A new Ivy Tech bus shelter and its designer, Ivy Tech alumnus Darren Wharton, was recognized at Ivy Tech Community College. The shelter is located on the west side of campus off of First Avenue. It offers benches and shelter from the elements for those waiting at the METS bus stop on Ivy Tech’s Evansville campus.
“This is a shining example of the skills and knowledge that Ivy Tech students gain while working toward their degree,†said Chancellor Jonathan Weinzapfel. “Darren’s design is not only attractive, but also very functional both day and night, rain or shine. We are proud to have this shelter and are happy to offer it to our bus riders.â€
The project began in 2011 when the need for a covered shelter was recognized. Wharton, a student studying Design Technology at the time, discussed the needs with student leaders and began preliminary design sketches and renderings. With the guidance of design technology faculty member Mike Satterfield, Wharton decided on construction materials, drawings and building code requirements. He then presented the concepts to the chancellor at that time, Dan Schenk.
Wharton’s concept came to fruition and was fabricated in 2017 by a company in Lake Forest, Illinois. Installation was completed by Danco Construction of Evansville in May of this year.
Wharton, currently a draftsman for Pittsburg Tank & Tower Group in Henderson, Ky., is a 2012 graduate of Ivy Tech Community College Evansville. He completed his associate of applied science degree in Design Technology with a concentration in Architecture and was an honor graduate. During his time at the College, he was president of the Design Technology local chapter of The American Institute of Architecture Students.
