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Maya Lin: Architect & Sculptor

Students will explore the life and work of architect and sculptor Maya Lin and design an original monument.

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.

  • Cup or Bottle
  • Paper
  • Paper Towels
  • Recycled Materials
  • Tissues or Tissue Paper

Steps

  • Step 1

    Maya Lin is an American architect and sculptor best known for the  Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., which she designed at the age of 21 while still an undergraduate at Yale University. Have students investigate some of her creations, which tend to invite contemplation of the natural world and threats to the environment. Examples include "Decoding the Tree of Life" in Philadelphia, PA; the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery, AL;  and "Il Cortile Mare" in Rome, Italy. Have them also explore some of the notable buildings she designed such as the Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research in Cambridge, MA; The Museum for African Art in New York, NY; and the Box House in Telluride, CO. 

  • Step 2

    Ask students to think of an event or a topic to  create a monument for. Have them sketch a design and draft a statement about its meaning and importance and then use Model Magic and other art supplies as well as recycled materials and craft items to produce a sculpture.

  • Step 3

    Have students present their work and discuss the event or topic it represents. Ask them to describe the art techniques they used and how these techniques helped to convey the work's message.

Standards

ARTS: Analyze how art exhibited in schools, museums, galleries, virtual spaces, and other places contributes to communities. 

ARTS: Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work.

ARTS: Repurpose objects to make something new.  

Adaptations

Encourage students to watch Maya Lin's brief video (3 minutes, 17 seconds) called "Unchopping a Tree" (2011), which calls attention to the crucial need of reducing the world's carbon footprint

Maya Lin was invited by her alma mater Yale University to create an artwork marking the 20th anniversary of the school's allowing women to enroll. She created "The Women's Table" which was installed on Yale's campus. Have students investigate the history and prevailing attitudes as schools across the nation went coed.