By Patrick Hedlund
DNAinfo News Editor
COOPER SQUARE — Students from the Cooper Union showed off their final projects at opening night of the college's "End of Year Show" Monday.
Everything from sculptures and audio-visual projects to robots and bread-making bicycles were showcased as part of the public presentation of more than 300 art, architecture and engineering exhibitions, a tradition that dates back to 1860.
Rooms throughout the Cooper Union's landmark Foundation building and its new academic building were filled with small- and large-scale projects from more than 200 students — wowing viewers with their creativity and resourcefulness.
One popular stop for visitors was a bicycle connected to a blender that is designed to harness pedal power to mix smoothies.
"I'm really interested in this idea of functionality and ornamentality," said Adam Dirks, 20, a junior in the school's art program, describing a theme visible throughout the show.
He used reclaimed bike parts and some of his own sculpture work to create the piece, which guests pedaled in order to blend their drinks of choice.
"The caliber of work here is really impressive," Dirks added, speaking of the collaborative nature of the college among students, professors and other school staff. "Every time you go to class, there's never a dull week."
Engineering student Kevin Wong, 22, demonstrated a robotic arm that he and his classmates mastered during their senior year, allowing them to develop a lesson plan for future students.
"We're satisfied with what we finished," he said of the moveable arm, which is typically used on production lines. "We feel our tutorials will be able to be used in the future for professors to help teach other students."
The school of engineering projects will remain on display until May 28, the school of art projects until June 11 and the school of architecture projects until June 18. The show is free and open to the public Tuesday through Saturday, from noon to 7 p.m.
