1 minute read
Parish Feature Story
(continued from page 5)
By Peyton Wartell '23
Advertisement
Parish Math Lab Redesign Project
With a growing interest in interior design, I discovered the perfect way to broaden my knowledge in the field while impacting others. My school’s selective Leadership Institute, a program of ParishLeads, requires three classes: Tactics of Leadership, Leadership of the 21st Century and the Psychology of Leadership/Ethics. The curriculum also includes the completion of a project to improve our community. I decided to modernize the Parish Math Lab.
Our Math Lab is a place I visit several times a week. When I enter, the carpet on the walls and the lack of visually appealing space prompt me to leave instantly. And I enjoy math. From test preparation to club meetings, people continually gather in the Math Lab. My goal is to provide a space that is efficient as well as vibrant and comfortable to brighten their Math Lab experience.
After gaining approval for an independent work-study program from Mrs. Liz Svadlenak, Assistant Head of Upper School for Academics, I created a curriculum to learn AutoCAD. Utilizing the laser cutter and 3D printer from my previous CAD/CAM classes in the Design Den provided a basis to teach myself the technical aspects of building layouts. AutoCAD proved invaluable when developing the Math Lab blueprint. Meetings followed with Ms. Angela Keefer, Director of Operations, and the math administrators to approve my project, solicit a budget, design the space and manage the installation. When finished, the area will transform with bright blues and greens, and contain natural fibers. Acoustic panels will control sound from the nearby noisy stairwell and new furniture with more flexible seating will accommodate group work and testing. The teachers will benefit from added storage, three whiteboard tables and a check-in area for efficiency. Because of the room's versatility and wide use among students and teachers, the renovation of this space will produce meaningful change at Parish and leave a sizeable imprint.
More info about my work in Design Den:
Parish's Design Den provided a unique opportunity where I learned to handle acrylic, MDF and HDU foam. When working with the materials, I learned to use software and different tools, including AutoCAD, Inkscape, laser cutters, a CNC router and 3D printers. All of these components have helped me work through this exciting project for the Math Lab.
