Faith is a 3rd year English and Design major who is passionate about design and how it can revolutionize everyday objects. Madilynn is a 3rd year landscape and architecture design student who focuses on community involvement and connection to landscape. 

Both Faith and Madilynn’s research is called “OppoSits” excerpt below:

OppoSits

By Faith Arnett and Madilynn Abe

We often underestimate the power of play and its ability to influence even the most mundane activities. Having recreational seating in a public space can create a whimsical environment, which is exactly what “OppoSits” was created to accomplish.  Drawing inspiration from the traditional magnet, “OppoSits” utilizes the color, form, and ability to attract people together like “polar opposites.” Furthermore, the simple shape allows for several arrangements ranging from a simple circle to a larger S-curve. The layout can allow for more people to join or for smaller, more intimate gatherings. If flipped upside down into a U-shape, it can act as a seesaw, turning sitting into an energizing interaction. The capabilities of “OppoSits” are endless due to its dynamic design, but more importantly, it challenges the passerby to exercise their own imagination. “OppoSits” serves as a constantly changing installation piece reminding us of the universal, innate curiosity and child-like playfulness that never quite goes away as an adult.  

They both chose this area of research because they wanted to combine their backgrounds and create something hands-on where people are able to experience. They wanted to design something that encouraged “play” without feeling awkward and stimulate imagination no matter the age. Some advice that they would give to others who are interested in research would be to not limit yourself and collaborate with others. Two minds are better than one! After graduating from UC Davis, Faith is interested in going into museum work and Maddilynn aspires to work on a firm and focus on community development as climate change is on the rise.