Architects in Schools and 4th grade Little Longhorns

Hook 'em, future UT Architect students!

This field trip is the result of two months' worth of learning, designing, and building with architects through the Architects in Schools program.  We are so glad to have been able to participate this year.  The UT School of Architecture pairs schools with real architects who have volunteered their time and skills to teach students some of what they do everyday.  This year's project was to design a school on a specific site.  The architects walked the students through every step of the process over the weeks to result in a final project of their school.  They learned about the orientation of the building and how that is impacted by the movement of the sun;  they discussed which rooms were important to have in a school and how big they should each be;  they figured out where to put each room so that the school flowed well and was safe;  they created each room, water fountain, swimming pool (with clear aquarium underneath), and outdoor space; they designed the water systems, the electrical systems, and the computer hub room; and they put all this together with recycled materials. The celebration event was a field trip to "Big UT" School of Architecture where they went on a tour and were able to show off their project to two other schools as well.   They also learned once again that adults in their community care about their education enough to volunteer their time to teach them their skills.  Our volunteers were amazing, energetic, and knowledgable.  I cannot speak enough about how wonderful this program was for our Little Longhorns.  I think that many of them have decided to be an Architect when they grow up!  Thank you so much to AiS, Royal Frasier, Caitlyn Ford, William Hodge, and Jesse Stanley.  You have made a difference in the lives of our students!

Learning about orientation as we figure out where to put our school on the site plan

They are studying a neighborhood plan to find the best possible place for their school to be taking account orientation of the sun and other environmental factors.

Hard at work around the planning table

The electrical plan for one of the schools

Because no school is complete without a pet room!  See our aquarium made out of old CD cases.

Ms. Rojo's class project being shown at UT School of Architecture

Dr. Khieu's class project being shown at UT School of Architecture

They are checking out the materials library

The school of Architecture has its own amazing library

Hard hats are better when signed by friends

Checking out one of the models in the library

Lots of research needs to be done while we are in the library

Every empty fountain must be explored

Hard hats and dry weather = awesome static electricity hair!