University of Wisconsin-Madison (Allen Centennial Garden, University of Wisconsin)

The Allen Centennial Garden at the University of Wisconsin aims to foster greater appreciation for plants among the campus community. To help achieve this, the garden will create an interpretive master plan for its permanent displays. The garden will host listening sessions with undergraduate students to guide the selection of a consultant for the project. Students will be involved on the design team and as evaluators, allowing for authentic peer feedback while providing immersive learning experiences. Prior to their fabrication and installation, exhibits and displays will be prototyped and evaluated through on-site events and at off-site locations such as dorms, dining halls, and libraries. The project responds to an identified need to address "plant blindness," the inability to recognize or notice the plants in one's environment and their importance in the biosphere and in human affairs.