Exhibit Columbus 2025 – Design Education Team (Advisor: Spencer Steenblik)

Aug 4

A collaborative architecture installation created by high school students from Indiana’s C4 Columbus Area Career Connection, mentored by Professor R. Spencer Steenblik of Indiana University, alongside instructor Darin Johnson therepublic.com+10Exhibit Columbus+10Exhibit Columbus+10.
Inspired by chemical valence bonds and carbon structures, the design uses a modular “Xylode Joint” system (patent-pending) built from sustainable wood—engineered for reuse, biodegradability, or repurposing after the exhibition Exhibit Columbus+2Exhibit Columbus+2Exhibit Columbus+2.

Purpose-built to serve as a morning exercise space, outdoor classroom, meeting spot, and evening social area.
Its bold, colorful aesthetic nods to Columbus’s modern architectural legacy, fostering community ties and playful interaction.

University students and high schoolers co-develop real-world design solutions, leveraging computational tools and hands-on craftsmanship.
The process promotes learning through practice and community engagement, blurring the lines between architecture education and placemaking.

Empowers local high school students through experiential design training.
Produces a thoughtfully designed public installation that is architecturally rooted and community-minded.
Integrates educational outreach with sustainable, adaptable architecture that can live on beyond the exhibition.

Design Presentations: February 21–22, 2025, as part of the 2024–25 “Yes And” cycle of Exhibit Columbus Exhibit Columbus+9phi.archi+9Exhibit Columbus+9.
Exhibition Dates: Installations open to the public August 16 – November 30, 2025, including an Opening Weekend festival in downtown Columbus