When University freshmen enrolled in James Kalsbeek's architecture class they knew they would be graded, but they didn't know they would have an actual client.
Kalsbeek, assistant professor of architecture, is in charge of the University's project to construct three pavilions for the 27th Annual Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts and the University.
Students in Architecture 130 B -- Basic Design, are building the structures for the festival and getting their first taste of the architectural world.
Kalsbeek thinks it's important for students to "build something real in the world." To that end, a student in the class was told to contact the festival and see what they needed.
The festival had three crucial needs that Kalsbeek's class could help with: an information booth at the corner of Pollock and Burrowes roads, a demonstration stage for artists near Willard Building and a sales pavilion on the Old Main lawn.
"I think it's giving us a lot of experience to work with the community," said Kristen Worley (freshman-architecture). Worley is working on the pavilion for the Old Main lawn, and is one of about 20 students working on each of the structures.
And the students are grateful for the chance to build the structures. "Without doing it for the Arts Fest, it didn't have a purpose," said Jason Rice (freshman-architecture).
Completion of the structures is slated for finals week, but the pavilions will remain standing until the festival concludes. The Arts Festival this year will kick off July 13 and run through July 17.
Aside from problems involved in actually building real structures, there are difficulties working with other people. For most of the students, this project is the first taste of their future career.
There is an atmosphere of excitement in the class as the project draws to a close. Busy students are running back and forth to work out last-minute details before the construction begins. To prevent vandalism and give the appearance of overnight assembly, the class decided to do most of the construction in the studio and quickly erect the pavilions outside.
Vicki Steppler (freshman-architecture), one of the students working on the project, said one of the most important lessons is "to be able to deal with each other."
This program is an "asset to the curriculum here," said Kathy Lynch, Kalsbeek's teaching assistant.
But although the project is good experience for students and the community, it has made students face one major architectural reality -- money.
While funding for the pavilions comes from the University and the festival, more money is needed. And students have provided money out of their own pocket, Kalsbeek said.
"The students are trying to raise additional funds to make this thing a reality," he said. Currently, they are asking for donations to sponsor parts of a pavilion, Kalsbeek said.
The class has provided $15 to $20 a person, but they are still looking for money, Worley said.
