- competition logo
I’m a complete sucker for anything involving architecture, design, building and kids. Let’s just get that out there straight away. Sucker = me. 😉 So when the director of my local AIA Chapter sent me an email asking if I would sit in as a judge for this year’s Lego Competition at the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), I said “pssh, well YEAH!” And this passed Saturday I did just that. I went down to MOSH and along with two of my close Architect friends we judged the Lego Competition with ages ranging from Kindergarten to 5th grade (I believe).
And let me tell you, I am so glad that I did! These kids are just amazing. They were allowed as many Legos as they could cart in (more than a few took complete advantage of this). They could build whatever they wanted as long as it fit on the 15×20 board supplied to them (+/- 1/2″). They were not allowed to use instructions or prepared plans and could not receive help from parents or anyone else not listed as a member of their team.
Below are some shots of the entries that was able to take with my iPhone and a little help from Instagram. As architects it is vital that we are not just providers of architectural services, but also active and engaged participants in our communities as advocates for the Arts and Sciences. After all, one of these kids could be your employee in 15 years. Better to inspect the field of candidates early. 😉
Tsunami wave destroying city
Re-enactment of the fall of Troy - Trojan Horse
German Christmas - kind of a modern Bauhaus design, no?
Rock Concert
Jax Airport
There you have it. A small sampling of the genius that Jacksonville children have to offer. I’m impressed. You should be too! 🙂
r | one studio architecture 
Thanks, Jeremiah- what a great concept and experience… for both kids and judges! It’s also a good reminder for the rest of us to maintain an open perspective towards design; the creativity of young minds never ceases to amaze me.
And they have fun while doing it! Great share… cheers, lauren
Thanks Lauren. It was so much fun! I was able to go around and talk to every single entrant about their projects (I think there were at least 50 all together). It was amazing to hear the stories that the kids came up with to accompany their designs. If your local component doesn’t do this, I highly suggest bringing it up at your next board meeting. I can’t wait to do it again next year.
Cheers.