Architecture for Youth

La Canada Elementary school offered countless elective classes that allowed many young children explore their interests.

The Historical Architecture class was among the most popular summer school classes.

“I want to major in architecture,” said Jocelyn Sun, 10. “I like how the texture of the buildings captures my attention.” Jocelyn’s said her love for architecture began while she was in a tour with her mother who wanted to be architect explained to her some basic elements of architecture.

While on tour in Washington D.C., New York and Boston and the Sun family visited many historical places. “The more and more I learned about architecture the more interested I became.”

Now Jocelyn is reading books on the Roman architecture and recently finished completing the five week Historical Architecture class.

“I kind of feel like there is a trail between one architecture tower and another. I feel like there is a connection that draw me to architecture design. I can’t really explain it it’s kind like a mixed feeling,” said Jocelyn. “There is just something more to architecture I really like but can’t explain it.”

Ed. Auld, historical architecture teacher said the children who took his class learned how to make authentic American Indian Tepees. Nine and 10 year olds learned how to make knots required to make the three foot tall Tepees using canvas and round doweling polls.

Furthermore the amateur architects created Egyptian Tiered Pyramids made out of sugar cubes and learned astronomical sign placements of the three Great Pyramids.

In addition to replicating historical buildings the kids also learned a bit about its history. As was the case with the Westminster Abbey Cathedral they built.

“The London cathedral was the place where every King and Queen since William the Conqueror has had their coronation,” Auld said. “It has also been the place where countless famous people have been buried.”