Help Children Discover Architecture One Page at a Time
AIA members and firms are invited to participate in the new Architecture by the Book community education program. (Entry form at the bottom of this page!)
Many AIA members were inspired to become architects as children by connecting directly with an architect in a school program or within their local community. We also know that AIA members and firms have a strong desire to share their profession but lack the time to develop curriculum or volunteer for an extended period.
CAF is excited to introduce Architecture by the Book, a new Built Environment Education Program (BEEP), that provides an engaging lesson on an architect or architectural concept in about 90 minutes, creating an impactful and sustainable micro-volunteering opportunity that can be more easily integrated into a busy architect’s schedule and today’s classroom or community setting.
This collaborative program originated from, and was beta-tested by, AIA Central Valley and is now expanding statewide through partnership with AIA California and its 501(c)(3), the California Architectural Foundation (CAF). The program will launch statewide in 2024, with a goal of 24 lessons at launch. Will your firm join us by supporting a lesson?
Architecture by the Book helps children discover architecture by bringing AIA architects of all ages and professional levels into local classrooms and communities, introducing architecture and design concepts through a book reading, presentation, and simple activity. The program includes lessons centered around architects of diversity. A primary goal of the program is to share the architectural profession with underrepresented schools and communities.
Each Architecture by the Book lesson consists of four elements, FREE and downloadable on the CAF website:
(1) the title and author of the book featuring a specific architect or architectural topic;
(2) an inspiring PDF presentation that expands on the book, further exploring the architect and architectural design concept;
(3) a hands-on activity that engages children in a creative, simple activity using recycled materials and items already in the classroom;
(4) most importantly, a local AIA architect volunteer who mentors and leads the lesson—connecting and engaging with students or community members.
Firms or individual AIA members are invited to support a lesson!
Here are the steps:
- Fill out the interest form below.
- A confirmation email will be sent with:
– A link to list of books to select from. Please choose and purchase an unclaimed book or find one on your own. (Please note: books must be for children/young adults and focus on a specific architect or architectural concept.)
– Download the PowerPoint presentation template from the provided link and add content as noted. This is a great project for emerging professionals or interns to tackle!
– Support the program with a $500 donation to CAF to cover expenses related to the program development, marketing and management.
– Once your lesson card/presentation are complete and on the CAF website, share your firm’s support of the program on social media and commit to leading at least two lessons in your local community.
– Invite members of your firm to add their names to the Add an Architect list. This is a list that may be accessed on the CAF website for the public to access architects in their community.
Architecture by the Book was inspired and developed as a pilot by AIA Central Valley and is powered by CAF in collaboration with AIA California architecture firms. The program is the result of a shared dedication and commitment to advancing architectural education. Our heartfelt gratitude to all involved.
© 2022-2024 Architecture by the Book. All Rights Reserved.
