Architects in Schools
In this residency program, children work under the guidance of a resident professional architect. Leap architects use as teaching materials the structures, buildings, streets, neighborhoods, communities, and cities around their schools, making the built environment a laboratory of learning activities for their students. Experiential activities teach basic concepts, awakening in students a greater awareness and understanding of what is around them.
Activities include creating scale drawings and models that sharpen math skills, solving structural problems by applying science principles, and engaging in drawing exercises to enhance perception and art skills. Architecture residencies typically focus on the design and construction of a structurally sound building or bridge model.
The program goals are:
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To teach the design process as a tool for problem solving |
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To teach students how to think about space and the built environment
in which we live, and to envision possibilities for how they can impact
it |
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Develop and refine critical thinking, cognitive and creative skills |
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To teach students that architecture is a reflection of history |
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To teach students how culture and heritage affect design, and how design
of the built environment can impact our lives |
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Increase motivation and deepen understanding in other academic areas,
in particular math, science and humanities |
Architecture residencies can focus on individual or collaborative projects.
A sample architecture residency focused on individual projects might involve students designing their future dream houses, then building scale-appropriate models of these houses. As they build their models, the Leap architect would encourage the students to think carefully about the use of space, and to consider both functionality and aesthetics. This project would empower students to think in concrete terms and envision their futures, while opening up a new way of thinking about the environment around them.
A sample architecture residency focused on collaborative projects might involve taking the students on a walking tour of the neighborhood to choose a derelict lot to redesign. Mapping, surveying, and city planning skills assist in redesigning the environment while considering landscaping, shelter, culture issues, climate and community needs. Beginning with drafting and creating blueprints, students discover how to scale a 2-D picture to create an actual 3-D structure. Scale models are built, experimenting with a variety of materials and modern construction techniques. Models are then presented publicly for neighborhood feedback.
To see Leap's roster of architects, please click here.
If you would like any more information on Leap's Architects in Schools
program, please contact
us.
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