NLI Sponsors a Creative Studio Experience
Group photo in the Hunt Library visualization lab after successful proposal presentations
This semester, Victoria Chi’s freshman studio course (GD210 Image & Tech Tinkering) partnered with the Natural Learning Initiative (NLI) to create an immersive and educational experience for students, celebrating NLI’s 25th Anniversary with the support of the George B. Storer Foundation. Sponsored by NLI, the studio provided students with a real-world design challenge enriched by thoughtful pedagogy and professional mentorship. NLI’s Matt Babb and Professor Victoria Chi developed the rubric, group structure, and project timeline, allowing students to engage in a robust learning experience. A pivotal visit to a Raleigh school that showcases NLI’s outdoor play and learning environments offered students firsthand insight into how nature-based play and learning can be seamlessly integrated across age ranges. Throughout the course, check-ins and feedback sessions included insights from Victoria Chi and the NLI team, including Matt Babb, Adam Noel, Nilda Cosco, and Robin Moore, allowing students to continuously refine their ideas ahead of their final presentations and public exhibition.
As part of their final deliverables, students were tasked with designing key elements for NLI’s large, fall 25th Anniversary Exhibition, exploring how spatial design, lighting, and interactivity can bring NLI’s mission to life. Projects addressed complex challenges such as wayfinding systems that are inclusive and accessible, immersive strategies that evoke emotional responses, and tech-enhanced storytelling tools that connect audiences intellectually, emotionally, and physically. From interactive signage to evolving timelines and nature-integrated visual installations, students celebrated NLI’s 25-year legacy with compelling design solutions that not only honored the past but envisioned the future of outdoor learning. This collaboration stands as a testament to the power of education, design, and environmental stewardship working in harmony across both the Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning and Graphic & Experience Design Departments.
Students start with a visit to The Raleigh School to see an example of NLI work in person
Students present design concepts in the Hunt Library visualization lab
Matt Babb, Communications Lead at NLI, and Professor Victoria Chi provide detailed feedback to students during final proposal presentations
Nilda Cosco, PhD, and Robin Moore, co-founders and research professors at NLI, express their appreciation for the students’ exceptional work
Information sheets are designed to have a second life as origami takeaways
Mark Hoversten, PhD, Dean of the College of Design, explores a student-created slide puzzle
Robin Moore and Elizabeth Gilleland, Preschool Director of The Raleigh School, exploring a virtual tour of the school created by the students
Audrey Barnes, Department Head of Graphic & Experience Design and Industrial Design, folds origami with a student after viewing the exhibit
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