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Fostering the next generation of leaders in engineering

In January of 2017, DURA launched a partnership with the Colorado School of Mines College of Engineering and Computation Sciences to serve as a client for its senior design program. As part of their senior project, students were tasked with developing concepts and prototypes for interactive learning stations that utilize vacant or underused urban spaces, such as bus stops or abandoned lots. The goal of the project, titled Denver Interactive Displays for Educational Achievement (Denver IDEA), is to increase family interaction and student learning through fun and engaging activities in urban centers and neighborhoods throughout Denver.

The Northeast Park Hill Urban Redevelopment Area was selected as the subject site for the project because of existing community spaces that already serve as gathering places for children and adults. The site is also along the path of the 303 Artway, a proposed paved, urban neighborhood trail that will connect pedestrian and bicycle users in Park Hill to various community assets.

Over the past year, the students, operating as the design firm NAZTEK Innovations, created prototypes of the interactive display, began outreach with potential users and worked to ensure the final concept would meet applicable safety requirements.

The students presented their final design during the Nov. 16 DURA board meeting, which was well received by the board of directors.