KENNESAW, Ga. | Jul 13, 2020

Kennesaw State University’s College of Architecture and Construction Management has received a four-year, $100,000 grant from the PCI Foundation to support precast and prestressed concrete education efforts.

As part of the PCI Foundation curriculum development grant, KSU’s Department of Architecture will integrate the study of precast concrete systems into existing courses required for its undergraduate architecture degree program. The development of the curriculum begins with sophomores learning about precast concrete properties and extends to seniors experimenting with structure and advanced precast production. In studio courses, students will be tasked with demonstrating architectural design using precast concrete systems, which are eco-friendly, sustainable and resilient.

“Our College and the greater University place an emphasis on providing a world-class education to our students, and this would not be possible without industry partners such as the PCI Foundation,” said Andrew Payne, dean of the College of Architecture and Construction Management. “We welcome any opportunity to provide a transformative educational experience for our students, and we hope this grant will allow us to continue our tradition of producing well-rounded architects.

Project leader Liz Martin-Malikian, associate professor of architecture, said that the grant will help demonstrate to students how architectural practices evolve ever time. The project will include faculty representing the College of Architecture and Construction Management and the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology.

“This integrated curriculum effort will create a significant research-by-design initiative within the department by combining our expertise in architecture with the technical side of construction and the importance of affordability, as well as demonstrate how robotics can pave new ground in the manufacturing process,” she said. “By creating an active dialogue between industry partners, faculty and students, this redesigned sequence of courses will encourage a greater awareness of how practice is evolving, and will enhance the students' experience of learning about how architecture and practice can work together.

Marty McIntyre, executive director of the Chicago-based PCI Foundation, added that a key component of the grant is to connect awardees with local industry partners. From July 2020 to July 2023, Kennesaw State will work collaboratively with Metromont Corporation and the Georgia /Carolinas PCI to develop the curriculum and project opportunities.

– Travis Highfield

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.