AIA BR Medieval City Build

Fourth graders blended their Medieval nonfiction and novel units with STEAM learning with assistance from the American Institute of Architects Baton Rouge (AIA BR) “Building Blocks: In the Schools” program. In preparation for a Medieval themed city build, Jason Engen, Chairman of the EBR City Planning Commission, donated his time to speak with the 4th graders about the evolution of cities from Medieval Times, through colonization, and into modern times. He helped the students to make sense of history as well as the future of cities. “I learned that a complete city street has a place for everyone, including people in cars, walking, and on bikes,” reflected 4th grader Paris M.

Students selected buildings from the Medieval era to build from found items, such as boxes, paper plates, foil, and various “doodads.” The volunteer architects demonstrated their design knowledge, and brought specialized building supplies, to help students create their visions of Medieval castles, cathedrals, bakeries, green spaces, and more.

​The AIA BR partnership with BRCVPA is in its second year. “The students were well prepared,” remarked AIA BR Education Officer, Kate McLean. “We look forward to many years of partnership with BRCVPA and EBR.”

Many thanks to the architects and their companies who donated their time to assist our students.

• Kate McLean, AIA BR Treasurer and Education Officer, Domain Architecture
  
• Brooke Clarke, Domain Architecture
  
• Todd Mann​, CSRS

• Judith Anderson, CSRS
• Jason Engen, Chairman of EBR City Planning Commission, Southern Earth Sciences
• Kathleen Gordon​, AIA Baton Rouge