by Tim Hayduk
The Center for Architecture launched its first Saturday program for high school students, Design Discovery: SoHo, in early June. This inaugural workshop, instructed by Lead Design Educator Tim Hayduk, focused on cast-iron architecture in SoHo and gave students a background in the formative aspects of this 19th-century architectural and structural system. Armed with clipboards and magnets, Hayduk led students on a walking tour to look at examples in the historic district. In short time, the participants were able to identify cast-iron buildings on their own. Students also viewed several recent projects firsthand, and paid special attention to how architects are required to design contextually.
Back at the Center for Architecture, students were challenged with designing a building façade for a client of their choice, on a site between two existing cast-iron buildings, and asked to balance the needs of their client with a response to their neighbors.
This workshop was designed to pique the interests of high school students who are testing the waters regarding a career in architecture. Future programs to be offered during the upcoming school year will include a variety of experiences intended to introduce students to many aspects of the profession—visits to important works of architecture, architectural firms, and cultural institutions. Each workshop will include a hands-on component to acquaint students with skills in drawing, model building, and presentation.