Architecture 2001 students displayed study kiosk structures in the Quad near Atkinson Hall on Monday. 
Architecture professors Shelby Doyle and Kristen Kelsch teach the course where students were assigned a project on the first day of class to build study kiosks to display in the Quad by the School of Architecture.
After today’s competition, students will receive judge feedback and be allowed one last revision of presentation boards and to rework design boards. Doyle said she hopes to display the students’ presentation boards in Middleton Library.
This is the first year the competition has taken place, and Doyle said the long-term goal is to gain community interest and construct more than just study kiosks.
Requirements for the kiosks included a view of Middleton Library, Atkinson Hall and the sky. The kiosk had to be big enough for one person to sit and another to stand with both inside. 
Doyle said the students were asked to create a budget and schedule because the goal of the project was to use simple a material — wood. The students were only given plywood and 25 2x4x8’s. 
Architecture sophomore Andrea Thigpen said students were split into six groups to complete the project. Her group watched tutorials on how to make wood joints because this was the first time they constructed something so big. 
“We wanted to design something intimate on this side of the Quad,” Thigpen said.
Architecture students worked on the study kiosks for 15 consecutive days. Preliminary presentation boards and digital models were made using the computer software Rhinoceros 3D. 
Kelsch said the judging board was made up of architecture faculty, along with undergraduate and graduate student representatives.
Architecture professor Patrick Stowe Jones, one of the judges for the competition, said he was looking forward to seeing how students take common materials to create something special.
Even with forecasted rain, the study kiosks will remain outside. Thigpen said whether the wood was coated to protect against rain was up to each of the groups. 
“I am looking for the group that will build something different than what everyone expects,” Jones said. “One thing professors are trying to do is disrupt assumption of premeditated thinking of something that already exists in the world. Team to do that will be the winner.”
University students and faculty passing through the Quad did not hesitate to stop and sit at the study kiosks. 
“I think it’s great to have more seating options,” said Middleton librarian Emily Frank. “It’s unique to see the student’s work.” 
Kelsch and Doyle said the winner of the competition will receive a surprise reward presented by their professors, along with bragging rights.
“The students are experimenting and innovating these kiosks with common materials, which is an aspect of the curriculum. This really is a great learning opportunity,” Doyle said.
The kiosks will be available for viewing in the Quad until Friday. 

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Javier Fernández

LSU architecture professor Greg Watson evaluates student-built structures Monday, September 8, 2014 in the quad.