By Dee Seaver

Each summer, the typical higher education student must decide what they will do to occupy their summer. Sometimes it’s go home, maybe take a trip abroad, or find an internship to bolster resume content. As a first year grad student still trying to find my way, I wanted to find something to do for the summer that would allow me to better connect to the local Savannah culture, satiate my interest in sustainable design, and strongest desire was to feel like I was helpful – applying my previous education, professional experience, and personal skills for a purpose.

Earlier in the school year, I met Meagan Hodge and learned about Emergent Structures while scouring materials during the Jones St. deconstruction. Brainstorming ideas for what I could do during the summer, participating in such a project as Jones St. seemed to fit what I wanted to do. I tracked down Meagan and talked to her about what I hoped to do over the next few months before the start of classes in Fall. Meagan informed of a greenhouse build that had been in the works for over a year, but would finally break ground in June or July. She described the project, which would use reclaimed materials, was a direct result of support from Emergent Structures, and part of the programming for the nonprofit Design for Ability. It sounded like a dream, and I must say that I threw myself at her feet for a chance to be a part of it.

Mid-June I started working with Meagan to track down contacts for material donations, identify people resources for develop programing once the greenhouse was complete, request quotes from potential suppliers, and in general help Meagan and Emergent Structures complete necessary steps for construction to begin. But my experience was far more than project management – I met people like Ramesy and toured the world of Southern Pine; shared office space with Charlie in the “Steamroom” print shop; made the acquaintance of Kerry from Bathesda Academy farm stand and Ben from Oxform working with Design for Ability students; saw Whole Foods follow-up promises with action; helped design and fabricate origami seed packets for Kickstarter gifts; worked with other members of Emergent Structures, Keith, Mark, Steve, and Scott; spoke with the coordinator of an upcoming sustainability conference in Savannah; and more.

But beyond the connections that I made and “real world” experience I gained, I was inspired. I was inspired to see the passion of those that care about the world they live in; inspired by the generosity of those willing to contribute time, money, and materials to a project; inspired by the dedication of those who brought this project to fruition; inspired by a corporation setting a community example; and inspired by people from all backgrounds and motivations come together as a community for a positive purpose.

There were ups and downs throughout the summer with a few “hurry-up and wait” situations, struggles to understand the construction process in order to prepare for next steps, and times when it seemed delays would inevitable hold the greenhouse back from completion. But then someone would step in to smooth over rough spots, desperately needed supplies would miraculously materialize onsite just in time, and shear will power would ensure continued progress.

I have only been a part of the E.34 greenhouse build for a summer, but the people and project has had a tremendous impact on me, and is a highlight of my short-time in Savannah. I hope to continue to support the aspirations of the people involved, all of the future projects to come, and to see the difference such groups like Design for Ability and Emergent Structures, make in the communities they’re involved in.
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Thank you, Dee, for your great, hard work during your summer internship! Emergent is eternally grateful!