WSU School of Design and Construction students proved once again that nature can be one of the best teachers.
This year, students in architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture were tasked with designing and creating permeable wall structures inspired by nature as a part of the school’s foundational studio class.
Their results are reflected in “Designs from Nature”, a series of stunning installations displayed this month in Carpenter Hall.
Working in groups, the students selected photographs from nature with interesting and inspiring patterns, rhythms, and structures. They chose concepts inspired from rivers, waterfalls, hydrangea bouquets, sunflower swirls, a cluster of bugs, sunsets over the Palouse, and even a slice of cabbage. The students then used cardstock and heavy paper to transform these concepts into 3D models of hanging permeable wall structures.
“My favorite part is the wonderful narratives told by the student teams as they presented their work”, said Marti Cowan, Assistant Professor in the School of Design and Construction.
“It was an honor to witness students take agency and ownership of their walls, thoughtfully aligning their narratives while ensuring each unit was both interactive and cohesive with their story. This project also provided a valuable opportunity for them to understand the distinction between narratives and concepts, making the assembly process a truly joyful experience”, said Hala Barakat, Assistant Professor in the School of Design and Construction.
“One-on-one desk crits are a regular part of our studio culture, and it’s been a delight working with such creative and thoughtful students who have really poured themselves into exploring this assignment more deeply”, said Michael Sanchez, Associate Professor in the School of Design and Construction.
The ‘Permeable Wall Structures: Explorations of Designs from Nature’ exhibit is free and open to the public through March 26 in the Carpenter Hall Gallery.