The Buffalo Architecture Foundation (BAF) is looking for volunteer architects for the 2015 Architecture + Education (A+E) program. This is a unique opportunity to engage school-age children with architecture, collaborate with talented educators and develop innovative curricula.
Over the past decade, the Architecture + Education program has been involved with 16 Buffalo Public Schools, 92 local architects, 82 classrooms, and over 2,500 students. The 2015 Architecture + Education program will continue this outreach, working with 9 Buffalo Public Schools, 25 classroom teachers, and over 600 students.
The program’s success counts on your continued support. The program is run entirely through volunteers that our local architecture and development firms employ. This commitment obviously comes at a time-cost but also offers great rewards; to firms, volunteers and the community at large.
What to Expect.
Symposium October 2nd, 2015 (approx. 8:00 am – 6:00 pm)
The program is kicked off with a day-long symposium for all participants including architects, designers, University at Buffalo/Buffalo State students and BPS teachers. Participants become “students for the day” exploring architectural and concepts through a series of lessons and activities. Attendance for the entire day is mandatory for both teachers and volunteer architects as we will conclude the symposium with the architect/teacher teams developing unique lesson plans that will serve as the blueprints for implementation of the program in the classroom.
In-Class Sessions October – December 2015
Each team is required to participate in 8-10 in-class sessions. The architect, with the assistance of a UB/Buffalo State student, will lead classroom discussions about the profession of architecture and how it relates to the subject that the students will focus on. During each class, the architect teaches a short lesson, and the students complete an activity related to the lesson. Activities should be hands-on and encourage students to creatively explore the task. Each lesson is built off of the last, so that in the end of the 8-10 sessions, the students will have produced tangible projects that show their process and progress of learning.
The volunteer architects and classroom teacher work together to develop a schedule and timeline for completing the 8-10 lessons. Most architects visit the classroom once, or twice a week for about an hour per session. Student work should be complete by the time the students leave for winter recess, which will allow time for the work to be displayed in the gallery. As any teacher will tell you, there is always “prep time” associated with preparing lessons, especially hands on lessons! As the volunteer architect you will be responsible for ensuring that your team has prepped the appropriate materials so that class time is used effectively and efficiently.
Exhibit of Student Work January 15th – January 29th, 2016
The culmination of the program is an exhibit of the students’ work at the CEPA Gallery. The Architecture + Education team works hard to ensure that every project from every participant is displayed at the exhibit, which is over 600 pieces! Each team is responsible for getting their projects to the gallery site and assisting in creating their display. Architecture + Education committee members will be on-site to assist where needed.
Benefits for volunteers.
Introduce students to a new way of analyzing their environment. What makes the program unique is the interaction and relationships between local professionals, and the children they volunteer to teach. The children are provided an alternative way of thinking about the world through the lens of architecture, while the architects and designers are provided with a sense of fulfilment. Architects, designers, artists, and other professionals working in the classroom believe educating students about architecture and design will foster appreciation for the environment and local communities.
Gain IDP Credit. Intern architects can gain IDP credits in the Leadership and Service Category for participating in the program. We will certify to NCARB that you have preformed services in support of the Buffalo Architecture Foundation.
Earn AIA Learning Units. Professionals can earn up to 10 Learning Units from AIA in the category Professional Community Service. The Architecture + Education Committee will assist participants in applying for the credits.
Gain professional development through community engagement. During the 2013 AIA National Convention many of the seminars amplified the importance of serving the community and how the skills developed through volunteerism can manifest into a professional toolset including public speaking, team leadership, scheduling, task management, creativity and professional networking. Architects need to be leaders and this program is a great way to hone those skills.
Interested in Participating?
To participate or request more information, please email: Linsey Graff at [email protected] or Luke Johnson, at [email protected]
A Volunteer Meeting will be held on Sept. 22nd at 6:00 pm at Millington Lockwood (3901 Genesee Street). Please RSVP by September 1st, 2015.
