Guest Expert

Sharon Ferguson Pope AIA, NCARB - Owner and Principle of Atlanta - based, Atelier 7 Architects LLC visited our 1st Graders in September. It was truly exciting! She brought her positive spirit and examples of her previous projects, sketches, blueprints, and prototypes, as well as models of her tools and the buildings she is able to design and produce. This visit from an expert in the field of Architecture allowed our students to gain insight into:

• How her creative and design process begins with the end in mind

• How it is both similar and dissimilar to our DREW Engineering Design Process

• How students must always make sure they are addressing the needs of their end-user or client - Problem solving includes being open to modifications, improvements, and sometimes even starting over!

• Real world examples and application of how we can use our process and creativity to make truly ‘Magnificent Things’!

Ms. Pope introduced them to the unique way she uses the engineering design process to build creative spaces throughout the country. Students learned that she uses shipping containers as the basis for her structures and thus demonstrated for students how they too can take the initiative to be innovative in their use of EDP. They really enjoyed seeing the miniature shipping containers, recognizing that it can be similar to their use of legos and magna-tiles. Seeing the results of her use of the process and how creatively she worked with others to develop incredible spaces was very inspiring as our learners began their collaborative process. 

Next, students began meeting and working with Mr. Mathers, Drew’s Artist in Residence. He introduced students to the idea that shapes can come together to create new shapes. They learned that shapes are not always traditional or named shapes and that shape and form are the basis of physical art - even juggling! With his support, students were able to first tinker with the materials they would be using. This helped them to learn how these materials work and what forms they could create. By the time students began developing their ideas, sketching, and finalizing their sketches they were able to use their counting skills to plan their construction because of their familiarity with the materials.