Arkki arranges architectural workshops for children 
during New York Design Week 2009
Saturday, 16 May, Workshop 1: 11am-1pm, Workshop 2: 2pm-4pm, Free of charge, For 8 y and up
Gansevoort Plaza (Gansevoort St. between Hudson St. and 9th Ave., NY 10014), Meatpacking District, NYC
Part of 'Playful: New Finnish Design' 15-18 May 2009
Limited attendance (2 workshops for 30 kids each), rsvp to: magdalena.herrgard@formin.fi
Builders of the Future and Hatwalk
In the workshop you learn about structures and architecture in a sweet way! Our aim is to create our own 3D architectural masterpieces using cocktail-sticks and sweets as the components of the building. The structures of Sweet Architecture are based on space geometry; the sticks work as structural elements and the sweets as joints. The results can be anything - from complex structures to fairy-tail castles. And the process of creating Sweet Architecture is fun and sweet - you can actually taste the flavor of architecture.
The 3D models will be built on platform as buildings are built on ground. A hole of the size of one´s head will be cut to the platform. The platform can also be designed and shaped architecturally to make a beautiful entity with the sweet building. The building or structure will be fastened to the platform and there you are; a sweet piece of architecture which is also a hat that you can wear!
In the end of the workshop everyone gets a chance to show off his hat at the stage in Hatwalk. All the buildings, structures and pieces of architecture turned into hats will be exhibited at a show called Hatwalk where every single hat gets a chance to introduce itself.
BUILDERS OF THE FUTURE: Design Week Workshop for Children
An architectural workshop for children during New York Design Week 2009
Saturday, 16 May
Workshop 1: 11am-1pm
Workshop 2: 2pm-4pm
Gansevoort Plaza (Gansevoort St. between Hudson St. and 9th Ave., NY 10014), Meatpacking District, NYC
Part of 'Playful: New Finnish Design' 15-18 May 2009
Limited attendance (2 workshops for 30 kids each), rsvp to: magdalena.herrgard@formin.fi
Free of charge
For 8 years and up
Children are truly the builders of our future. The workshop aims to inspire children to learn about the urban environment, building and architecture. 'Playful: New Finnish Design' brings a fresh breeze from the North to New York City's lively design scene with three days of events in the Meatpacking District in May.
A country known for its innovations, functional design and renowned educational system, Finland offers a creative approach to learning - and having fun while doing so. As a part of the 'Playful: New Finnish Design' showcase during this spring's Meatpacking District Design Week, architect instructors from Arkki School of Architecture for Children and Youth in Helsinki, Finland will be in town to build imaginative buildings together with the children.
Children and youngsters from 8 years and up are invited to come and learn about structures and architecture in a sweet way - literally. The aim is to create miniature architectural masterpieces using wooden picks and pieces of candy as the components of the building. The structures of Sweet Architecture are based on spatial geometry: the picks work as structural elements and the sweets as joints. The result can be anything - from complex architectural structures to fairytale castles. And this way you can actually taste the flavor of architecture. The models are built on platforms with a head-sized hole cut in the middle. After the workshop, the children will proudly march among the spectators with their creations on their heads - along the Hatwalk.
Model-making methods have proven to be very effective in learning about the built environment and architecture. The participants discover different solutions by themselves instead of being given so-called correct answers - which rarely even exist. The children get to investigate, play, create, communicate and learn - gaining a fun memory and an encouragement to further pursue creativity.
The showcase 'Playful: New Finnish Design', with its 3 days of events, portrays a wide array of Finnish creativity with something for everyone. The theme of playfulness combines functionality with visual enticement and quirkiness - as well as a big smile.
The concept of the workshop has been created by Arkki, School of Architecture for Children and Youth. 'Playful: New Finnish Design' is produced by Design Forum Finland, the Consulate General of Finland and the Finnish Cultural Institute in New York.
Inquiries:
www.playfuldesign.net
