MAF recently announced the 2024 winners of its Education Awareness Grants. Among the grantees is AIA (the American Institute of Architects) Michigan for their program, the BuildItReadIt Collaborative, an innovative and educational initiative designed to engage a diverse group of high school students from underrepresented school districts to learn about the design and construction industry.
The program involves five teams consisting of high school students from partner high schools, AIAS (student architects) members, and emerging professionals from AIA Michigan architecture firms, who will design and construct “little free libraries” for architecture book displays at partner high school libraries. Each team receives materials and a $100 stipend to personalize and distinguish their designs. While a basic design outline is provided, teams have the freedom to infuse their own creativity and innovation into their projects, encouraging a sense of ownership and investment among participants.
“The BuildItReadIt Collaborative provides a platform for students to explore architecture through project-based learning, while promoting intergenerational mentorship and engagement with the architectural community.” said Cathy Mosley, Executive Director, AIA Michigan. “Through the initiative, we aim to inspire and empower the next generation of architects and foster a deeper appreciation for the built environment.”
Participating partner high schools are located in Grand Rapids, Detroit, Flint, Ypsilanti, and Kalamazoo, which also are geographically proximate to the five accredited schools of architecture in Michigan (University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning; University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture + Community Development; Lawrence Technological University College of Architecture and Design (LTU CoAD); Andrews University; and Kendall College of Art and Design at Ferris State University). Involvement from partner high school administrators and teachers will further enhance recognition for the students’ involvement and support their interest in the design and construction profession.
MAF’s Education Awareness Grants support projects and programs that benefit students in Michigan under the age of 18 years old, with the goal to engage and promote awareness and education of K-12 students as advocates of architecture and its benefit to society. Programs must also align with MAF’s mission of advancing awareness of how architecture enriches life. The grants are awarded once annually, and applications close on April 1 of the award year.
The program kicked off/kicks off in September. The completed little free library houses will be showcased at AIA Michigan’s ArchiFusion program on November 7, 2024 at the Crowne Plaza Lansing (event will be complimentary for all; tables can also be reserved for a fee, click here to book). ArchiFusion attendees will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite design, and an award presentation will recognize the participants’ hard work and celebrate their achievements.
Following ArchiFusion, the little free libraries and their contents will be donated to the partner high schools at a ceremonial event organized by the AIA Michigan firms and the committee. Students can then check out the books, creating a pathway for further exploration of architecture as a profession.
BuildItReadIt Collaborative committee members include Matt Guinta, AIA, AIAMI Young Architect award winner, and previous Young Architects Forum (YAF) representative and associate director; Lizzy Mosley, AIA Michigan staff representative; Lauren Pedigo, emerging professional and newly licensed architect; Trent Schmitz, AIA, current YAF representative; Chris Stefani, Associate AIA, previous YAF associate director; and Nicole Tischler, Associate AIA, Current State/Territory Associates Representative (STAR).
(above image courtesy of the Little Free Library website)