EMILY PRUSAKOWSKI
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE | BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

This project was completed in Rana Abudayyeh's Fall 2023 studio as a collaborative effort among 13 students and Rana. Together, we designed an outdoor learning space for Mt. Olive Elementary School, transforming their overgrown courtyard into a functional and engaging educational environment.

Since the design is being actively implemented, we conducted extensive research to ensure its success. The graphics and plans produced by our class are being used to support fundraising efforts for construction. To help bring the project to life, we developed a comprehensive set of drawings, diagrams, and construction documents, which were passed on to a Knoxville-based architecture firm for approval and execution.

Throughout the design process, we met with students and faculty to better understand their needs and ensure the space was both practical and engaging. To introduce color in a subtle yet impactful way, we incorporated gradient-painted side paneling on the pavilion. The space also features a bug wall with built-in information slides, allowing children to explore and learn about local species. Additionally, we designed custom multifunctional desks to maximize the space’s adaptability.

The following semester, a small group of us, including myself, returned to Mt. Olive to present the project to parents and guardians at a PTA meeting. We answered questions, shared details about the space, and witnessed the excitement surrounding the project firsthand. To help younger students and the general audience visualize the design, we brought a 3D model for them to interact with, making the layout and purpose of the space more accessible.

A key interactive element is the rock garden, where students can display painted rocks, leaving a lasting mark on the school and actively engaging in the creative process. Other thoughtfully integrated features include two custom sinks, specifically requested by the art teacher to enhance the outdoor learning experience.

My primary role in the project involved designing the decking and substructure of the flooring, contributing to the pavilion design, and assisting in the physical construction of a pavilion section.

In collaboration with: Campbell Black, Anna-leise Bradbury, Eren Davis, Ellie Deputy, Claira Fontaine, Miller Hill, Garnett Hutton, Mia Klassa, Dani Menendez, Joe Weitzel, Claire Wessberg, Alyssa Woodard, and Rana Abudayyeh