The Estrella &
The Ohio State University.
A COLLABORATIVE DESIGN STUDIO
In a landmark initiative that bridges the gap between academia and industry, Bluestone Brothers has partnered with The Ohio State University Department of Design to bring a fresh perspective to urban development. This collaboration, centered around the ambitious Estrella mixed-use project, not only showcases innovative design but also sets a precedent for educational involvement in real-world applications.
The core of this partnership is a specially designed collaborative studio that brings together upper-class students from interior design, industrial design, and visual communication design at Ohio State, forming interdisciplinary teams at the heart of the development process. This unique course environment offers students an unprecedented opportunity to engage directly with the intricacies of large-scale project development, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The studio focuses on experiential design, leveraging The Estrella project as a case study.
Here, supervised by Yvette Shen, an Associate Professor of Visual Communication Design at The Ohio State University, and guided by Norman Ai, the Director of Design & Marketing from Bluestone Brothers, students dive deep into the complexities of designing for a mixed-use development, from conceptual sketches to detailed design refinements. This hands-on approach allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in a professional setting, offering invaluable insights into the realities of design and professional practice.
The studio, utilizing Bluestone Brother’s and Norman’s connections in the design profession, established a robust bridge to the professional world, enriching the students' learning experience with direct insights from industry leaders. Throughout the semester, the studio has welcomed 25 designers from 12 local design firms and institutions on it’s review juries, collectively contributing 143 hours of volunteered time to mentor and provide critical feedback on student projects.
This exposure to seasoned professionals offered students a comprehensive view of the design process as practiced in the industry. From initial concept development to execution, students experience every facet of professional practice, gaining invaluable knowledge and building a network that will support their transition into their future careers. This collaboration not only enhances their educational outcomes but also deeply integrates them into the local design community.
The collaboration has yielded exceptional results, notably through the creation of six innovative design concepts developed by the students. These concepts have not only showcased the immense talent and creativity of the students but have also provided significant inspiration for the professional design team working on The Estrella Mixed Use Development.
This cross-pollination of ideas between aspiring designers and established professionals underscores the success of the partnership, blending academic rigor with real-world application, commented by Professor Shen. The students' contributions are being hailed as both visionary and practically applicable, setting a high standard for future phases of the project and demonstrating the tangible benefits of integrating academic learning with industry expertise.
In this space, theories have been translated into tangible designs, and students' ambitions have been shaped by the real-world experience shared by Norman. The Estrella project, once a mere blueprint, now bears the mark of these young designers’ fresh perspectives. As these students move forward, the experience gained here, under the guidance of Shen & Norman, ensures they are not just ready but eager to make their mark on the design world.
This collaborative effort between Bluestone Brothers and The Ohio State University exemplifies the power of partnership in fostering educational excellence and community development. As we look towards the start of The Estrella project, it stands as a testament to the visionary thinking and collaborative spirit that drive both the design and development industries forward. The success of this program promises to inspire similar partnerships, echoing the sentiment that when academia and industry unite, the possibilities for innovation are boundless.
To see more of our design work,
click below.
THANK YOUS
THE STUDIO
EASON CHEN, KATIE BUSH, JESSICA MALONY, ABBI VAN HOOSE, SARAH KOCHER, NOLAN GREEN,
DELANY BROWN, HARRISON DODD, ELAINE SMITH, BROOKE KOCH, KEYAH MADARIS, SABRINA YEN,
EMILY RIDINGER, MORGAN VEREB, BRIANNA GALLAGHER, ELLIE GOLD, BRIANNA THOMPSON,
LIANN TRAHEY, LEVI GAIDOS
STUDIO MENTORSHIP
YVETTE SHEN, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
THE ESTRELLA DESIGN TEAM
BERARDI PARTNERS, REALM COLLABORATIVE, DUNE HOUSE CREATIVE
OFFICE TOURS & REVIEW JURY
NBBJ DESIGN, MOODY NOLAN
REVIEW JURY
AUGMENT ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN, PLAN IT STUDIOS, BBCO DESIGN, MEYERS & ASSOCIATES,
ORANGE BARREL MEDIA, WEXNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY