The Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF), founded by the Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, (AIA/DC) is offering a FREE outdoor walking tour and workshop for kids on Saturday, January 24th. This special tour will highlight the architecture of the White House neighborhood, followed by a hands-on activity to design and build his or her own White House, Executive Building, or other favorite structures that they've seen.
This activity is part of the WAF's Exploring Architecture with Kids programs to explore and learn more about the architecture of the neighborhoods where they live. Past tours have included Anacostia, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, and Shaw regions of the city. Spaces are limited, and registration is required.
The event will begin with a discussion of the White House architecture and a review of basic architectural vocabulary—the styles, shapes, and materials that form the buildings around us. Next, architect Mary Katherine Lanzillotta, FAIA, who has been teaching kids about architecture for 15 years, will lead an outside walking tour of the White House neighborhood which includes the Ringgold Residence, the Winder Building, Renwick Gallery, the White House, Eisenhower Executive Office Building, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, and the Octagon.
After the walking tour, the kids return to the American Institute of Architects where they will enjoy a snack and the opportunity to design and build their own White House, Capitol or other favorite building. Each participant is given an activities booklet on the White House neighborhood to take home.
Interested parties are required to register by Wednesday, January 21st at www.wafonline.org, or by phoning the Washington Architectural Foundation, (202) 667-5444. Space is limited; registration is required.
About WAF
The Exploring Architecture with Kids tours are a natural extension of the successful Architecture in the Schools (AIS) program, developed by the Washington Architectural Foundation, now marking its 16th year of serving the community by placing volunteer architects in public K-12 classrooms to teach kids about the built environment. For more information, visit wafonline.org.
