Arts
Explore Architecture: Stacked Houses, Habitats, Infinity, House on Wheels (FLEX)
Join us as we explore stacked houses from Italy, design a habitat for the Moon Bird according to Shel Silverstein's poetry, build an Infinity House based on an extinct volcano and create a house on wheels featuring the Tiny House concept.
8-13
year olds
3-18
learners per class
Charged upfront
Flexible schedule
Over 4 weeks
No live meetings
Available Times
Pacific
Available Times
Pacific
Description
Class Experience
Wicked Workshop is a maker-based program that introduces youth to architecture through reality-based projects that tackle "wicked" problems like inadequate housing and environmental health. We teach decision-making strategies, complex problem solving, and critical thinking methods recognized as vital 21st century skills necessary to succeed in work, life and citizenship through a straightforward hands-on curriculum based on authentic projects that foster independent thinking, self-directed learning, exploration, iteration and creativity.
Wicked workshop is taught by Phyllis (Fifi) Henderson. A mom to two active girls, an architect and an educator, Fifi creates learning experiences opportunities that build self-esteem, independence and critical thinking skills. As an educator with a PhD in architectural history and theory, she recognized that Design Thinking was being used outside of professional design practice to help resolve issues in multiple industries including business and societal sectors. Design Thinking is a non-linear, strategy-based process for problem solving that tackles issues through empathy and iterative hands-on making. It was developed by Stanford University’s “d” school for people in business, higher education, the public sector and K-12 education as a process to create real change. As an architect, Fifi practiced this methodology and recognized it as a direct extension of her traditional university architecture school curriculum. After completing her PhD, she decided to scale that learning experience for a younger audience. Working with kids on big problems has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her career and she is continually energized by the ideas, dynamism and joy that kids bring to wicked problems.
There is no homework, although all of our projects carry the likely potential to add more details over time.
All projects can be beautifully completed with paper, cardboard from a cereal box, recycled plastic, parts and pieces, string, glue and tape. Some projects come with downloadables that need to be printed and they are noted below. Pro Tip: Remember that each project features a Materials Demonstration Video and a printable Scavenger Hunt. Because these projects are designed to be flexible and unique to each student, I suggest watching the materials demonstration video before collecting your materials. Be sure to have fun! Feel free to explore other materials, colors and sizes. Don't worry about materials you don't have - find fun substitutions and keep going. Week 4: House on Wheels House on Wheels includes downloadable printables for floor plans, furniture placement and making a 3D house on wheels model.
We encourage your learner to upload their work for instructor feedback.
No live meetings, and an estimated 2 - 4 hours per week outside of class.
Teacher
About Me
I’m a mom to two active girls, an architect and an educator. As a mom, I spend a lot of time looking for opportunities for my girls to build self-esteem, independence and critical thinking skills. As an educator with a PhD in architectural...
