potentially fit into San Diego’s efforts to create affordable housing.  The students also submitted their project to Jacob’s Teen Innovation Challenge.

Teacher and Subjects

Kathy Schulze - Honors Engineering Design and Development