Architecture in the Schools

Hunters Woods Elementary School began their architectural journey by studying with Don Pruett, an Architect in Residence sponsored by the Washington Architecture Foundation. A group of eighteen sixth grade students participated in the Architecture in the Schools program and learned about modern architects, structural engineering and model making, just to name a few. The group of students also entered an architectural contest open to all, especially design professionals. Of the thirteen designs submitted to “Raise the Roof” seven were commissioned to be made into models. Hunters Woods Elementary was the only school selected by the Maryland National Parks and Planning Commission judges.

Some of the student artists based their ideas on everyday objects like staplers, telephones, mailboxes and tape dispensers. Some of the entries were more whimsical in nature, like the Dog House and Igloo House. The models took the students another ten weeks to complete before the first of four exhibits began at the Arts and Harmony Hall in Fort Washington , Maryland . It was at this time that the Round House and Mailbox House received a first place award and an honorable mention, totaling $2,500. The final award, (the People's Choice) to be presented at the close of the exhibit will be determined by the public voting online and in person at the gallery sites.