Rural Studio Builds Character, Homes and Hope
By Justin Black Email
Auburn University’s Rural Studio is an architecture program created in 1993 to do two important things. First, it worked to improve the living conditions of people throughout rural Alabama, particularly in the impoverished Black Belt region.
Secondly, it served to give Auburn University architecture students an opportunity to gain some valuable hands-on experience.
In Rural Studio’s self-defining statement, it states: “To most, the measure Rural Studio is in its built projects; but in reality, its success is measured by its effect upon the lives of the faculty, students, families, and communities it touches.” Rural Studio is about “sharing the sweat.”
“It is strange to think that an entire county or even a collection of counties could be so grateful to hear you say you’re from Auburn University,” said Katie Owens, a student of Auburn University’s College of Architecture, Design and Construction.
“It is sad to see the way people are living is rural Alabama. It is very humbling to see the way they live. I can’t fathom the living conditions that many people in rural Alabama have grown up with their entire lives. Some people even live in the same houses where their grandparents grew up. Going to rural Alabama is a definite eye opener.”
Owens is a participant in Auburn University’s Rural Studio. Rural Studio is a program sponsored by Auburn University with a mission to allow students to “cross the threshold of misconceived opinions to create, design, build and put their educational values to work as citizens of a rural community.”
http://cadc.auburn.edu/soa/rural-studio “Rural Studio is a huge part of what Auburn’s architecture program is about. I really wanted to participate and be a part of it,” said Owens. “I knew that it would take me out of my element, and I wanted to make myself get out there and get involved.”
Owens, who worked with Rural Studio in the fall of 2006, said, “I’m definitely not afraid to sweat now. And just being there, surrounded by so many previous amazing works of architecture is just inspirational.”
Jessica Moeller, another Rural Studio veteran, said, “I loved getting involved in the Rural Studio program and being a part of the community that it affects.” It was the uniqueness of Rural Studio that attracted Moeller to the program. “I believe that Rural Studio helps architecture students develop in areas that sitting in a studio cannot accomplish,” said Moeller.
The students who participate in Rural Studio are invested in the projects that they undertake. “We wanted to do everything we could to make our project turn out the best that it could be. I believe that the people of these rural communities could see our efforts,” Moeller added. The depths of these projects are not just for the community members, but also for the students who participate. “I feel that Rural Studio has taught me how to work harder to achieve my goals as an architect. It has challenged me to create designs that can be built and see come to life,” Moeller said.
Although the students’ projects have been hailed as astonishing and inspiring, it is often times the students who walk away feeling inspired and amazed. “When arriving at Rural Studio it was depressing to see the terrible housing and poverty. It was incredible to see the strength and hard work of the community, and what these people went through to support themselves and their families. Everyone in the community was very close. It was really inspiring,” stated Moeller.
Amy Cook, another Rural Studio participant, said, “Rural Studio is a unique program that gets the students away from the mundane. Every day was an opportunity to make a difference and try something new. The life lessons of trial and error are present, and it challenges students to be creative and explore new ideas.”
Cook was challenged not only by her instructors, but also by several expert architects. “I really enjoyed the lectures that we attended. We had speakers come from all over the nation. They gave us several insights for our projects and taught us how to be environmentally aware. They were encouraging and extremely helpful.”
Brittany Winslett agreed. “I felt like I learned a lot, not only about architecture, but also about myself. I feel like the experience that I gained at Rural Studio has helped me to mature as an architecture student.”
Scott Terrell, who was a member of the 2006 Rural Studio team, describes the experience by saying, “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to take part in this program. Rural Studio gave me the chance to see my work on a full scale.”
People can physically see the impact that students have on the rural communities, but it is the students of Rural Studio that often receive a renovation. “Rural Studio has given me the ability to see where my future is going. Furthermore, it has affected me on countless levels, from my role as a student, to my character as an overall person, I believe I am an overall better person thanks to my experience with Rural Studio,” said Terrell.
“It was a truly humbling experience. Although these people live in a poor environment their spirits still seem high. Everyone in the community seemed to do their best to show they were living a happy life,” said Terrell.
Rural Studio participant Mike Shows is among many who have been affected by the program. “I had no idea it would impact my life the way it did,” said Shows. “I think it was the community that had the greatest impact on me. Living out at Rural Studio, you become part of the community you are helping.”
“Knowing that you can do something for such a poor community, is awesome,” said Shows. “I felt like I could bring something important to the table. I was ready to give back to this community that had accepted us so freely. I built awesome relationships with the people there.
“The people of the community may not have been wealthy, but they were rich in smiles and seemed to have no cares in the world. Everyone in the community was so humbling.”
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Last updated May 03, 2007