Arts and Entertainment

Penn State School of Visual Arts student designs award-winning waterpark

Penn State School of Visual Arts senior Andrew Reiff is the 2014 recipient of the PGAV Destinations Spot Experiential Scholarship for his design of a waterpark. The first-of-its-kind scholarship was launched in spring 2013 and challenges U.S. college students to design a destination based upon one of seven unique environmental concepts, from a solar-powered research station in the Antarctic to a new home for Anheuser-Busch’s Clydesdales. Winners receive an all-expenses paid trip to an attraction designed by PGAV Destinations, a leader in designing and developing theme parks, aquariums and other unique destinations.

Reiff’s submission envisioned an immersive waterpark called “Appalachian Creeks.” In his narrative, Andrew described a town founded by visionaries to bring fresh water to those without access that was eventually converted into an engaging waterpark attraction. His multiple renderings depicted individual rides, park layouts and a sophisticated demonstration of the kind of thinking that goes into exceptional destination design. His focus was bridging the gap between spectators and the participating riders.

Andrew Reiff's award-winning waterpark design Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

“Andrew went above and beyond just envisioning a wild water ride,” said Ned Diestelkamp, PGAV vice president and head of the scholarship review panel. “He showed a deep level of thinking about the guest experience from all angles; considered park signage, basing it on creative storytelling; and demonstrated really impressive technical sophistication.”

Reiff was given the choice of visiting PGAV-designed Discovery Cove, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Table Rock at Niagara Falls, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, or the Georgia Aquarium, and chose Busch Gardens.

Reiff will graduate in May 2015 with a bachelor of design in interdisciplinary digital studio. A dean’s list scholar and previous employee of Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ International) and Walt Disney World, he is a member of the Themed Entertainment Association and International Association of Amusement Parks, and is a self-proclaimed theme park enthusiast, most notably a roller coaster junkie. After graduation, he hopes to begin his career in the themed entertainment industry as a 3D visualization artist.

“It’s such an honor to be the scholarship recipient this year,” said Reiff. “As an artist and as a future creative individual in the themed entertainment industry, I’m so honored and I appreciate it so much.”

For Reiff’s full Spot Experiential Scholarship submission, visit PGAV Destinations’ blog. For more on PGAV Destinations, visit www.PGAVDestinations.com.

Andrew Reiff Credit: Leighton HajicekAll Rights Reserved.

Last Updated August 4, 2014

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