Working together, 130 construction management students, industry partners and University Facilities addressed a recurring landscaping challenge on City Campus along Vine Street near Kiewit Hall and turned it into an outdoor classroom for a week in October.
The need for a change was due to heavy foot and vehicle traffic during residence hall move-in and move-out days that damaged grass and had University Facilities consistently needing to repair the landscaping. Emmeline Watson, assistant professor of practice in the Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction, saw a permanent fix as well as an opportunity for her Materials and Specifications class to transform the green space into a paver installation featuring Nebraska’s signature block “N.”
“Instead of creating a classroom exercise simply for the sake of learning, our students built something that matters,” Watson said. “A project like this extends learning beyond technical knowledge and supports the Complete Engineer® by bringing together collaboration, communication, leadership, and community engagement.”
Support came from Watkins Concrete Block, Hardscapes by Mitera Designs and Rochester Concrete Products, and their involvement combined with classroom learning helped students contribute to a visible campus improvement. The work required students to design a stone and mortar plan using skills learned this semester from studying clay, concrete and glass masonry while coordinating individual tasks as they worked alongside the industry professionals to prepare the site and lay the pavers October 12–16.
Watson hopes for future opportunities with other campus projects, giving more students a chance to apply technical knowledge while addressing practical needs.
“The paver installation is more than a construction project. It will stand as a visible reminder of how students can use their knowledge and skills to serve their community and leave a lasting impact on campus,” Watson said.
