CONESTOGA COLLEGE
Collaborative student project highlights college initiative

The project started as an assignment for first-year Bachelor of Interior Design students Thomas Santos and Lauren Braithwaite, which prompted students to come up with ideas to celebrate the ETT4W initiative. After an in-class competition, Santos's and Braithwaite's idea was selected and developed under the guidance of School of Engineering & Technology professor Victoria Suen.

To bring the idea to life, 21 Woodworking Technology students were brought in to construct the installation as part of their capstone project. "We got the design students to present their concept to the class and answer questions," said Steve Bader, Woodworking program coordinator and professor.

The discussion allowed students to identify issues and come up with solutions. "The material we use comes in eight-foot lengths. The original design had the feature wall go from floor to ceiling. Getting bigger panels would have had a significant impact on the budget."

Woodworking Technology student Logan Fieguth learned a lot during the process. "The biggest challenge was bringing the vision to life, while keeping it doable. There were a lot of details to consider, and we had to try and bridge the gap between original design and something that's doable within a certain time limit and budget."

Nearly 60 hours of shop time went into constructing the project, consisting of two panelled walls and a cabinet. The feature wall consists of ETT4W signage as well as panels and details crafted from fibreboard, white oak, cherry and walnut, which are meant to resemble pipes. The wall opposite consists of six panels featuring images from a photo-research exhibit spotlighting women in the skilled trades. A cabinet with hand-carved details at the end of the hall provides space for additional photos and items.

"The goal was to design something with an industrial feel, while still keeping it refined," explained Santos.

The project also gave Santos a taste of his future work environment. "We will continue to collaborate with manufacturers when we enter the workforce. This is preparing us for real life."

Seeing the final product at the Conestoga Skilled Trades Campus was a great feeling for him. "I am incredibly proud. Seeing our design built is so amazing. This was an incredible collaborative effort between programs."

Conestoga's Bachelor of Interior Design program provides students with the theoretical, practical and technical skills that reflect the interior design profession. Through a comprehensive curriculum delivered by an interdisciplinary faculty, the program prepares students to apply an integrated approach to interior design solutions for the built environment and its occupants and meet the demands of technological changes and currency with respect to sustainability, universal design and health and safety. 

The Woodworking Technology three-year advanced diploma program provides students with theoretical and practical training related to the technology and skills involved in the efficient and quality-conscious manufacture of furniture, cabinets and architectural millwork. Through co-op, students are provided the opportunity to relate in-school training with real industrial experience.