Forging Hope

The Huckabee College of Architecture creates a tribute to healing

By Texas Tech University

June 5^th, 2024

Alexandra Marine is a recent graduate of the College of Health & Human Sciences who wrapped up her Master of Science in Environmental Design degree in May. She grew up in Germany, but moved to Spring, Texas, when she was 12. She, along with seven other students primarily from the Huckabee College of Architecture, were part of a class called Product Design within the HCOA taught by Chad Plunket. Plunket is an adjunct instructor for the college and Director of the Charles Adams Studio Project. We wanted to know more about the projects they work on in this class and the impact they have for students like Alexandra, within the community, and with the Joe Arrington Cancer Research & Treatment Center (JACC). Alexandra, like most of the students in this class, were in uncharted territory - using tools and materials they may have never used in hopes of creating something that would heal the hearts and lift spirits of those who were also most-likely in uncharted territory of their own.

Texas Tech Photo (TTP): How did this class come into existence?

Chad Plunket (CP): Through conversations with Dean Upe Flueckiger and at the time Senior Lecturer & Director of Architecture Programming Terah Maher. They decided I was qualified to teach a product design class. My educational background is a Master of Fine Arts & master's in landscape architecture. We start off the semester with smaller projects to become comfortable with the equipment and then we work together to take on a larger project.

TTP: What do you think students learn in this class that is important?

CP: I believe that designers have an ethical responsibility to have some base knowledge of what it takes to build the things they design. To truly understand the physicality of moving steel, I think you have to really pick it up. If a designer makes a mistake in the office, it is typically a worker on site that pays the price. I want this class to motivate students throughout their careers to understand the materials they specify and make sure their measurements are correct.

TTP: Why did you decide to take this class?

Alexandra Marine (AM): My background is primarily in interior design and art. I was curious to learn something new and gain more skills, and this was when I found out the Huckabee College of Architecture offers product design as an elective course. I went into the class open-minded, not sure what to expect, and it turned out to be a metal studio incorporating welding, design and final installation of a product we created throughout the semester.

TTP: Can you explain the how and why behind your group’s decision on the piece’s installation and location?

AM: The Joe Arrington Cancer Research & Treatment Center had reached out to Chad Plunket, CASP director, asking if it would be possible to create a wall mural for their front entrance. They had previously worked with him and the product design class and had successfully installed a mural in the central courtyard of the same center a few semesters prior.

TTP: How was the final design chosen for the Joe Arrington Cancer Research & Treatment Center?

AM: When it came to the front entryway mural's design, each student in the class was tasked to create a design and pitch to a first round of judges. From this, two final designs were chosen to go forward for the final client pitch. Ultimately, my design was chosen, “Ribbon to Rose.”

TTP: Can you walk us through the early conceptual process?

AM: This design silently communicates with the existing mural in the central courtyard. Taking inspiration from the abstract, geometrical form and tying in the cancer ribbon (from the courtyard mural), tells the story of transformation of the ribbon turning into a rose, blossoming above difficulties. The clients requested a positive design that inspires hope in those entering the center’s space whether that be a patient, nurse, doctor or a visiting loved one. A patient once told a nurse, “I noticed you take care of the flowers here, so I know you will take care of me too.” That served as the driving force of the design imagery while finding its natural integration with all the other themes this mural embodies. The colors were intentional; the rose bush (background) reflected the center's brand colors and mission while the rose petals (extruded foreground) represent various colors reflected in cancer awareness ribbons. The stained-glass appearance pays homage to the center's historical roots. Overall, the design was incredibly intentional, integrating a collection of the client’s stories and desires for what this beautiful entryway art mural is meant to serve: a spirit of hope and positivity.

TTP: What have you learned so far in this class?

AM: What I learned about this class is that confidence and trust take you further than anything. When you believe in your message, design, vision, etc., it translates to others. As the leader of the mural's design build in the class, I was suddenly tasked as the driving force behind making sudden decisions within an environment and tools I had never worked with before. It was all new to me, but I had to believe in myself that I could do it. With this newfound confidence, I realized how simple it became to come up with effective organization and construction methods for easier installation for our mural in the future, as well as allocating tasks to others and trusting my classmates to come together to create something much greater than ourselves. We all understood that we had a role in serving our community to support the fight against cancer. I also learned it's important to listen to the client's story, your instructor, and teammates. Being an active listener, and applying those words, ensures others that they are being heard, and everyone appreciates that.

TTP: How do you think this will help you in the future?

AM: I think this experience changed my entire perspective of what it means to be a leader and team player. We are all one. As they say, “It takes a village” and it does. When we come together, we create something stronger (and more efficient), which proved to me that communal effort is greater than an individual one. There is a lot of power in “we.” It is important to stay humble and respect each other and focus on the overall mission of what is being created for the best outcome.

TTP: What are some things that you have noticed or enjoy about teaching this class?

CP: Many of the students have sat in front of a computer all day. I think for the most part the students enjoy the labor and moving their bodies. They sometimes complain of tired shoulders and muscles they don’t always use, but I enjoy seeing the confidence they gain throughout the semester. Watching a student grab an angle grinder with confidence and cut off an extra chuck of steel when a month ago they didn’t know what an angle grinder was. It puts a smile on my face.

TTP: How is this class impactful beyond the students’ learning of new skills?

CP: The two projects we have worked on for JACC have been incredibly personal for me. My grandmother passed away from cancer. My father is a lung cancer survivor. My uncle is battling cancer right now. At the start of the semester, I asked the students to raise their hands if anyone in their life had been affected by cancer and everyone raised their hand. It is emotionally powerful to me that these students, through their skills and hard work, can make a sculpture that will brighten the day of so many patients, medical professionals, and staff for years to come. When I think about service learning and making an impact in the community, I know this is the best, best work I have ever been involved in. I’m honored to lead these students, proud to represent TTU: HCOA, and serve JACC.

To date the class has completed a shallow relief wall sculpture for Joe Arrington Cancer and Research Center and an information kiosk for the Louise Hopkins Underwood Center for the Arts, or LHUCA, and the Lubbock Arts District.

CP: This class is not possible without Charles Adams Studio Project and the CASP Metal Fabrication Studio, Rev Limit Customs, General Steel Warehouse, and local artists: Jon Whitfill, Noah Wakefield, Harrison Brooks, Lindsey Maestri. 