Building the Next Generation of Engineers & Architects

This event, held as part of the Bloomberg Arts Internship Program through Studio Institute, provided students with a unique opportunity to delve into the world of architecture and engineering. It was more than just a learning experience—it was an immersion into the creative process that defines these professions. Over the course of the workshop, students engaged in sessions that covered the fundamentals of architecture and engineering, before breaking into small groups to apply their newfound knowledge.

Their task? To design a canopy for the garden’s outdoor terrace that would serve as a display for kokedamas and hanging baskets during the annual orchid show. Guided by mentors and professionals from the collaborating organizations, the students not only conceptualized their ideas but also presented them to a jury, including representatives from Queens Botanic Garden (QBG), Grimshaw, and SBP. The winning design, set to be constructed with student involvement, will be showcased at the QBG August Orchid Show—bringing educational development into real-world application.

This initiative underscores the importance of engaging young minds early in the fields of architecture and engineering. Programs like this do more than just educate—they inspire, build confidence, and open up new pathways for students who might not have considered these careers otherwise.

Why Architects Should Volunteer to Teach High School Students

Architects who volunteer their time to teach and mentor high school students play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the profession. Here’s why:

1. Inspiring Future Generations: Early exposure to architecture and engineering can ignite a lifelong interest in these fields, guiding students towards fulfilling careers.
2. Diversity and Inclusion: Engaging with a diverse group of students ensures that the future workforce will be more representative and inclusive, enriching the profession with a variety of perspectives.
3. Community Engagement: Volunteering helps architects give back to the community, fostering stronger connections between professionals and the public.
4. Skill Development: Teaching requires architects to distill complex concepts into accessible lessons, improving their own communication and mentoring skills.
5. Innovation and Fresh Ideas: Young students often bring fresh, unencumbered ideas that can inspire and influence professional architects in their work.
6. Fulfilling Professional Responsibility: As stewards of the built environment, architects have a duty to educate the next generation about sustainable and responsible design practices.
7. Building a Talent Pipeline: Early exposure to architecture and engineering is key to cultivating a pipeline of talent, ensuring the continued evolution and vitality of the profession.

Introducing High School Students to Architecture & Engineering

It’s never too early to start thinking like an architect or engineer. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has long championed K-12 initiatives aimed at achieving three key goals:

1. Inspiring Youth to Learn About Design: By exposing students to the power of design, we can spark their interest in architecture and engineering.
2. Nourishing Curiosity: Encouraging students to engage in solving grand challenges through design thinking helps them develop critical problem-solving skills.
3. Connecting Students with Professionals: Facilitating interactions between students and design professionals bridges the gap between education and industry, offering students valuable insights and mentorship.

Parents, educators, and community members all have a vital role to play in introducing students to these rewarding careers. Architecture remains a vibrant and attractive career path, especially for students interested in drawing, creating, building, and problem-solving. Teaching architecture and design not only fosters a love of learning but also enhances students' creativity, observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.

With a wealth of resources available, it’s possible to cultivate the next generation of designers and leaders, ensuring they are inspired, prepared, and diverse. The profession’s future depends on the seeds we plant today, and through initiatives like Scale Rule and our recent Queens Botanic Garden workshop, we’re laying the foundation for tomorrow’s architects and engineers.

It Takes a Community

A special thanks to Jeffrey Moser of Grimshaw and Dan Bergsagel of Schlaich Bergermann & Partners and Scale Rule who led the design construction day of the installation.

Grimshaw volunteers included: Lola Sheppard, Mehnaj Tabassum, Niharika Shekhawat, Charleen Chae, Haozhou Yang, Chris Obayda, Maddie Symons, Ranitri Weerasuriya, and Eve Tobey. Other volunteers included: Joe McGranahan, Rudolf Starossek, Matt Carsello, Michael Ramirez, John Archilla, Emma Jurczynski, and Sebastian Sahlman.