Students studying for finals at Cornell University are finding solace from a little piece of the outdoors that came inside this week, thanks to some creative minds at the school’s Department of Design and Environmental Analysis.
Sections of turf are creating grassy oases of calm in the lobbies of Olin and Mann libraries, as well as Duffield Hall and the Physical Sciences Building. Potted plants and comfortable chairs are placed around the grass, encouraging students to lounge there during one of the most stressful times of the academic year.
Senior Ryan Allen-Parrot and junior Gilad Meron installed the projects, along with a “small army of people working with them,” said Eveline Ferretti, the library’s public programs and communications administrator.
Meron first installed a lawn in Mann Library in the fall, noting that "it's great to see people willing to lay down in the grass and just relax there. The main goal is really to make people happy."
Marcia Eames-Sheavly, a senior extension associate at Cornell and director of the Garden-Based Learning program, said she understands the sod’s calming lure.
“Sod furniture is thrilling, since, unlike other horticultural art, which may require a long period of time to come to life, it offers instant gratification. Students have responded to the joy of working hard and collaboratively, shoulder to shoulder, to plan and implement them, and then, to enjoy the seating, and witness others doing the same,” Eames-Sheavly said. “We know from research that time spent in nature fosters diverse facets of our well-being, from cognitive function, to lower stress levels. They are easy to create, and do not require elaborate materials.”
For tips on how to create your own indoor sod furniture or lawn, go to: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/livingsculpture/turf_sod/index.htm. +
Related Stories
Libraries | Oct 2, 2019
Temple University’s Charles Library includes a ‘BookBot’ storage and retrieval system
The project was designed by Stantec and Snøhetta.
Libraries | Sep 26, 2019
Hunters Point Library brings rooftop reading garden, community-devoted space to the Long Island City waterfront
Steven Holl Architects designed the building.
Libraries | Sep 18, 2019
The $115 million renovation of Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library completes
Beyer Blinder Belle led the project.
Libraries | Apr 4, 2019
AIA awards six projects with the 2019 AIA/ALA Library Building Award
The AIA/ALA Library Building Award is the only award that recognizes entire library structures and all aspects of their design.
Mixed-Use | Feb 19, 2019
Sunset Library in Brooklyn will be capped with 50 affordable residences
Magnusson Architecture and Planning is designing the facility.
Libraries | Feb 10, 2019
New library branch in San Diego opens with its community’s learning and working traits in mind
It features larger gathering spaces and more technology than its predecessor.
Libraries | Jan 18, 2019
Chicago’s newest library branch preserves the old and ushers in the new
Its exterior design reflects the neighborhood’s industrial history, while its interior fosters community and shared learning.
Libraries | Oct 16, 2018
Earthquake-resistant library rises in Christchurch, New Zealand
Less than a decade ago, the city was devastated by four major earthquakes.
Libraries | Jun 1, 2018
New library offers a one-stop shop for what society is craving: hands-on learning
Beyond lending books and DVDs, the Elkridge (Md.) branch library loans household tools like ladders, wheelbarrows, and sewing machines.
| May 24, 2018
Accelerate Live! talk: Security and the built environment: Insights from an embassy designer
In this 15-minute talk at BD+C’s Accelerate Live! conference (May 10, 2018, Chicago), embassy designer Tom Jacobs explores ways that provide the needed protection while keeping intact the representational and inspirational qualities of a design.