Drexel students and a group of sponsoring University offices partnered with Presby's Inspired Life to build an urban garden, called the "Healthy Outdoor Garden Oasis," for residents of the Mantua Presbyterian Apartments, a senior housing community in the Mantua neighborhood near campus.
Students from Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design's interior architecture and design program designed and fabricated the garden in collaboration with the senior residents. The project provided hands-on experience for the students not only in design, but in bringing that design to life. They also learned about the needs of aging. And the seniors are able to be more active and enjoy the outdoors.
The project was made possible by a $20,000 Drexel Community Research Grant awarded to faculty. Co-sponsors at Drexel included the Office of University and Community Partnerships, the Lindy Center for Civic Engagement, the Pennoni Honors College, and the Office of Research.