Design and Development: from Concept to Implementation

This course examines the design and development process, from the first idea and the original conceptual sketch to the creation of real assets. The focus is on the organizational, managerial, financial, and strategic issues of this complex but fascinating process, where the designer collaborates with other agencies, having specific roles, expertise and capabilities in design, construction, and development but also different incentives and goals. The course provides students with a thorough understanding of the role of each entity and describes how risks and rewards are created and distributed amongst people and organizations at the value chain of the real estate development process.Centering on the needs of the developer-owner, this year\’s topics include:-Analysis of value creation and distribution in the real estate development process;-Selection of the architect, consultants and contractors based on quantitative (e.g. price) and qualitative factors;-Strategies for successful negotiations; -When and how designers should invest in the projects they design;-Selection of the appropriate project delivery method;-Identification of tools for efficient project management;-Working in mega-projects spanning multiple countries;-Management and allocation of risks and handling uncertainty;-Handling innovation and pushing the frontiers of what is feasible.Case studies provide the framework for exploring the different aspects of the course, and the case studies together with skill-based lectures and workshops, presentations from prominent guest lecturers, and the assigned readings constitute the basis for class discussions. Students are expected to prepare the assigned case study before each lecture and discuss it in class. Moreover, students will build specific skills on negotiations, budgeting and scheduling through short assignments and in-class simulations. A final project on topics directly related to the course and each student\’s specific interests will bring together all topics presented throughout the semester.