Exploring Architecture @ Smith Middle School

May 17, 2024

We visited Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill to talk about architecture with 6th-8th graders in Ms. Gunderson's FCS classes. 

First we discussed architecture's impact on the built environment and viewed works of architecture from around the world. We reviewed an architect's design process and then asked the students to build their own creations out of Lego bricks. Students were encouraged to think outside of the box and tap into their imagination and creativity. They were given prompts to describe the site of their creations, the function of their structure (or object), its special features, and the type of architecture. 

Back in the Prism studio, we combined images of the Lego creations with the students' prompt in an AI rendering tool that brought the creations to life. We shared the renderings with the class so the students could see the result of their creativity.