Most students take time over the summer to work, travel or enjoy a break from school.
But students in the Architectural Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technician - Industrial (Millwright) program made sure to stay busy while doing something for the community.
A BMX rider takes a jump next to the new announcing tower pavilion at Wolfe Creek BMX Racetrack in Chatham. (Bill Rawlings/St. Clair College)
The students put their skills to the test while assisting a local athletic club, designing and constructing a brand-new announcing tower pavilion for Wolfe Creek BMX Racetrack in Chatham.
Led by club president Sara Vitale, the team gained hands-on experience throughout every stage - from concept development to fabrication and installation - while giving back to the community.
"Being able to work on something from design through to construction, even on a smaller-scale build, gave me a lot of clarity about the path I want to take with my education," said Vitale. "It reinforced my interest in architecture and hands-on building, and it was very rewarding to see our ideas come to life."
After spending some time on the design phase, the actual construction of the pavilion took about a week, according to Vitale, who noted some of the elements of the pavilion were pre-built before going to the site, which helped streamline the process.
Once on-site, it took about two days to get the structure up, followed by an extra day to add the deck and finishing touches.
"The hands-on learning opportunities at St. Clair College have been the best part of my experience here. I'm a very tactile, hands-on learner, so having a chance to bring my digital designs into models has been incredibly valuable," she said. "It taught me a lot about adaptability, structural considerations, and working with other students. The program also offers trips to architectural firms and site tours, which have been inspiring as they gave us a glimpse into possible future careers."
Prof. Bill Rawlings helped oversee the project and said it's very common for students to get engaged in work that benefits both their education and the community.
"It's one thing to have student working in labs but engaging them with our local community provides opportunities to give back while also gaining valuable hands-on experience," said Rawlings.
Prof. Rawlings said the unique project allowed the students to explore innovative parametric modeling techniques and collaborate across different program disciplines to bring their design to life.
The new tower was a highlight of this year's Ontario Provincial BMX Cup Qualifier and served as the backdrop for professional BMX rider Elida Beeman's elite training clinic.
St. Clair College students prepare and install a new announcing tower pavilion at Wolfe Creek BMX Racetrack in Chatham. (Bill Rawlings/St. Clair College)
"The staff and instructors have been extremely supportive throughout the program. As demanding as this program was, they've created an environment where students feel encouraged and capable, making a huge difference in my learning," Vitale said.
"Being in this program has built my confidence in both my work and studies," she said. "You truly learn every aspect of architecture, which is very eye-opening."
