“Architecture for Children” is an initiative in Galaca, Spain that introduces Primary School Students (Year 4 and up) to the world of architecture through engaging activities and exercises.
Through hands-on experience, children are able to observe and reflect on architectural content and learn about Natural Sciences, Geography, Mathematics, Art Education and English all at the same time. The project has been widely successful thanks to students, teachers, and parents who have been very receptive to this innovative idea and are now struggling to extend the educational project.
“Society today is under information overload, children need to learn to locate and filter it through and develop their own content,” explains the initiative team led by Ana Barreiro, Marta Guirado and Africa Martinez.
The program was developed under a methodology of active learning where children learn through activities designed to explore specific content more deeply. Through guided play and learning through discovery, the children learn critical thinking and become more aware of their environment. Within seven units, children explore the characteristics of materials, make observations about space and discover the areas where they live.
Session 1: Shelter. Animal and human behavior
Session 2: Housing. Territorial and social factors.
Session 3: Anthropometry. Measure and proportion
Session 4: Scale and basic architectural vocabulary
Session 5: Tools of the architect: Models and plans
Sessions 6 & 7: Immediate surroundings. Observations and Action
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