Emily Pilloton’s DES 50 students just completed their final project, in which they were asked to design, engineer, and build a cardboard chair for a 5th grade classroom at Robert E. Willett Elementary School just down the road from Cruess (specifically, the 5th grade class of James Housefield’s son). They began the project by visiting the class and pairing 1:1, UCD student:5th grader. Our young clients/experts informed us of their learning environment, activities, and opportunities for improved learning through design. The students then crafted problem statements such as “How might an object for seating encourage creativity and engagement?”

The results were beautiful and varied, and the chairs were delivered and donated to the class on December 8th. They will be used throughout the school in classrooms, common spaces, and the library.

Please click here to view more photos.