Kids Day

What do they really think?

Some staff from Skinner Farlow Kirwan Architecture stopped by Fredrick Douglass Elementary School to hear from the kids and what they think should be at their school. They had some very creative and fun things planned!

We had so much fun listening to the children and what they believe should belong at Fredick Douglass. A few suggestions include a colorful garden full of flowers, a giant aquarium on the playground, and four-story playhouse. Some necessary qualities the school needs include windows, spaces, fancy lighting, and comfortable seats. Now this we can do! Thank you so much for having us and we are so excited to see the children learn in a new environment!

the ultimate fort

Do we have a future architect on our hands?

Skinner Farlow Kirwan Architecture joined Barnhill Construction in their outreach session with Wilson Academy of Applied Technology (WAAT) students in their new school under construction!

The purpose of the sessions is to expose students to the various skills & careers available in the design & construction industry. We had a great time with students and members of the Wilson County Board of Education.  As part of the afternoon events, we challenged students to create either a tower or bridge with sticks, tape & plastic cups. The beans were to be used as the weight that was held, utilizing as little as one bean or the entire bag.

The collaborative process illustrates how design ideas are developed and change as the design progresses. There were some great results from both students & board members. We loved seeing how each team chose to tackle the problem & the humor some brought to the process.

We had a great time & we can't wait to see what these students will create in the classroom & beyond!

Students at WAAT Field Day Building Structures for Architecture Challenge

Building a Tower

Some of the projects included; Say WAAT?, Getting’ Sturdy, We came we saw we Conquered, Blast Off, Reach for the Sky, High-Larious, Zentastic, One Bean Wonder, The Leaning Tower of Beanza, Well Balanced, and Percolating Progress.

The most important goal for this project was to create an enhanced environment for a student-centric learning.  A variety of learning spaces encourage differing educational methodologies and promote the development of twenty-first century skills including communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, problem solving and global citizenship.  Flexibility and adaptability within and between grade level classrooms and through adjacencies with learning commons are key elements to supporting a student-centered learning experience that is inviting, engaging, relevant, robust, and dynamic.

Another major design catalyst was the existing topography and keeping the existing building in use while construction started.  This change in elevation along with the number of at grade classrooms results in a plan building that steps down the slope.  Maintaining the existing forested area provides an environment that most new schools must wait years to attain.

Classrooms provide a good visual connection with shared collaborative areas, both indoors and out.  A large learning stair is located at the heart of the building and links the Media Center above to the Cafeteria and Multi-Purpose Room below. Our Associated Architect and Educational Planner was SMMA of Cambridge, MA. Photos by Jim Sink.