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Design professionals are required to volunteer for the popular Architects in Schools program.
Ongoing concerns about COVID-19 and uncertainty about how schools are handling personal activity have resulted in a shortage of design professionals volunteering for the Architects in School (AiS) program to mark its 50th anniversary.
“Last year, with the COVID restrictions, all classrooms were distance learning in the beginning. Now we have schools at different levels of distance learning, face-to-face teaching and a combination of both,” said Kim Ruthardt Knowles, deputy director of AiS. “We are ready to support people however they want to serve in schools.”
Managed by the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, AiS works in schools across the state to introduce students to design principles to encourage critical thinking, problem solving, and community engagement. AiS promotes environmental understanding, cultural links to history, and communication skills while educating children about career opportunities in science, technology, architecture, engineering and math (STEAM), as well as construction.
AiS recruits architects, contractors, engineers and others Experts from the construction industry and arranges them for a six-week stay with teachers in their region. With teachers, they choose lessons from a curriculum and create activities for third- through fifth graders that include simple drawing techniques, lessons in measuring and designing floor plans, and a pictorial overview of architectural eras and styles that coincide with the study of the Northwestern Indians. Pioneers, Victorians, and Other Periods of the 20th Century.
And yes, it often bridges the gap. Students are encouraged to ask themselves questions such as “What makes structures maintain?” “What will cities look like in 25 years?” and “What is a green building?” according to AFO.
“Having adults who care to share this passion really means a lot to kids, and it ties in with what they learn in school,” Knowles said. “I think the more children are exposed to these concepts, the more the world opens up to them.”
AiS has grown from 800 students per year to more than 5,400 in greater Portland, Salem, Eugene, central Oregon and other communities in southern, eastern and coastal Oregon.
Given the current volunteer shortage, AFO has 21 schools – most of them in the greater Portland area – that have requested AiS and are unsupervised. That’s more than 1,000 students with no access to architecture and design-based education that can help them understand the importance and impact of the built environment and inspire the next generation of design, engineering and construction professionals. In addition, there is already a severe shortage of workers in the construction industry and other building trades.
The shortage of AiS volunteers particularly affects low-income students, ESL students and non-traditional learners as AFO has found that they are among those who benefit most from the program. AiS is often the first entry point for color students so that they too can train to become STEAM professionals.
“It’s really exciting for them to think about themselves in this role because they are exposed to someone who is in that profession,” Knowles said. “For a lot of these kids, these are new ideas. So if you think about it at a young age, they can know that doors can be opened for them as they grow, and they can think about the opportunity to go to college to follow you.” this way. The sooner you start thinking about it, the better it is for you to find these tools and have these opportunities. ”
Ed Herrera, AIA, NCARB, Senior Associate at BRIC Architecture Inc., works on the K-12 school design and said his experience as an AiS volunteer allows him to work with teachers and see firsthand how they, students and other end-users take advantage of the learning environment.
“In this area, I can also help ensure that there is more than one model of what an architect is and looks like. This is especially important as the AiS program extends to marginalized communities where children may have difficulty accessing information about work, ”he said. “Representation is important and especially within these communities. AiS is doing a good job of ensuring parity across the spectrum.”
Sina Meier, AIA, LEED AP BD + C, Associate Architect at Opsis Architecture, Interiors & Planning, has been a volunteer for AiS for more than five years and is fortunate to work with the same teacher every year. She looks forward to returning to the classroom.
“I find it very rewarding to get in touch with students and hear their thoughts on architecture. It’s stimulating and humiliating to see my profession through their eyes,” she said. “I don’t see myself as an expert going to class. It’s really a journey of discovery together as we all learn from and with each other.”
Meier said the group usually work on projects in the hallway outside the classroom and they can feel the excitement among the students. “Students in my class greet me before our class, younger children are excited about the chance to attend AiS in the future, and students I have worked with in the past come by to say hello. It’s become a tradition for me and I don’t want to miss a year. ”
AFO’s Knowles said the volunteer registration deadline was a little later this year to give teachers more time to organize how they would make room for AiS activities within the social distancing guidelines. The original registration deadline was October 22nd, but those who wish to volunteer can still join the program.
During the application process, volunteers can indicate whether they want to work in a classroom or take a virtual residence instead. “We want this to be a positive experience for everyone and we want people to be comfortable and have a good experience,” she said.
Oregon Architecture Foundation
Projects from last spring’s virtual exhibition can be found on the AFO website in case potential volunteers want to see examples. For more information, please email Knowles at This email address is being protected from spam bots! You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 503-317-7537. People can also donate financially to AFO, which provides a school utility fund to purchase materials for AiS activities. Donations can be made online on the AFO website.
Melody Finnemore is a contract writer and writes regularly for the Business Tribune. She can be reached at: This email address is being protected from spam bots! You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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