arcHERtect: building a treehouse & sculpting a garden

Calling all junior architects! Get ready for an imaginative day with the National Organization of Minority Architects, Houston and Architecture Center of Houston.

Slide into Summer with us as we immerse ourselves in designing a treehouse sprouting from a whimsical garden. Climbing vines, trap doors, secret pathways, tire swings, and every flower under the rainbow. During this workshop, you will have the opportunity to practice being both the architect and landscape architect, who gets to help design a treehouse and garden, and the client, who will work with an aspiring Architect to design your very own treehouse and garden. At the end of workshop students will be able to share their designs and receive feedback from architects.

Surrounded by the current exhibition at the Architecture Center of Houston, Verdant Laboratory, students will be able take inspiration from artist and Landscape Architect, Falon Mihalic’s sculptures, watercolors, and terrariums.  Falon will share her journey into architecture and the visual arts.

Additional information about the class:

• Students will be paired into teams of two
•  Each team member will take turns playing the roles of client and architect
• Participants will interview each other to understand their partner’s vision for their treehouse and garden.
• Guided questions and prompts will be provided to help uncover details like favorite colors, desired rooms, special features.
• Using the information gathered, each Architect will sketch a design of their partners treehouse and garden.
• Students will build and sculpt a dreamhouse and garden based off of the sketch using clay and other materials.
• Teams will present their designs to the group, explaining features and choices made
• Architects & designers will be on hand to guide participants, answer questions, and share experiences.

This interactive event is perfect for students aged 7-12 who are excited to explore the world of architecture and unleash their creativity. Through fun activities and teamwork, participants will learn how to design while developing essential skills in problem-solving and collaboration. Join us for a morning of excitement & inspiration as we build dreams and foster the next generation of architects!

arcHERtecture is generously sponsored by