Architecture students in Hansy Better’s Digital Constructs studio (shown here with Mayor Allan Fung of Cranston, RI) have collaborated with Rolfe Square business owners in Cranston to design six new storefront windows. Organized in part by the Artists’ Exchange, a nonprofit arts collaborative and one of the local businesses involved, the project is meant to combine “beautiful historic storefront windows” and “design that creates a ‘wow’ factor” to attract customers to the shopping district, according to Elaine McKenna-Yeaw, director of the Artists’ Exchange.

Students made great use of laser-cut paper in their window installations, thanks to support from Bud Saggal of Precision Laser in Pawtucket, RI, who has partnered with the Architecture Department for the past seven years. “Bud has bought materials for our students and allowed us to use his fabrication shop at a huge discount rate or at no charge,” Hansy reports.

The students’ installations will be up until the end of December at Artists’ Exchange, Betty’s Candies, Citizens’ Bank, the Cranston Chamber of Commerce, Park Senate Barber Salon and Ruth’s Lingerie – all in Cranston’s Rolfe Square.