Solving a real-word problem and making an impact
Not only did teams take advantage of the chance to foster community across the program, but they also worked together with the Friends of Pocahontas State Park to envision an inclusive space for users of the public park.
Students focused their attention on universal design: the concept that environments and products are designed to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible. “We want to make sure that we aren’t displacing or discouraging people through design,” Clements said.
Central themes of the proposed designs emphasized the necessity of expanding access to nature recreation so everyone feels included and invited. Some groups created sketches of interpretive wayside signs, as well as sensory stations, connecting users to their surroundings by utilizing senses such as sound or touch. Other teams included picnic tables designed for wheelchair users and trail switchbacks that followed natural topography.
“Working with clients who are passionate about developing a place for everyone is very eye-opening,” Cook said. “Not all spaces are made for everyone, so it is up to us as designers and problem solvers to leave our positive impact on the world.”
Continuing to advocate for accessible public spaces
The community-based design project connected students to a real community to encourage inclusivity and meet the challenges posed by open space design. It also enabled the Friends group to inspire more advocates for change.
The landscape architecture program has community engagement written into their curriculum, and it is embedded in many courses as a specific learning objective. Students practice how to talk to, listen to, and work with community members, potential clients, and advocates for public space.
“It is an immersive way to introduce new students to community engagement,” Clements said. “For students who are progressing through the program, it encourages them to continue to practice these skill sets.”
The Friends of Pocahontas State Park has now hired a landscape architecture firm to move through the next stage of development, and they plan use the opportunities and constraints that the students identified to establish their first priorities.
“This project demonstrates the meaningful role Virginia Tech landscape architecture and the School of Design play in helping make the university’s land grant mission more relevant than ever,” said School Director Matt Powers. “Using a participatory design process, our faculty and students worked with the Friends of Pocahontas State Park to ensure that everyone, including visitors with physical and neurologic challenges, can more fully enjoy the beautiful and restorative landscapes of Virginia.”
Written by Ashley Falat, a junior communications major
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