To kick off the Design Education Team’s project, Valence, adviser Spencer Steenblik posed this challenge: “We wanted something that could create a welcoming space that had elements of performance opportunities, elements of play and elements of spectacle.”

The Indiana University professor drew upon two of his own research subjects to give the students a place from which to begin, and they chose a feature wall for a new or remodeled ABC Montessori School in Columbus. He and his graduate students designed the wall to help the young designers further their process based on super-graphic elements, connection between exterior and interior, and aspects of programmatic functions. Working conceptually at the ABC site, they decided on using wood slats that could be recycled, repurposed or biodegraded when the exhibition is over. They also considered the equality in the site and that the wall would be north-facing.

Darin Johnson, a C4 teacher in the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation and the team coordinator, selected two of his upper-level classes to participate. Along with the architecture graduate students who mentored them, about 30 people were involved. Steenblik grouped students who had responded in similar ways to his prompt together to work on solutions for the wall. Students met with the two advisers each week in Johnson’s classroom.

“I thought it was a really wonderful opportunity for the students to be able to present their own work at the Exhibit Columbus 2024 Design Presentations, and for that work to be mediated by me and the graduate students who helped me,” Steenblik said. “We have a different perspective than they do, and we were able to take the elements they provided us and synthesize those and add our own perspectives.”

Each session built on the last for 12 weeks, with the students refining their projects through that process. Steenblik also introduced the concept of constructability so the students could think through how building what they designed was possible.

Ultimately, the team designed three interconnected pavilions that together create both stages and seating, forming an impromptu theater-in-the-round. This spatial arrangement supports performances aligned with the Yes And theme, inviting dynamic interaction between presenters and audiences across the different zones. The flexible configuration also lends itself to a variety of uses, including exercise sessions, outdoor classrooms, or informal social gatherings.

The pavilions are constructed of pressure-treated wood connected with the carbon-neutral {Xyl}ode Joint system for which Steenblik has a patent pending. Arranged in a non-rectangular way, that creates more sculptural, and interesting spaces. The assembly resembles chemical valence bonds or carbon molecular structures.

“Being able to take a material that is so basic and that you can just go to any hardware store and pick up and then turn it into something that is unique can help people to reimagine the world,” he said. “Can we take the things that are most common to us and then rethink how they are used?”

The site at the former Republic Building was a factor in making other decisions about the design. Steenblik said the lawn is deceptively narrow, but it also has the advantage of being highly visible.

“We wanted to catch the attention of the vehicles that enter Columbus,” Steenblik said. “Going under the red bridge of the freeway and then over the suspension bridge and past the trees Dan Kiley planted and right into town is pretty important. All of those things tell you that you’re in a special place, that the design is intentional.”

The high school students say they came away with new ideas about architecture and construction—and a lot more.

“You come to understand that it’s more than just design and technical execution,” said Haniel Cruz, a senior at Columbus North High School. “It’s about fostering a sense of community and unity. Being part of Exhibit Columbus helps you to discover the essential aspects of creating a shared space aimed at bringing people together—sharing, expanding, and supporting ideas. It highlights the impact of collaboration and how you, as an individual, can truly make a difference.”

Sarah Morales, also a senior at Columbus North High School, said she feels more connected to her community as a result of this experience.

“I’m an active participant,” she said. “I’m taking away real-world experience with leading architects that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to work with as a high school student.”