Last week, students wrapped up their presentations for their duck architecture project. Then, I read them the book "Magic Trash: A Story of Tyree Guyton and his Art," inspired by the true story of the Detroit native and artist, who created a public art installation out of the abandoned lots and trash in his childhood neighborhood. This initial effort drew a lot of attention, and neighbors came together to help him rebuild. Guyton's work is now known as the Heidelberg project. More information can be found at their website www.heidelberg.org.
I asked students to work together in groups and use mind maps (brainstorm on paper) to answer my guiding questions. I wanted to hear from them, what are issues they see in some Philadelphia neighborhoods? What makes a neighborhood? What makes a community? I compiled all of their written responses and categorized into three categories- issues, values and spaces they want to see. Students learned today that they will be working in groups to design a small model neighborhood that addresses 4 issues and instills 4 values, with the over arching question of how do objects, places and design shape lives and communities? Today, students individually chose 4 values and 4 issues that are important to them, and they then met with their group to share and begin the design process. There is no handbook for how theses should turn out, and I'm encouraging students to think outside the box, be innovative, creative and intentional to find ways to design and make spaces that could have a positive effect on a community. I'm looking forward to watching these unfold!
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