A building — any building — starts with a plan for its design. The people who create those designs are known as architects. Their finished plans take the form of blueprints that other construction experts can use to create a plan for how to make the drawings into the reality of a brand new building. With our changing environment, architects are focused on designing buildings and spaces that allow people to come together safely. 

Today, you will create a blueprint for a space that will allow people to come together safely!

Step 1: Have you ever thought about how a building comes to be? Explore this article to learn what an architect does. 

Step 2: To have a successful build, you have to have a plan or blueprint. Watch this video to learn how architects use blueprints to design their buildings, rooms, or spaces. 

Step 4: We know that social distancing can be an important part of decreasing the spread of illness. Architects use safety measures to design spaces that keep users safe. Review this video to learn advice on social distancing. 

Step 5: You can use drawing software or pen and paper to redesign a space you visit to make it safer. 

Step 6: Ask a family member to share what your design on social media using #MakerMonday and #AlwaysLearning!

With a growing population and the increasing number of young people moving to urban centers across the globe, architects are tasked with designing buildings and spaces that are not only beautiful, but also sustainable. Sustainable building practices mean longevity for the environment and and healthier lifestyles for people. These practices help harmonize nature, cities, and customs while promoting healthy living and increased quality of life.

Today, you will explore how architects utilize sustainable building practices!

Step 1: What is green building? Watch this video to learn some of the key features of a Green Building and how LEED supports architects in sustainable design. 

Step 2: Examine this article to learn more about how buildings can become LEED certified. Take notes in your DaVinci notebook highlighting the key features of a LEED certified building. 

Step 3: Green building practices are becoming large scale. Watch this video to learn how the Atlanta Falcons football team designed a LEED Platinum certified stadium. 

Step 4: Walk around your home or explore a building in your community. Make notes of ways that building could be designed more sustainably and achieve LEED certification. 

Step 5: Ask your a family member to share what your learned on social media using #WonderWednesdayTN and #AlwaysLearning!

Do you enjoy art and design? Are you curious about how buildings of the future might be built? A job as an architect might be for you! There are many facets to architecture and many careers that offer specific areas of focus. In exploring these career options, you may find a specialty field that you never new existed but is just right for you. Make notes in your Da Vinci notebook about the different career paths. 

 

Today, you will explore the different careers in the field of architecture!

Step 1: There are many different areas of architecture. To make sure you understand the basics, explore this article about the field of architecture and find ways to get involved in this career pathway. 

Step 2: A civil engineer is a person who practices civil engineering – the application of planning, designing, constructing, maintaining, and operating infrastructure. Explore this site for more information. 

Step 3: Construction managers work hand in hand with architects to execute a building plan. They must be project managers and  be able to read the blueprints the architect creates. Explore this career here. 

Step 4: A landscape architect creates spaces for special purposes and with aesthetically pleasing views. Learn more here. 

Step 5: Ask a family member to share something you learned about one of the careers and why you might be interested in that career field using #FutureFridayTN and #AlwaysLearning!