A five-acre parcel of land near Arnaudville, Louisiana, is set to transform into a dynamic center for education, scientific exploration, sustainability initiatives, and cultural events. According to this new release from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, this ambitious project, named the Levity and Les Deux Bayous S.T.E.A.M. Park, is being spearheaded in part by students from UL Lafayette. Through their expertise in architecture and design, these students will play a significant role in both the planning and construction of the site.
The development of the S.T.E.A.M. Park is being guided by students from the UL Lafayette School of Architecture and Design, including both undergraduate and graduate participants. The project is multidisciplinary, involving students from architecture, industrial design, and interior design programs. Their involvement extends beyond design work, as they will also contribute to the physical construction of the park’s various structures.
The university’s role in the project is being coordinated by the School of Architecture and Design’s Building Institute. This institute facilitates experiential learning opportunities by allowing students to engage in community service-oriented projects that integrate academic coursework, practical research, and collaboration with industry professionals, including contractors, engineers, and suppliers. Additionally, these projects often lead to scholarly publications that document the students’ findings and innovations.
At the core of the initiative is the vision for a research and entertainment campground where science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics converge with music and cultural traditions. This fusion of disciplines will be reflected in the diverse offerings planned for the park. Features for the new UL Lafayette location will include a planetarium, an amphitheater, a sculpture garden, and a community garden. Additionally, plans include an artist’s residence, a farmer’s market, a woodshop, a native food forest, a sensory meditation area, a camping zone, a café, and a coffee roastery.
The first structure scheduled for construction is the Aqua House, a 70-foot by 30-foot bathhouse that will include showers and restroom facilities. The groundbreaking for this innovative building is expected to take place in the spring or summer. The Aqua House will be a testament to sustainability and modern construction techniques, as it will be built using modular blocks created from recycled plastic that would otherwise end up in landfills. These blocks are designed to interlock like Lego pieces, allowing for efficient and environmentally friendly assembly.
According to Geoff Gjertson, an architecture professor and director of the Building Institute, the use of these unconventional building materials reflects a deliberate effort by students to challenge traditional expectations for public bathhouses and restrooms. The interior design will incorporate porcelain tile flooring and walls reaching up to approximately the height of an average adult. Above this level, the structure will transition to the innovative plastic blocks, which are not only durable but also require minimal maintenance.
Gjertson further emphasized that the Aqua House is designed to be an inviting space, countering the typical perception of public restrooms as dark, enclosed areas. Instead, the structure will feature an open, airy design that maximizes natural light, creating a more pleasant and accessible environment for visitors.
The development of the S.T.E.A.M. Park is a collaborative effort involving two nonprofit organizations: Levity and Les Deux Bayous S.T.E.A.M. Park. Levity functions as a think tank and multidisciplinary space, while Les Deux Bayous S.T.E.A.M. Park is dedicated to promoting science, technology, entertainment, arts, and mathematics, along with cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. Together, these organizations and the university are working to solidify Arnaudville’s reputation as a cultural and educational hub.
The Building Institute has a history of contributing to Arnaudville’s cultural landscape. Since its founding in 2003, the institute has overseen 18 multi-semester projects involving more than 600 students. One of its notable projects is the House of Cards, a 256-square-foot artist’s retreat situated along Bayou Bourbeau.
For more education-related information, click here.