Throughout the summer, Kalama School District staff members, forest industry representatives, and Cascadia Technical Academy leadership have been working with SĀJ Architecture on the planning and design of a new natural resources learning facility that would expand outdoor learning opportunities for students in Kalama and throughout the region.
State funds to design and plan the project were included in this year’s legislative supplemental capital budget, secured in collaboration with Cascadia Tech, Southwest Washington’s cooperative skill center for career and technical education (CTE).
While those involved in the project know where the facility will be located (on district-owned forest property just east of Chinook Stadium), figuring out what the building’s ideal layout and needed amenities are is a bit trickier. Fortunately, the group working to determine those things includes Kalama High School student Luke Schmeusser.
Coordinating with lead architect Jonah Jensen, Schmeusser, a Junior at KHS, used his home 3-D printer to produce a set of modular, Lego-like design pieces, allowing the planning and design group to go “hands on” in their work like never before.
“There are going to be things that are only visible on a three-dimensional model,” said Schmeusser. “Visibility isn't that easy just looking from the top down (2-D). You have to have the real thing and be able to see through the windows.”
In addition to lockable flooring and wall segments, Schmeusser printed moveable pieces representing cabinetry, whiteboards/electronic screens, desks, windows, sinks and more.
“I always try to find ways to do interactive activities with people where there’s a low barrier to entry; one where participants don't have to be trained as an architect,” said Jensen, who conceptualized and designed the 3-D project that Schmeusser ultimately printed. “I’ve tried using actual Legos before, but they’re not to scale. The 3-D model we created is to scale, and, thanks to Luke, it turned out great.”
“What Luke has done here, it’s amazing,” added Kalama School District CTE Director Cory Torppa, a member of the project’s Design Advisory Committee. “It makes me think, how can I use something like this in my class? It doesn't get more real than this.”
With the help of Schmeusser’s 3-D tools, the design and planning group is making swift progress, and plans to meet again in the early fall.
“I've participated in facility design planning several times over the course of my career, and I don't think I've ever been a part of a team that I felt was able to come to consensus so quickly. This is a unique experience,” said Kalama School District Superintendent Dr. Wesley Benjamin. “From education to industry, everybody in this group has come to the table with such a great perspective, and Luke’s contributions have been the cherry on top. I think we're really going to be able to deliver something amazing here.”
Asked how it feels knowing his contributions will be felt by generations of Kalama and Cascadia Tech students every time they enter the facility, Schmeusser paused and considered the fact that he’ll have graduated by the time it opens to students.
“It makes me want to ask the question, how can I extend my own schooling?” he said with a smile.