Few things are as inextricably linked to our daily lives as architecture. Of course we marvel at wonders such as the Louvre, Sistine Chapel, and Forbidden City, yet we seemingly take for granted lesser iconic, but all the more necessary structures such as our homes, offices, schools, favorite restaurants, and shops. These buildings are imbued with the same amount of history and memories as their grander counterparts, staples of a community that make us ponder the adage, “If these walls could talk”!
What’s more, architecture is a truly multidisciplinary art form, including musical rhythms, sculpture, chemistry, physics, and technology. From the palm frond huts of Polynesia to the Grand Palace of Thailand, every building deserves admiration and appreciation.
Le Petit Architect: The Awesome World of Architecture is a new bilingual course, organized and led by three industry professionals, that introduces kids aged 7-12 to some of the world’s most iconic structures through an exploratory approach that focuses on historical background, hands-on activities, and creative expression. It’s a comprehensive overview of landmarks, environments, craftsmanship, and historical styles investigated through inquiry, planning, discussion, and design processes.
As opposed to training a new crop of aspiring architects, this series aims to foster an increased awareness of spatial reasoning and structural projects, while building confidence, creativity, aesthetics, and focus.
Founder, Hwa Wu, who is known for her role in organizing Le Petit Fashion Designer, started Le Petit Architect for her son. “Almost all little kids like to build, and architecture is one of the most inter-disciplinary subjects for children to explore their creativity from beginning to end,” she told beijingkids. “I founded Le Petit courses so children can learn and try diverse aspects of creativity and design,” adding, “Kids need something interesting, challenging, and interactive to have an awesome experience.”
Likewise, Wang Chu, whose daughter Tiffany participated in the last Le Petit Architect class, said, “Supporting children to learn through theme-based learning is awesome. In each project, there is art, science, hands-on design, and a powerful unconstrained style. What a rewarding experience!”
The Awesome World of Architecture is held at La Grande Ville Clubhouse (Yutianxia 6 Garden Road, Shunyi) every Saturday from 2pm-5pm, with the next class being held tomorrow, Jan 11 (see flyer below for more info). Enrollment costs RMB 400, which includes all materials, however there is a special discount for students who register for 10 courses. To register, call Roma at 18612951274 or scan the QR code after the flyer.
Photos: Pixabay, Courtesy of Le Petit Architect
