Teens incorporate architecture into redesigning space at Carnegie Library
Rebecca Devereaux|Herald-Standard
Connellsville High School sophomore Raine Reilly works on designing a floor plan for a new teen section at the Carnegie Free Library in Connellsville on Saturday.
Rebecca Devereaux|Herald-Standard
Teaching artist at Fallingwater Juliet Pusateri leads a workshop with Connellsville High School students on designing a new teen section at Carnegie Free Library in Connellsville on Saturday. In part of a four-week program called Architecture Learning Network, the students have the opportunity to learn about architecture and apply their ideas to further develop their community.
Rebecca Devereaux|Herald-Standard
Ideas from high school students during the four week Architecture Learning Network workshop where they are working to design a new teen section at the Connellsville Carnegie Free Library on Saturday.
Rebecca Devereaux|Herald-Standard
Connellsville High School freshman Teddy Eicher draws up a floor plan for a new teen section at the Carnegie Free Library in Connellsville on Saturday.
Two teens are looking to make a difference at the Carnegie Free Library in Connellsville by envisioning different forms of architecture to transform a space downstairs into a multipurpose hub.
Raine Reilly and Teddy Eicher, both students at Connellsville Area High School, recently took part in a community builder workshop presented by Fallingwater and the Architecture Learning Network (ALN).
The free program was hosted by the library and open to students from school districts in Fayette County and made possible by a Remake Learning Pathways grant from The Sprout Fund.
Participants started with brainstorming and ended with a detailed drawing of their ideas for a proposed Team Section they hope will be embraced by the community.
“They came up with a wish list to reach out to the community to see how (the library) can make the building phase happen,” said Juliet Pusateri, arts instructor at Fallingwater.
The Architecture Learning Network (ALN) provides opportunities for youth to become interested in architecture, active in their communities and knowledgeable about the design process, historic preservation, sustainability and digital technology.
Students can complete programs through the ALN and receive recognition for their architectural designs by earning specific badges.
“These activities provide young people with the tools to effect change in their communities,” said Samantha Weaver, ALN coordinator.
Fallingwater is one of six regional nonprofits that are founding members of the ALN.
According to Pusateri, the students discussed items that would accentuate the space such as posters announcing social events and breaking it down into multiple zones for relaxation, creativity with art and music tools and a hangout for clubs or organizations.
“The library is a good tool and underused,” said Reilly. “If it turns out like we want it to be, I think more people would come.”
Pusateri said students also incorporated different types and colors of furniture, textiles, carpeting, paint and lighting they found in magazines and on the computer.
“It’s good to work with other people and build friendships by working to accomplish a common goal,” said Eicher. “I feel it’s a good asset to the community.”
Reilly, who is interested in architecture, said he envisions the space as a comfortable setting with welcoming colors like turquoise and dark orange and for people to hang out with friends or simply study.
Although the library does not have the funding to implement the proposed project, Pusateri said having a concrete idea can often be a start towards reality.
She said in the near future it would be nice to designate a design day/paint day where volunteers can come out and donate their time or materials to help get the project off the ground.
More information on the program can be found alnpgh.org.