Question 9) Why should school architects “give back” by coming into classrooms as Community Partners to use the design process to create hands-on projects?
School architects and designers should participate in Service Learning projects in classrooms for the following reasons of enlightened self- interest:
• It has been shown that architects who include innovative, value-added components such as direct involvement in connecting design to curriculum, teachers and students via PBL/SL in their RFP’s and presentations stand a very good chance of getting the job. School District administrators and especially Principals, teachers, and neighborhood organizations have great interest in seeing the design process used for teaching and learning.
• Architects who “give back” in this way derive a great deal of personal satisfaction in the classroom projects. As previously stated, it also makes sense on the bottom line.
• Getting students involved in school design, in effect begins the development of the next generation of architects. It is also very significant that such projects develop in our young citizens a sense of civic responsibility.
• If the architect is striving for LEED certification, a “Green” education component is a good strategy to capture an Innovation Credit.
• Working directly with students and teachers in classrooms gives architects an invaluable perspective related to school design.
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