By Chelsea Shumaker, Human Resources > Scholars worked in groups of four for the Lego activity, which included each group getting instructions on how to build a bus shelter with specific requirements. This activity was designed to give the scholars a hands-on experience in the architectural design process.
A “town hall” meeting was called at two different times to allow scholars the chance to ask questions and consult with “city officials.” Several helpful hints were also shared during these meetings, which provided some much-needed guidance to a few of the groups.
The completed structures were collected and judged according to the specified criteria (coverage from rain, ample seating, Hoosier Hospitality theme, and creativity). The winning team’s design and write-up was quite impressive (see below).
Hoopingarner wrapped up the afternoon by giving an engaging presentation on some recent projects the Architecture Group has worked on. The scholars were able to learn how the activity they just completed symbolized what an architect might face when dealing with a client during the design process. This provided a real life lesson the scholars will not soon forget.
The Winning Team (Project Description)
Team Name: Young Engineers
Team Members: Tygra, Ayanna, Dominic, Andre
Score: 98/100
Name of Shelter: La parade de autobus Hoosier (The Hoosier Bus Stop)
Colors: Blue & yellow (gold) – Pacers
Blue & white – Colts
Red & white – IU/IUPUI
Red & black – Victory Field Indians
“Our bus stop (shelter) is the bus stop of Indianapolis,” wrote the scholars. “It has all the Hoosier colors, it’s very photogenic, and it’s just the best. We have cameras that work with a 24-hour security team (they respond quickly). The cameras are hidden within the solar panels. When it gets dark, it has lights that come on. It’s weather controlled. When it’s too cold, a heater kicks on, and it rotates. When it’s too hot, a fan that blows mist comes on. When it’s too windy or raining or snowing, you’re covered. Walls arise around the shelter. Our shelter is wheelchair accessible. We provide comfortable benches, a spot underneath for your groceries, and plugs in case you need to charge your phone and/or laptop. You may enter from any side. We also have a toddler chair.”