by Shalaka Gole, staff writer

Instead of regurgitating curriculum standards for a test or quiz, Cal High architecture students are getting the opportunity to put their skills to work in the real world.

Junior Grant Kinney, and seniors Clayton Welch and Alexandra Li are working on a school project like no other, designing the planned remodeling of Lost Isle, a former popular daytime island resort on the San Joaquin River.

The well-known “party island” was closed down three years ago after safety concerns because of its condition and a fatal altercation between three of its patrons.

Since then, the owner of Lost Isle has sought the help of architecture company Land Image, run by the nephew of Cal High architecture teacher Steve Dick.

Dick approached three of his students with the project and they began working with architects from Land Image to design the new island.

Though the students are excited to help, the owner has been unsure of whether the project should be carried out because of money issues.

“He wants to make sure it will be profitable,” said Dick.

The owner, Dick said, is not positive the idea of a daytime island resort would still be productive in the current economy.

As of now, the three Cal students are moving forward with the project without the help of the Land Image Company or any other professional architecture company.

“We’re going to do a presentation, and see if they like it, then they will go forward with it,” said Clayton.

During the process of design, the students first brainstorm ideas for the project.

“We went there and checked out the island and we came up with ideas of what we would want on it,” said Grant.

The next step involves using computer models to accurately design the different aspects of the project.

Alexandra enjoys the computer design process the most.

“It’s really fun to work with these programs,” she said, referring to architectural design programs like SketchUp.

When the design is completed on the computer, the students will print out a map of the entire island, and ultimately use a plastic “printer” to create a three dimensional model of the entire island.

Each student is adding their own personal flair to the project, and hopes to see their work come to fruition.

For example, Alexandra has been working on the restaurant, and has changed it completely from its original design.

As a group, the students have added special details to the project as well.

“The bar and bocce ball courts were our ideas,” said Clayton. “We also added the firepit.”

As young students, Grant, Alexandra, and Clayton bring a fresh perspective to the table.

“We’re hoping that at some point, he will change his mind,” said Dick, referring to the island’s owner. “We’re trying to sell him on it.”

But even if the project is not carried out, the students will still gain an impressive addition to their personal portfolios, as well as a more in-depth understanding of the design process.

“Its definitely an experience to see all these designs,” said Alexandra.

Grant, who hopes to pursue architecture as a career, believes this project will help him in the future.

“I get a view of what builders and architects go through,” he said.

Alexandra agrees with him. If she decides to go into architecture, she believes the Lost Isle project will give her an edge.

“I’m now experienced with architecture,” said Alexandra

But the end of the project is not yet so close, according to the students.

“We’ve been working on it for a long time,” said Clayton.