KCRG TV-9 reports on Iowa State Fair booth created by University of Iowa 3-D Design Studio. 

By Forrest Saunders

Move over butter cow, there’s something new at this year’s state fair you’re going to want to check out: the one of a kind, ornate and hexagonal University of Iowa promotional booth.

The school has had one of the booths for years, often used as a recruiting center and Hawk Shop, but this display stands apart. For the first time, it was designed and constructed by UI 3-D design students.

“I think it turned out quite amazing,” said Vako Darjania, a UI graduate student who worked on the project. “I’m really impressed.”

It took the eight student team two months, working eight hours a day. They wanted to create something that showcased what makes their school standout, with nods to UI sports, science and medicine are all over the display.

“The booth, the theme, is a hexagon shape,” said Chuck Romans, who also worked on the project. “We actually got that off a molecule of DNA.”

Project heads with 3-D design said a UI Vice President contacted them about doing the booth after students took the top spot in a prestigious Chicago competition called SOFA CONNECT last year.

“The most important thing the students are getting out of this is the professional experience,” said 3-D design associate professor Monica Correia.

Instead of searching for a summer internship, Darjania said had a real chance to work, with his own school being the client.

“I was not really sure what I was going to do over the summer,” said Darjania. “I thought I would keep myself busy and be part of this amazing booth that it turned out to be.”

The group has a few things to finish before shipping the booth to the State Fair. It’ll be ready to go inside the Varied Industries Building when things kickoff next Thursday, Aug. 13. The fair runs until Aug. 23.