Students reimagine former Hudson’s Bay space in Medicine Hat Mall during Minecraft design project

Among the three top submissions was the “Gas City Connections Hub,” created by Grade 6 student Riley Carolan, which earned recognition for its focus on accessibility, community partnerships and services for residents of all ages.

Carolan said the idea stemmed from a desire to create a gathering place that could be used by everyone in the community.

“Help out the community, and because most of the spots for connection zones are out of town or are for little kids, I decided to make one for all ages accessible,” Carolan said.

The proposal included a walking track and homework hub for teenagers, an obstacle course and calming zone, as well as a wellness area and community kitchen.

Carolan said the design process took several weeks of planning and construction in Minecraft, adding that experience from participating in the project in previous years helped improve the final design.

“Take my time and don’t rush it, and add tiny details that could add more,” Carolan said.

When asked how it felt to have the work recognized, Carolan said, “It felt good, but I was still nervous about it.”

Two other students have been recognized for their projects, including Merritt Haland’s “Kingdom Sports” and Emery Stewart’s “Emmy’s Daycare.”

Haland’s proposal centred on a year-round recreation facility aimed at addressing gaps in local sports programming.

The design included indoor and outdoor sporting spaces, such as batting cages, tennis courts, a mini-stick arena, a golf simulator, and flexible spaces for events and birthday parties, as well as retail components to support the facility.

Stewart’s build is a daycare facility within the mall aimed at supporting families and mall employees.

The project included child-focused learning and play areas such as a ball pit, library space and quiet rooms, with an emphasis on safety, accessibility and supporting parents working or shopping in the mall.

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(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

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Each year, the project encourages students to blend creativity with real-world problem solving by designing developments that address community needs while learning about urban planning, technology and design.

Carolan summed up the philosophy behind the project in a statement included with the submission.

“The best decisions for our community are those that are made with kindness and come from the heart.”

by Jett Schwaier

Students reimagine former Hudson’s Bay space in Medicine Hat Mall during Minecraft design project

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