North Columbus News

Aaron Rumbaugh, the new landscape architect at The Ohio State University, is excited about revitalizing the Oval, a central part of the campus. Rumbaugh succeeded Steve Volkmann, who retired in 2023 after over two decades in the role. Reflecting on his journey from student to university landscape architect, Rumbaugh remarked, “That’s really cool, isn’t it? I see students every day and I see myself in them.”

Rumbaugh explained that his responsibilities extend beyond horticulture. "I think people have a misconception that landscape architects go mow lawns," he said. "Really, I work closely with the university architect, Ben Niebauer. We help set the aesthetic and design vision for the university."

His focus includes maintaining outdoor spaces where students can engage and interact. “My position has a role in making sure that we’re thinking about outside spaces for students,” he noted.

The current project under Rumbaugh's purview involves activating the Oval as part of Framework 3.0. He aims to offer diverse experiences for students using innovative furniture options like high-top collaboration desks and rocking chairs.

Last year, rocking chairs were introduced successfully. Students moved them closer together due to their lightweight nature. This experiment continues with other types of furniture to gauge student interest.

Additionally, hammock posts were installed near Mirror Lake following student interest in hammocks. However, they have not been widely used yet. Rumbaugh attributes this to inadequate signage and plans to address it by possibly installing a hammock themselves.

Maintaining flexibility on the Oval is crucial for Rumbaugh. “One of the things that makes the Oval the Oval is the flexibility that students have there,” he stated.

The efforts are part of broader initiatives to refresh certain campus areas while preserving historical significance since Ohio State's founding in 1870.

“When you walk through a place and there’s just a bench...that can give...the perception that it’s a little stale or maybe not as interactive or welcoming,” Rumbaugh observed.

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