“As I’ve worked throughout Indiana, each of these towns is unique,” said Jon Racek, program founder and ServeDesign Center director. Nashville is another 2025 studio participant with a parklet project in the works. Project ChallengesAfter sharing their opinions with design students, rural residents receive a workable concept that can propel quality-of-life improvements into action. Real-World ExperienceFor IU design students, the Rural Placemaking Studio offers real-world experience in project management and client communication. It’s the result of a 2024 studio parklet project made possible by a fundraising campaign.