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Be a Changemaker: How design transforms our communities
From June 24-28, 2024, students from across Oregon and beyond participated in our virtual Architects in Schools Summer Camp. During this camp, students took on the role of an architect and builder to learn about the benefits of adaptive reuse and how the built environment must evolve with cultural, societal, and environmental changes.
Were you unable to register for the camp and want to participate in design activities with your family? Good news! We have made the camp content publicly available on this page through the end of August. Camp material is free and designed for youth ages 8-12.
Each day of camp, students work through a lesson, watch videos featuring architects and design professionals, and complete design activities. We have included daily bonus challenges for students who want to do more!
We recommend students work through the content day by day and in order. Everything is self-paced, so you can take as much time as you want to work through the materials. Keep scrolling to get started!
All camp material below will remain available for the month of August. Download a list of recommended art supplies.
Day 1: What is Adaptive Reuse and How Can It Change Our Communities for the Better?
Begin by downloading and printing out the Student Architect Journal. This is your student’s space to write, sketch, design, think out loud and develop numerous creative ideas!
Download the Day 1 Lesson. This document will lead your student through camp activities for the day. We recommend students view this document digitally so they can click on the embedded web links.
During Day 1, students will explore parts 1 and 2 of the design process, which is to ask questions and imagine. They will get introduced to the concept of adaptive reuse and choose a structure that they will redesign for their community throughout the camp. They will explore how they feel in their community and create a collage for inspiration. Have your student follow the Day 1 Lesson and the Student Architect Journal to complete these activities.
Looking for more architecture fun? Try out the Day 1 Bonus Challenge: Design a Functional Folder on page 13 of the Architect Journal.
Use this form to share your student’s work with us! bit.ly/aisSC24-shareyourwork
Each day of camp, we offered a live session for students to continue learning about design, connect with design professionals, and get more instruction on the activities for the day.
Day 2: Communities Change. Design Must Change, Too!
Download the Day 2 Lesson and have your student view it digitally so they can click on the embedded web links. This document will lead them through camp activities for the day. Remember the Student Architect Journal from Day 1? Keep it nearby. Students will use it everyday throughout the camp.
During Day 2, students will explore how cultural and societal changes can inform the design process when creating places for a community. Through research and listening, they will determine the wants and needs of their community and explore historic and core values that will guide their adaptive reuse design. Have your student follow the Day 2 Lesson and the Student Architect Journal to complete these activities.
Still want to do more? Try out the Day 2 Bonus Challenge: Smile Map of My Neighborhood on pages 23-25 of the Architect Journal.
Use this form to share your student’s work with us! bit.ly/aisSC24-shareyourwork
Each day of camp, we offered a live session for students to continue learning about design, connect with design professionals, and get more instruction on the activities for the day.
Day 3: Programmatic Changes. When a Building Gets a New Job!
Download the Day 3 Lesson and have your student view it digitally so they can click on the embedded web links. This document will lead them through camp activities for the day. Be sure to have the Student Architect Journal from Day 1 nearby.
During Day 3, students will enter the planning part of the design process and determine the program (the activities) that will happen in their adaptive reuse structure. They will learn about different architectural drawings and create iterations until they have the best design possible! Have your student follow the Day 3 Lesson and the Student Architect Journal to complete these activities.
Excited about today’s lesson? Try out the Day 3 Bonus Challenge: Structure Flip Book on page 39 of the Architect Journal.
Use this form to share your student’s work with us! bit.ly/aisSC24-shareyourwork
Each day of camp, we offered a live session for students to continue learning about design, connect with design professionals, and get more instruction on the activities for the day.
Day 4: Adapting the Built Environment for Climate Change
Download the Day 4 Lesson and have your student view it digitally so they can click on the embedded web links. This document will lead them through camp activities for the day. Be sure to have the Student Architect Journal from Day 1 nearby.
During Day 4, students will explore how architects and engineers must design for environmental changes in order to keep their communities safe. They will learn about different sustainable design features and upgrade their adaptive reuse structures to be better for the environment. They will continue to plan and create final drawings. This is the final step before they are ready to build! Have your student follow the Day 4 Lesson and the Student Architect Journal to complete these activities.
Want to try another activity? Complete the Day 4 Bonus Challenge: Calculate Your Carbon Footprint on pages 47-49 of the Architect Journal.
Use this form to share your student’s work with us! bit.ly/aisSC24-shareyourwork
Each day of camp, we offered a live session for students to continue learning about design, connect with design professionals, and get more instruction on the activities for the day.
Day 5: Build Like a Contractor!
You made it to the final day of camp! Download the Day 5 Lesson and have your student view it digitally so they can click on the embedded web links. This document will lead them through camp activities for the day. Be sure to have the Student Architect Journal from Day 1 nearby.
During Day 5, students will explore the final steps in the design process, which is to create and improve. They will spend the day constructing a model of their adaptive reuse structure. Get creative with the supplies you have! Gather any recycled materials, paper, and arts and craft supplies that students can use. Have them follow the Day 5 Lesson and the Student Architect Journal to complete this activity.
Looking for one last activity to do? Check out the Day 5 Bonus Challenge: Thank You Letter to Your Structure on page 52 of the Architect Journal.
Use this form to share your student’s work with us! bit.ly/aisSC24-shareyourwork
Visit our Camp Board to check out work completed by our 2024 AiS Campers!
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Each day of camp, we offered a live session for students to continue learning about design, connect with design professionals, and get more instruction on the activities for the day.
Thank you to our Sponsors!
Questions?
Contact:
Kim Ruthardt Knowles
Associate Director, Architects in Schools
kim@af-oregon.org
503-317-7537
Candice Agahan
Education Program Manager
candice@af-oregon.org
503-542-3823
Sam Majors
Education Outreach Associate
sam@af-oregon.org
971-357-3178