Erin Shaw

This is a scale model of the prototype for the Rock House Nature Center. It is created mostly of wood but also has a rock formation with steps going up through the rocks. The rocks are realistic looking but are made of plaster. There are lots of signage that are too small to see, but give the idea of interactions. There are stained glass triangles over the top of the structure, providing for interesting light and shadows. There are hand sketched people drawn on to implement different interactions such as cl

Scale model of initial prototype of the Rock House Nature Center. Characters are shown interacting with the different aspects of the outdoor nature center.

This is another view of the rock house. It instead focuses on showing how the light moves through the stained glass. It creates a patterned effect that looks like leaves interlaced in the sunbeams.

Another view of the scale model that shows the way light may pass through the stained glass. This is to mimic the way sunlight shines through the leaves of trees when walking in a forest.

Rock House Nature Center

How can sustainability be effectively integrated into educational experiences? The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) partnered with Ohio State Design to answer this question, and the result is a proposed nature center at the Rock House trailhead in Hocking Hills. The project aims to foster environmental awareness and promote sustainable behaviors among park visitors through nature-centered learning.

The design process was informed by qualitative research on sustainability, interviews with ODNR staff, site visits to state parks, and surveys with local parents of elementary school-aged children. These methods provided insights on how people engage with natural spaces and pre-existent knowledge of sustainable practices. Prototyping and iterative designing allowed refinement of the concept and exploration of the different types of people the
nature center can connect with.

The Rock House Nature Center design features interactive displays and play areas that mimic the surrounding landscape. The center aims to deepen park visitors' appreciation for nature by educating them about the area's wildlife, geology, and history, while visually illustrating the environmental impact of littering. Through this, the nature center fosters a stronger connection between visitors and the natural world, inspiring more sustainable behaviors.

Through the integration of play, education, and natural design, the Rock House Nature Center aims to inspire visitors to develop a deeper appreciation for the environment. By raising awareness of how individual behaviors can impact the world around us, the project seeks to encourage sustainable practices that extend beyond the park visit, fostering lasting environmental stewardship.

Erin is a dual-degree student studying both Industrial Design and Communication Technology with research distinction and a theatre minor. Her interests are in exhibition design, experience design, and design research. Her passions include mental health, pedagogy, and anything that is not beige. She served as president of OSU’s chapter of IDSA during the 2023-2024 school year.

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