Using Technology to Implement Meaningful Design in K-12 Schools

Posted on by Delaney Ogden

Back to school marks more than just the end of summer; it’s an opportunity for students to step into environments that spark curiosity and possibility. The sense of discovery felt when starting a new school year is powerful because it does not stop at the physical space. When students encounter a thoughtfully designed environment, it invites them to imagine, question, and create in ways they might not have before. Every detail, from the openness of a learning commons to the energy of shared spaces encourages them to see learning not as a task but as an adventure, where students can uncover new strengths, passions, and ideas within themselves. By designing schools that ignite creativity and support exploration, we create more than classrooms – we create experiences that help students discover who they are and what they can achieve.  

In the article below, Clark Nexsen demonstrates how they use technology and computational design to create new opportunities for design in their K-12 studio.”

https://www.clarknexsen.com/using-technology-to-implement-meaningful-design-in-k-12-schools/

Taking Design Online: K-12 Outreach

Posted on by cguske

As Virginia’s students, educators, and parents are working (and sometimes struggling) to adapt to a new online learning environment, architects and firms have an unprecedented opportunity to serve as a resource to the community. Let’s do what architects do best and nimbly design a solution to deliver online STEAM and design-thinking programming – with the secondary benefit of introducing a generation of learners to the profession of architecture!

  • Do you currently offer outreach programming that could be adapted to deliver online?
  • Are you interested in volunteering to develop or deliver online lessons to students?
  • Would you be willing to participate in an “Ask an Architect” session online with students?

Let us know and AIA Virginia can help make connections with local educators, take registrations for courses, and facilitate communication and online delivery of courses.

Now is the time to build relationships with educators and students (and help out parents who are trying to keep children learning and engaged)!

K-12 Outreach Clearinghouse

AIA Virginia is also working to develop an online clearinghouse of existing programs. If you, your chapter, or your firm has a program that you’re willing to share, please let us know. We want to be the go-to place for Virginia’s educators and parents to discover opportunities and architecture programming for students.

We’ll organize the courses you share and make them available to other architects and educators. But, we don’t just want your courses – we want your stories! We would love to share your experiences on our communications platforms.