projects and articles by members

Architecture and Children

I focused on two aspects of 'Architecture and Children' under the guidance of Dr. Anne Taylor at the University of New Mexico.

The first was teaching architecture to K-12 students. I began by working on some standard 'Architecture and Children' programmes, and then applied these theories to projects including exchange programmes with the 'Architecture and Children' network in Sendai, Japan.

The second was to study and design learning environments, especially innovative learning environments, which correspond to creative design curricula.

Example Projects:

1. Institute of Environmental Education, K-12 Summer School Programme 1998
Financed by tuition and support from the Institute and the University

2. 'Eco-Architecture: Japan-America Exchange Programme' 1999-2000
Financed by the Toyota Foundation with support from the A & C Network

Current Project:
Alice Deal Junior High School

I am on the design team for the renovations and additions at the school, and I am teaching some architecture classes there. It is a great opportunity for the students to explore the world of architecture as they watch the changes occurring at their school. This will let them experience their new environment with a better understanding of the building and its design.

My Dream: Environmental Design Centre

I synthesized my experiences with 'Architecture and Children' into my research/ design project for my master's thesis. My dream is to create a centre where visitors explore the design of space, architecture and the environment through the design process.

Atsuko Sakai

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