Future Architects at Bret Harte Elementary

Holy mackerel! I was blown away last week by the 4th and 5th graders at Bret Harte Elementary. I had the honor of being invited to their presentation day where the kids unveiled their ideas for the new park at Alice Griffith. It was by far one of the best "critiques" I've been to - complete with plays, singing, and fantastic ideas.

The class was led by Shirl Buss, (creative director of Y-PLAN), Dsjon Dixon and Prescott Reavis( of the National Organization of Minority Architects SF Chapter). Over the course of semester, the team guided the students through a number of design exercises culminating in a presentation to the landscape architects overseeing the project at Alice Griffith, CMG. I can't wait to see these kids' ideas come to life.  

D'Sjon helps the 5th graders show their site models from last year's class

Every student presented a section - including ideas for the fences, pathways, plantings and materials

Students also presented their "Towers of Power" which held their badges for learning 5 C's - Collaboration, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Communications, Community Contribution.

It was a fantastic day and we look forward to having Y-PLAN and SFNOMA by the Exploratorium soon!