In a creative blend of history and innovation, Design Lab students have embarked on projects using reclaimed materials, crafting functional pieces that grace various locations on campus. Over the years, they have produced conference tables and desks for notable venues, culminating in a striking conference table for the Business Innovation Building in 2023.
The wood for these projects originates from trees that fell during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, a testament to the resilience and sustainability of these creative endeavors. However, the latest venture marks a new chapter, as students for the first time incorporated historical elements from the campus into their designs.
“This project will transcend time,” remarked Slocum, emphasizing the historical significance and timeless nature of the materials used. The wood, believed to be up to 500 years old, was originally from old-growth timber felled before the Clayton University Center’s construction in 1868.
The wood bears the imprints of Clayton UC’s rich past. Among the beams is a purlin beam, notable for its use in roof construction, measuring 10 inches in diameter with mysterious charring. Students dedicated at least four hours to removing hand-cut nails from these beams, further connecting with the material’s storied past.
“The students felt ownership, nostalgia, and reverence for this material because it was part of the building,” Slocum noted, highlighting the emotional connection the students developed during the project.
The Tables
The team of students, including Sonja Hackenmueller ’26, Nate Ivill-Weiner ’25, and Annie Oatman ’25, were selected from a product design class led by Professor Wes Heiss. Joining them was Grant Litchfield ’25, who brought his woodworking expertise, honed since his freshman year in the Design Labs.
The crafted tables vary in size and purpose. One table, measuring 6-and-a-half feet by 5 feet, accommodates 10 people in a private dining area at The Lehigh Pub. The other, a 10-foot by 6-foot banquette table, seats eight in the public dining room.
Drawing inspiration from the building’s Ruskinian architectural style, known for its intricate decorative elements, the students designed their tables to echo the Clayton UC’s elaborate aesthetics, including ornate millwork and stained-glass windows.
Students were provided with the dimensions and material details before embarking on their designs, utilizing 3D modeling software to bring their creative visions to life, Hackenmueller explained.
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