Corrugated artistry impresses in vernal favorite

In a traditionally reliable sign of approaching spring, teams of third-year students in Architectural Design Studio V were assigned the design and construction of functional chairs using up to 50 sheets of 4-by-5 double-wall corrugated cardboard.

"This year, the students were challenged to use the least amount of cardboard possible," said Robert A. Wozniak Jr., associate professor of architecture. "And they were asked to try not to use steel or wooden dowels, as had been done in the recent past."

The creative designs, which also meant creative names, were: "The Palm" (12 sheets by Zach A. Heigley, of Kittanning; Zac E. Johnston, of Greensburg; Tyler T. Weimert, of Feasterville-Trevose; and Aidan J. Weissenberger, of Hightstown, New Jersey); "The Low Rider" (16 sheets by Gavin M. Burrows, of Herndon; Ryan P. Cramer, of Hershey; Michael T. Draves, of Gilbertsville; and Evynn A. Johnston, of Sayre); and "Unity" (23 sheets by Sandra M. Gallick, of Linden; Elaina M. Lawson, of Girard; and Sadie S.E. Niedermyer, of Spring Mills).

Wozniak expressed gratitude to Kat A. Valentine, manager of makerspace operations, for allowing the class to make use of The Dr. Welch Workshop during class hours; he shared an additional "Thank you" to the guest jurors for their participation: Geoffrey M. Campbell, assistant professor and department head, architecture; Jen M. Cullin-Hetrick, associate director of admissions; Ellyn A. Lester, assistant dean of construction and architectural technologies; Caleb A. Line, an industrial design student and part-time makerspace facilitator; and Kate M. Wetzel, office assistant to the School of Engineering Technologies.

"If able, stop by and test drive them yourself!" Wozniak urged, directing the curious to the Architectural Corridor Gallery space (second floor of the Hager Lifelong Education Center, near the top of the stairs).