Tag: architecture

Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Main

Reconstructing Ancient Ruins

WORLD Architectural ruins provide a fascinating window into the past: how people lived, the spaces they inhabited and their daily lives. (Expedia Viewfinder) Use our collection of resources on architecture to help students better understand how structures help define societies. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers Toolkit. Discussion Ideas What building is this? It’s the main building of … Continue reading Reconstructing Ancient Ruins

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Classroom Ideas, Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

America’s Most Endangered Historical Sites

UNITED STATES The National Trust for Historic Preservation has announced its annual list of America’s “Most Endangered Historic Places.” All of the featured sites were nominated for their historical or architectural significance, their deteriorating conditions, and the viability of a solution to restore them. (National Trust for Historic Preservation) Use today’s MapMaker Interactive map to navigate these important parts of our heritage. Teachers, scroll down … Continue reading America’s Most Endangered Historical Sites

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Current Event Connection

World’s Best Solar Homes

ENVIRONMENT As climate change ups the risk of extreme weather, a student-built house that can withstand storms wins this year’s Solar Decathlon. (Nat Geo News) Use our resources to learn more about solar architecture. Teachers, scroll down for a quick list of key resources in our Teachers’ Toolkit. Watch this super-short video to see the winning design from New Jersey’s Stevens Institute of Technology. Discussion … Continue reading World’s Best Solar Homes

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Current Event Connection, Geography In the News, Main

‘Cardboard’ Architect Wins Substantial Prize

ARTS Architecture generally involves creating monuments from materials like steel, stone, and concrete. Yet this year, the discipline’s top award is going to a man who is best known for making temporary shelters out of paper tubes, largely for victims of natural hazards. (New York Times) Use our resources to learn more about architecture. Discussion Ideas Architect Shigeru Ban is well-known for using portable and … Continue reading ‘Cardboard’ Architect Wins Substantial Prize

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Current Event Connection, Main

Mystery of the Cathedral

ARTS Architects and engineers are investigating methods probably used by Renaissance artists to create the iconic dome—the Duomo—of Florence, Italy’s cathedral. (National Geographic/NOVA) Use our resources to better understand the Duomo. Discussion Ideas Watch the terrific video above, about Filippo Brunelleschi’s magnificent ‘Duomo.’ Then read our equally terrific “media spotlight” on the Duomo. How else could Brunelleschi or other architects have designed the roof of … Continue reading Mystery of the Cathedral

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