Second-year Vermont Tech architecture students are taking their studies outside of the classroom and constructed an innovative public space that was installed in downtown Montpelier this week. The parklet, a culmination of Vermont Tech’s Architectural Design series and partnership with Montpelier Alive, is a civic installation that utilizes a few downtown parking spaces on Montpelier’s Rialto Bridge. The small deck features seating and greenery, allowing pedestrians space to pause and socialize. The 15 students involved with the parklet spent eight weeks designing, acquiring permits and pitching the project.
“We are excited to have the pieces falling into place after months of designing and discussion,” said Assistant Professor of Architecture and Building Engineering Technology Ward Joyce. “This project has been a unique educational opportunity for the students to take a hands-on approach and put their studies to work while engaging with the community. They have been very enthusiastic throughout the process and it is extremely rewarding for them to see their hard work enriching the pedestrian experience in downtown Montpelier.”
The students have raised funds through the crowdfunding website Kickstarter to cover the cost of building materials, as well as to provide a budget to purchase plants and soil for the planters.
"Montpelier Alive is happy to see the parklet pilot project advance and we look forward to hearing community feedback on this use of public space,” noted Ashley Witzenberger, executive director of Montpelier Alive. “We thank Vermont Tech for their hard work on the design, building and installation of the first parklet in our downtown."
About Vermont Tech – Vermont Tech is a leading public college with a mission of applied education. One of the five Vermont State Colleges, Vermont Tech serves students from throughout Vermont, New England, and beyond at its two residential campuses in Williston and Randolph Center, regional campuses in Brattleboro and Bennington, and at six nursing campuses located throughout the state. Vermont Tech takes an optimistic, rooted and personal approach to education to support students in gaining the confidence and practical skills necessary to not only see their potential, but to experience it. Our academic programs encompass a wide range of engineering technology, agricultural, health, and business fields that are vital to producing the knowledgeable workers needed most by employers in the state and in the region. For additional information about Vermont Tech, please visit www.vtc.edu.