The ArchForKids Blog
Keep up with the latest ArchForKids news and learn about architecture related topics!
Students Design Green Space During Harrison Library Mini Camp
led a mini camp where local youth would design a green space for the Harrison Public Library in Harrison NY. Each session was 3 hours but the ideas these young designers came up with were endless. From a piano in the middle of the green space to add a nice ambiance, to a full golf course complete with a tunnel which explains the structure’s history. These kids, aged 3 to 12, did not fail to impress.
Welcoming in the New Year: Looking back at our 2021 & Featuring a special NYC School Residency
During a 10 week in-school residency at Queens’ PS232 Elementary School we worked with 3rd graders to produce a timeline of iconic and historical buildings in New York. We explored the architectural history of our city from the 1600’s all the way to the current era.Â
Arts Alive Grant Programs; Animal Architecture & Revisioning Vacant Lots
ArchForKids is happy to announce it received two grants from the Arts Alive program of ArtsWestchester. The first grant is a partnership with Yonkers Public Library to do four Animal Architecture programs this summer. These programs explored Animal Architecture and enhanced the 2021 summer reading theme of Tails and Tales. The second grant will fund the project, Teen Design Challenge: Revisioning Sleepy Hollow’s Vacant Spaces, an intensive design charrette for 30 local middle and high school students. Their challenge will be to transform five vacant spaces in Sleepy Hollow into something beautiful which will positively impact the community.
Showcasing Our Students: SONYC CSS Cycle 3 Afterschool Program
In this class, our students were exposed to a broad spectrum of topics in architecture and then asked to apply the academic concepts to real world situations. Some of our discussion topics included building types, architectural styles, architectural drawings, construction methods, building materials and structural forces. Our main goal is to inspire kids to examine their built environment with a new set of eyes, to start recognizing some of the unique features that give buildings character and distinguish them from one another.Â
Vacant Lots: How communities nationwide are repurposing them into community treasures
Vacant lots are a familiar part of urban landscapes all around America and have existed for many years. In the past, the most common approach of restoring these lots to utility has been by turning them into community vegetable gardens. However, in the last decade or so we have come to realize the incredible range of opportunities vacant lots represent in adding value to local communities. Whether it is through an exciting public art space inviting contemplation or a well-used neighborhood park where families and friends can relax and commune with nature, vacant lots are being re-imagined in myriad and novel ways.
Getting Back to In-Person Education in New York Schools
With the lessening of Covid related restrictions this semester, ArchForKids has been able to begin in-person programming once again. While there have been many positive sides to our virtual programs it is great to get back in schools as we have missed the level of engagement with students and teachers that we get from in-person instruction. We wondered how the new safety protocols would impact the lesson experience. We asked one of our educators, Jasmine Morris to share her experience teaching Pre-K through 1st grade students at the PS149 school in Brooklyn. Read her account below.Â
In Honor of Earth Day 2021; We Led a Tabletop Greenhouse Workshop
In a nod to Earth Day’s mission of educating and activating the environmental movement worldwide, ArchForKids hosted one of their most popular workshops, How Does Your Garden Grow? Tabletop Greenhouses on April 22, Earth Day 2021.
ArchForKids Leads Design Charrette to Help Teens in Panama City, Florida Re-Imagine Vacant Spaces in Their City
After much success working with a talented group of teens in Panama City, Florida this past year, ArchForKids had the opportunity to produce a new 2-day design charrette this spring. Upping the ante, this time the teens were asked to reimagine how four vacant spaces...
A Look Back at 2020; Virtual Workshops, Reaching New Audiences & More!
The year 2020 provided many surprises for everyone, and those of us here at ArchForKids are no exception. Faced with school and library closings we began to offer virtual workshops and classes. This was definitely a learning curve and to this day we are still working...
Holiday Elf Houses – Kids Embrace Creativity and the Holiday Spirit in a Recent Virtual Workshop
Youths Embrace Their Creativity and Embrace the Festive Atmosphere while Designing and Building Holiday Elf Houses during a project-based learning virtual workshop design to teach architecture for kids