Design LAB is a FREE, hands-on K-8 education program offered to teachers in the Cincinnati area that is focused on building awareness, knowledge and community. This year’s theme is DWELLINGS.
We will be challenging students to push the limits of where and how we and others live. When we think of living spaces we often think of the space that we live in ourselves. We may also think of how our neighbors or friends live. This year in Design LAB, we are going to challenge students to look at how people (and animals!) live all over the world. How does our local environment change how we live? How does our age or size change how we live? Where can living spaces be located and how big or small can they be? What needs do they need to meet? Join us as we investigate all of the different living spaces that exist all over the world!
We love this photo of a unique living space right here in Cincinnati:
Further Program Details
Design LAB is tailored to broaden and deepen student awareness, appreciation, and active participation in our natural and built environments. Local professionals team with educators to guide students through a real-world, themed design problem, emphasizing the development of: research, critical thinking, problem solving, verbal and visual communication, creative expression, collaborative team-building, STEM and presentation skills.
This 16-week program engages a minimum of once per month classroom visits by professionals in the built environment. Each classroom session is approximately 45-60 minutes, and is assisted in partnership with the lead educator. Essential materials including the Educator & Volunteer Resource Guide, PowerPoint kick-off presentation and tri-folds are provided by Design LAB.
Students will be challenged to research, design and build models of dwellings. As in previous years, students will have the opportunity to create a 24″x 24″ three-dimensional model and tri-fold panels for students to describe and document their creative process including: concept images, sketches/drawings, vocabulary, written data, planning, etc. At the end of the work period, submitted projects will be displayed during Design LAB Exhibit Week where students may present their ideas, methodology, and solutions.
2019-2020 PROGRAM CALENDAR
Educator Registration Opens August 1, 2019
Volunteer Registration Opens September 1, 2019
**Dates below are tentative**
Orientation Workshop November 18, 2019 (5:30p-7:30p)
Orientation Workshop November 20, 2019 (12:00p-1:30p)
Educator-Volunteer Teams Assigned November 30, 2019
First Classroom Visit December, 2019
Program Kick-off January 6, 2020
Program Conclusion April 24, 2020
Project Drop-off April 25, 2020
Design LAB Exhibit Week April 26 – May 2, 2020
Design LAB Exhibit Jury Review April 28, 2020
Design LAB Exhibit Reception May 2, 2020
Learn about Design LAB from our Volunteers & Educators:
We look forward to working with you to engage and inspire students in exploring, designing, and building their environments!
If you have any questions, please contact Christen Lubbers, Executive Director
CLubbers@architecturecincy.org
(513) 421-4469
“Working with the kids gave me new energy and enthusiasm for my work. Seeing it all through their eyes was really fun and inspiring.” – Classroom Volunteer
“I learned all about teamwork. You’ve got to trust your team, especially when building.” – 4th Grade Student
Design LAB 2018: Food For Thought Winning Projects
Design LAB 2017: BRIDGE Winning Projects
Design LAB 2016: Learning Spaces Winning Projects
