AHG Thought Bubble
A community-building artifact designed and built to revitalize the Anna Hiss Gymnasium.
Collaborative Academic Project
Cultivate community and vitalize the new design space in the Anna Hiss Gymnasium in a post-pandemic world.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Anna Hiss Gymnasium (AHG), now the designated space for the School of Design and Creative Technologies at the University of Texas at Austin, accommodates Robotics and, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, also houses Design. In-person interactions during the pandemic have led to challenges in connecting and being social, with masks and social distancing guidelines contributing to difficulties in facilitating a sense of community. Additionally, with AHG hosting two distinct disciplines, there is a tendency for each to remain relatively isolated.
THE PROLOGUE
Guided by the branding principles outlined by the School of Design & Creative Technologies, we utilized the design thought bubble symbol and the SDCT color scheme to shape the physical design of the poll. The design was then brought to life through 3D modeling in Rhino 3D and construction with Adobe Illustrator a laser cutter and a CNC machine.
THE PROCESS
The Thought Bubble supports navigating the space and contributes to a richer sense of community.
THE OUTCOME
The AHG Thought Bubble is alive and well in the Anna Hiss Gymnasium! It’s a central component within the Anna Hiss Gymnasium ecosystem, serving as a pivotal element in individuals' experiences as they navigate common spaces to grab a marble and participate in the weekly polls. Integral to a broader placemaking initiative in AHG, aimed at fostering collaboration and a designer-friendly environment, the Thought Bubble stands prominently at the space's heart, easily recognized and cherished by the SDCT community.
