Building a Solid Base for the Future : Architect’s summer program helps about 150 youths learn the basics of construction. She says it also boosts her creativity.

Eight years ago when Shirl Buss was working as the general contractor and architect for a project in Santa Monica, she found herself fielding questions from neighborhood children. They wanted to know how buildings get built, about the tools and how Buss got her job.

“I think it was exciting for them to see a woman doing construction,” she said, “and I also found a real desire to build from the kids.”

So Buss decided to use her knowledge and resources to teach the basics of construction to neighborhood youths. She started by holding informal afternoon sessions, but the response was so tremendous that it grew into a summer ritual--known as the annual Children’s Architecture and Construction program. This summer, about 150 youths from Santa Monica designed and built doll houses, push carts and furniture through the program at Virginia Park.

“I’ve always liked constructing things,” said 16-year-old Patty Gonzalez, who has been a participant since the start. “(The program) gives you confidence that you can do things on your own.” Gonzalez said she’d like to build her own house some day and “I may even become an architect.”

On any given afternoon, about 50 participants ages 4 to 17 gather in the park for three hours during the free six-week program. A few parents are also on hand to assist Buss and her staff, which includes teen-agers hired through local job programs. The youths play a pivotal role in unloading lumber, getting materials set up and assisting younger children with tools.

Each afternoon starts with a meeting to discuss the day’s business and pending issues such as the park and its redevelopment. Then, it’s on to projects that are designed with particular themes in mind. Children draw out plans on paper, make models and place orders for materials for particular projects.

Buss tries to ensure that the children are learning more than just how to pound a hammer. “We have a meeting to make group decisions on projects,” Buss said. “This also helps (the kids) to develop verbal skills and focus on how (the program) fits into the bigger picture.” Buss stresses the importance of correct spelling in placing orders for materials.

To absorb the costs of supplies and materials, Buss obtained sponsorship from the Community Corporation of Santa Monica and Pico Neighborhood Assn. Grants from the Arco Foundation, California Community Foundation and Ralph M. Parsons Foundation also fund the program.

In celebration of the program’s conclusion this year, a carnival will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Friday at Virginia Park. Festivities will include food, games and an exhibition of construction projects.