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Be An Architect

Students will explore notable examples of architectural structures then design their own structure.

Lesson Plan

Supplies Needed

Gather all the supplies needed to bring your craft ideas to life! From paints and markers to glue and scissors, our crafts section has everything to spark creativity and make every project truly special.

  • Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Architecture is the art and science of designing buildings and other structures. Have students investigate some notable architects and their works. This could include Frank Lloyd Wright who created the philosophy known as organic architecture, which promotes harmony between human habitation and the natural world. Have them look at images of Falling Water, the Guggenheim Museum, the Frederick C. Robie House (all three of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites) or any others. They might also research and view the works of Maya Lin (known for designing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial et al), Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (Barcelona Pavilion, Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library et al), Moshe Safdie (Habitat 67 et al), Zaha Hadid (Riverside Museum et al), or any others.

  • Step 2

    Have students think about a building or structure they'd like to design. Would it be a home, museum, memorial, or something else? What features would they like to incorporate? Would they choose a Gothic, Victorian, Art Nouveau, Neoclassical, or another style? Encourage students to learn about and view examples of the many architectural styles. When they create their sketches, remind them to design to scale, using measurements and proportions in their drawings.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their architectural design and discuss what the structure is, the style that inspired them, and why they chose to design it.

Standards

ARTS: Apply criteria to explore and evaluate artistic work.

MATH: Create models that demonstrate math concepts and attend to precision. 

Adaptations

Invite an architect to speak to the class, either in person or via video. Have students prepare a list of questions in advance. Suggestions might include asking about how long it takes from the design to completion, codes and local ordinances that have to be followed, inspiration for designs, etc.

Have students form small groups. Ask them to think of a local need, possibly a new school that could serve their community that would be innovative. Have them sketch ideas for their project and write a brief explanation about why they chose this particular design and how the improvements would benefit the community.