Seattle and neighboring cities are experiencing some acute growing pains, and the Seattle Architecture Foundation wants to get local kids thinking about how the area is developing to keep up with the demand. They’re hoping to inspire a new generation of architects to tackle these challenges.
“Our programs are designed to get young people interested in design and inspired by design, and to provide opportunities to connect with how design is part of our everyday lives,” says Aletheia Wittman, the foundation’s exhibit and program manager.
The foundation recently moved to a new building in the Center for Architecture & Design in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood and encourages families to attend their grand opening on Saturday March 5.
Few kids are exposed to architecture at an early age, so one of the foundation’s goals is to help kids discover the field and learn that it’s creative, artistic and scientific, Wittman says. One way they’re doing this is through Saturday workshops for families at the new center.
“The idea is to give examples of particular parts of our city that we are currently thinking about needing to design better in the future,” Wittman says. Topics include making the city more bike-friendly, urban farming, building with recycled materials, creative housing solutions and designing streets that encourage walking.
March 5th Grand Opening includes:
FitNation, the Center's first exhibit where visitors explore strategies to make our environment more conducive to physical activity as part of every day life.
Geocaching
DIY button making
Food & Drinks
Scheduled Activities:
10 a.m. – Family Workshop: Bikable Seattle
Noon – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Building
12:30 p.m. – Ping Pong Challenge with Ping Pong Parathelete Eric Pattison
​1 & 3 p.m. Architect Talks with Suyama Peterson Deguchi
Where: 1010 Western Ave., Seattle
When: March 5th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Free, open to the public and kids encouraged to attend
