BC 4900/8900, Special Problems (6 credits): Technology applications in the lifecycle of international real estate and construction projects

This course will enable students to gain an understanding of technological innovations in the design and construction of real estate projects in Asia using South Korea as a test bed. A focus of the course will be in high density residential projects as well as infrastructure projects. Local construction materials and methods as well as technologies applied in the development and construction process considering cultural perspectives will be studied.

Learning Objectives:

South Korea, the host of the 1988 Summer Olympic Games and the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, is a vibrant country in Asia that has undergone significant economic and social development, as well as cultural evolution and technological advancements. As many countries face challenges in meeting housing and other infrastructure needs, South Korea has made substantial progress in real estate development, and infrastructure updates. Additionally, South Korea has a rich history of architecture and construction, blending traditional Korean style with modern innovation, which offers a unique landscape for studying the lifecycle of real estate and construction projects. This four-week immersive course aims to provide students with an understanding of local construction and real estate development methods and practices in South Korea. In addition, guests from local construction and real estate development organizations will provide students with insights into the technological innovations being applied in the local industry. Site visits to local projects and companies will reinforce the concepts discussed in class. Students will also gain a unique perspective of the culture of South Korea through visits to sites of cultural relevance to the country’s development. By the end of this class, students will:

• Deepen their understanding of the dimensions of sustainable development: environmental, socio-cultural, political, and economic.
• Apply technical, material, and educational perspectives from the student’s discipline to the improvement, design, and implementation of real estate and construction projects.
• Foster an understanding of design as a start-to-finish process in real estate and construction projects.
• Function as part of a multidisciplinary team and communicate effectively.
• Demonstrate an awareness of ethics and professional responsibility. Recognize the influence of architecture, management, engineering and other disciplines within the political, social, historical, and economic frameworks of real estate and construction projects in global contexts.
• Develop skills in cultural competency and adaptability to enhance the ability to work effectively in diverse, international environments.

Class Schedule (tentative)