The Rice University School of Architecture established the Rice Building Workshop (RBW) with the goal of bringing students out of classrooms and into the larger Houston community. RBW has partnered with local nonprofit groups dedicated to issues of affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, historic preservation, education, community services, and public art projects.

Students involved in RBW have participated in all aspects of development—from social and public interaction to issues of code concerns and city approvals. They have seen how building systems, material choices, infrastructure, and context can inform design ideas. They have worked with more than 60 consultants, construction companies, craftspeople, and suppliers that have contributed their skill, expertise, and materials.

As a result of these community collaborations, RBW has designed and built two houses for Project Row Houses, an arts and neighborhood revitalization group in Houston’s Third Ward. Additionally, RBW has provided various housing prototypes, renovations, and master planning for the future development of the vibrant African American neighborhood. RBW also has renovated a modular shipping container as an on-site shop to enable it to project its services into the neighborhood. The program has provided design and construction services ranging in scale from furniture to exhibits for museums to meeting areas for public elementary schools.