Browsing by Subject "Construction"

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    BLDG
    (2018) Boll, Greg; Hudnall, Katie; Furqueron, Reagan; Baker, Lesley
    BLDG is a concept - a group of parameters, which create an internal logic. It is a system, in the loosest sense of the word; it is just rigid enough to be productive, but open-ended and flexible enough that a variety of artistic responses and readings are possible. Drawing on numerous disciplines, both artistic and not, it establishes a framework for producing assemblages from a minimal palette of readymade construction materials. BLDG is momentarily self-contained and self-organized. But, references to the world outside itself keep the works from feelings insular and allow new connections to be made between its source disciplines. While markedly different in form, BLDG is the synthesis of ideas about process, space, material, structure, and the object, explored in the works preceding it. Though invested in the assemblages it produces, BLDG is far more interested in, and directed toward, the ideas which these constructions advance. To probe and develop these ideas further, it embraces the ephemeral; the objects created are temporary embodiments of the ideas it promotes. Their provisional nature expresses a position of between-ness. Between noun and verb, object and idea; not necessarily thing, yet not solely action. Between temporary and permanent, no longer physically present, but as an idea easily reconstructed; momentarily static, yet forever changing. Between disciplines - specifically architecture, construction, furniture, design, drawing, sculpture - pulling them into conversation with each other in new ways. Between simplicity and complexity, minimal in material, but maximal in action. Between direction and improvisation. Between stability and collapse, embracing a precariousness that produces uncertainty and unveils the process to the viewer. Between start and end, one part of an evolving continuum reconfiguring ideas from past works to test and develop for future works.
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    Evaluating goals in worker health protection using a participatory design and an evaluation checklist
    (Sage, 2013) Ahonen, Emily Q.; Zanoni, Joseph; Forst, Linda; Ochsner, Michele; Kimmel, Louis; Martino, Carmen; Ringholm, Elisa; Rodríguez, Eric; Kader, Adam; Sokas, Rosemary; Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health
    Spanish-speaking immigrant workers in construction are considered hard to reach and at high risk for work-related injury and fatality. This evaluation study describes the use of participatory methods and an evaluation checklist to consider a health and safety (H&S) training program for these workers. A previously developed training manual and model were disseminated to eight worker centers (WCs) through participatory research collaboration. It incorporated H&S training for workers while strengthening the role of WCs as sources for leadership development and worker empowerment. Design, delivery, reaction, application, and extension were assessed through individual interviews with participants, trained trainers, and center staff and through observation of training sessions and partner debriefs; pre- and post-training tests assessed participant learning. Results indicate moderate learning and application by participants and strong evidence for structural gains in and among WCs. We conclude that such partnerships and models are valuable tools for collaborating with hard-to-reach workers.
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    Gender Dynamics in Midwestern Building Trades: Tokenism and Beyond
    (Lexington Books, 2020) Duggan, Lynn; Clark, Gracia; Walker, Marquita; School of Social Work
    Analyses of women’s experiences in building trades confirm that hegemonic male organizational culture continues to discourage women’s entry and retention. Theories of tokenism analyze the effects of race, gender, or other group proportions within organizations, suggesting that higher sex ratios in construction would foster a climate more supportive of women. Kanter’s (1977a) theory of tokenism is tested on 2002-3 interview data from women building trades workers in a central-Midwestern U.S. state. These findings support her hypothesis that skewed gender ratios generate tensions among women, as well as between men and women. The heightened visibility of tokens generates polarization between subgroups and promotes role entrapment, undermining solidarity across gender and among women. While tokenism theory predicts tensions between subgroups and among tokens, it must be supplemented by gender-, race- and class-based analyses of privilege for a fuller account of the complex gender dynamics in construction work. Pre-apprenticeship programs for women, mentoring, networking, and advocacy programs have been shown to contribute to increases in tradeswomen’s recruitment and retention.
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    "How Others Have Built": A Sketch of Indianapolis Construction and Demolition Patterns
    (2018-12) Ryan, Jordan B.; Monroe, Elizabeth Brand; Barrows, Robert G.; Cramer, Kevin; Selm, William
    This thesis argues that an architectural surveying methodology via newspaper sampling offers new insight historic preservationists can use to more efficiently predict demolitions. Using data collected from the “Home Builder’s Department” section of the Indianapolis Star, this study compiles architectural information on 425 structures, mostly single-family and duplex residences, built between 1909 and 1926. Engaging with the historiographical themes of public history and architectural history as well as methodological components of historic preservation and digital humanities, the data-centric model relies on a collection of sampled newspaper articles, which were analyzed for specific information, compiled into a data repository with supplemental research, and then incorporated into the ArcGIS program for interpretation. The project provides a synopsis on early twentieth century building trends in Indianapolis and offers implications regarding the role that factors such as building type, geographic location, federal and municipal historic district protections, architectural style, and exterior building material or cladding play in predicting demolitions. Beyond these predictive results, this study also suggests a city-wide surveying methodology for organizing and analyzing large quantities of historic architecture for preservation planning initiatives.