Running biennially, the Architecture + Education Program uses architecture to teach students math, science, history, art, and technology aligned with the Common Core, while raising awareness and appreciation of the built environment.  Children are introduced to the profession of architecture, local practicing professionals, and the distinctive way of viewing the world and tackling problems through architecture as the tool.  The program’s success lies in the collaboration with Buffalo Public School teachers, University at Buffalo, Villa Maria College and Buffalo State College students, and volunteer architects working collaboratively.

The program kicked off in September with a Symposium at which all participants became “students for the day,” exploring architectural principles and concepts through a series of lessons and activities. The program itself is 8 to 10 in-class sessions, with architects leading classroom discussions about the profession of architecture and how it relates to the topic of focus. Activities and projects are hands-on and encourage students to creatively explore each task. The culmination of the program is a public exhibit of the students’ work held at CEPA Gallery.