Architecture For Kids: Integrated Learning At Its Best

Architecture is about designing buildings, yes, but architecture as a topic is so broad, so multidisciplinary, so expansive through place and time, that it can be studied in a variety of academic, creative and collaborative ways, and yes, with kids! Learning architecture at any young age offers kids a path to participate in designing the world they want to live in.

Exhibit at Expo Dubai, photo by author

Architecture is STEAM

Architecture is an officially recognized STEM subject. I would argue architecture essentially embodies STEAM- Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics. And much more.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) (and STEAM which incorporates the Arts) is a growing world-wide educational approach that integrates concepts with a real-world approach. Elements of each subject connect with the others, providing a holistic learning environment. And when kids make connections, deep learning happens.

Here is a brief list of how architecture can relate to topics of study in the STEAM approach:

Science

Building materials, the environment, passive solar design

Technology

Building materials, computer aided design, advancements in architectural technology throughout history

Engineering

Structural design, strength of materials, temperature and humidity regulation and other environmental topics including site development

Arts

Beauty, creativity, innovation, photography, architecture appreciation

Maths

Patterns, geometry, measurements, square footage, materials and cost calculations, and advanced maths like calculus.

Beyond STEAM

Learning architecture can focus a lens on even more topics and skills relevant for the future.

Spatial Thinking

Model building, drawing plans, thinking three dimensionally, finding meaning in the context of location, creating and reading maps.

Graphics and presentation

Communicating design ideas, presenting designs to others.

History

History of architecture, cities and settlements.

Culture

Indigenous architecture, similarities and differences in lifeways, aesthetics and design solutions around the globe.

Critical Thinking

Ethics, climate change, discrimination in the practice of architecture

Multi-disciplinary

Collaboration, community-driven design, working with others.

Integrated Learning

The field of architecture itself is an inherently integrated discipline. It is easy to see how the built environment affects our lives at all scales- from the design of homes, schools, buildings, public spaces, neighborhoods and cities. Architecture is all around us!

Kids inhabit the built environment differently than adults and they have different needs. But they are often more imaginative than adults. Working with kids to imagine and design creative solutions to today’s complex and interrelated problems fills me with hope for the future.