Project Waller Creek: Proposal
Through our research and sensemaking, we found many consistencies between talking to both students and experts. We wanted to solidify these motifs and create a set of design principles to stick to while finalizing our proposals.
Design Principles
With these design principles in mind, we wanted to suggest three big concepts for the future of the spaces surrounding the waller creek.
Concept #1: The Oasis
Our second prototype suggested that our gardening activity lended to the most interaction, in terms of students coming back to check on their plants even without an informed invitation to do so. We also understood from our research that this kind of habit-building is one of the most impactful ways to benefit mental wellness and create a sense of accomplishment in small ways.
Additionally, in our interactive student perspectives board, many students expressed a longing for community — especially those who just started a new program or transferred in. We wanted a space that builds a sense of community, where students can interact with each other freely. We hope the garden makes a pleasant conversation starter aside from just being a relaxing amenity.
Concept #2: The Nook
Students are exposed to high levels of stress, and spending time in nature benefits mental wellness in a proactive way, even if they’re studying or doing schoolwork. Our discussions from the third prototype suggested that students prefer to study outside rather than inside, even though schoolwork isn’t all that relaxing to begin with. For the optimal study environment, students have expressed the desire for outlets, shading, and comfortable workspaces. We also wanted to make sure we included group workings spaces, again touching on creating a sense of community.
Concept #3: The Perch
UT students exhibit a need for a rejuvenating space — some require only a moment of delight while others desire a more immersive experience. At the Perch, students who don’t necessarily have time to spend too much time near the creek can still feel that their day has been improved by just walking past a beautifully curated area. Of course, those who do choose to spend time in it can benefit from private meditation spaces, relaxing swing structures, and a reflection garden where students can simply escape however they may need to.
Final Proposal
We believe that all three of these spaces call back to our insights and benefit both those who want to spend more time in nature as well as those who simply pass by. Students are exposed to high levels of stress, and spending time in nature benefits mental wellness in a proactive way. This is especially needed in today’s increasingly urban settings here at the University. Finally, our research shows that UT students need for a rejuvenating space.
These spaces are not mutually exclusive, nor meant to be used as blueprints. They are simply guiding ideas that speak to what we’ve discovered students might want and need. It could be implemented anywhere along the creek, to any degree. We are optimistic and hopeful for the future of the University of Texas and the potential of Waller Creek to become a mental wellness resource to help students manage their stress.
