Architecture Foundations Create New National Network to Foster Growth of K-12 Design Education Programs

October 11, 2005

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) and Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) have formed the Architecture & Design K-12 Education Network to advance architecture curriculum aimed at teaching youth about the built environment.

AAF and CAF are founding partners in this new initiative and will provide the financial and overall management support for the program’s launch and operation. The organizations will work with a steering committee to conduct a comprehensive review of K-12 architecture and design education programs to identify promising curriculum to be shared with others. The Architecture & Design K-12 Education Network will offer the following programs:

training workshops to introduce new programs and ideas to K-12 educators and architects
symposiums to share educator practices, research and evaluations
measurement, feedback and annual reporting on design education in the U.S.
communications network to encourage collaboration and support

“There is a real need to better link design educators and resources across the country,” said Ronald E. Bogle, president and CEO of the American Architectural Foundation. “We are joining with the Chicago Architecture Foundation to provide seed funding and support in hope that other organizations will join us in this important initiative to teach youth about the value of architecture in their lives and communities.”

“We will take our years of experience in providing award-winning architecture curriculum to Chicago teachers to support efforts in more communities nationally,” said Lynn J. Osmond, president and CEO, of the Chicago Architecture Foundation. “The Architecture & Design K-12 Education Network creates new levels of communication, collaboration and commitment required to expand the reach and success of curriculum being taught in the U.S. on architecture and the built environment.”

The Architecture & Design K-12 Education Network will be based at the Chicago Architecture Foundation offices and will be directed by Kristine Ang Go, who will serve as network coordinator.

National Steering Committee Named

AAF and CAF also announced today the formation of a national steering committee for the Architecture & Design K-12 Education Network consisting of the following individuals:

Co-Chairs

Ronald E. Bogle, President and CEO, American Architectural Foundation
Lynn J. Osmond, President and CEO, Chicago Architecture Foundation

Member Organizations

American Architectural Foundation, Jeanne F. Butler, Senior Advisor
Architecture Foundation of San Francisco, Alan R. Sandler, Executive Director
Arts Education Partnership, Dick Deasy, Director, and Rebecca Borden, Senior Associate for Research
Boston Foundation for Architecture, Jan Ham, Program Director Learning by Design
Chicago Architecture Foundation, Jean Linsner, Director of Youth Education, and Kristine Ang Go, Network Coordinator, Architecture & Design K-12 Education Network
Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum Smithsonian Institute, Paul Warwick Thompson, Director, and Caroline Payson, Education Director
National Building Museum, Chase Rynd, Executive Director, and Edmund Worthy, Vice President Education

About The American Architectural Foundation
The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that educates individuals and communities about the power of architecture to transform lives and improve the places where we live, learn, work, and play. Through its programs, the Mayors’ Institute on City Design and Great Schools by Design, AAF works to improve the built environment through the collaboration of thought leaders, designers, and local communities. With its outreach programs, grants, exhibitions, and educational resources, the American Architectural Foundation helps people become thoughtful and engaged stewards of the world around them. For more information, please visit www.archfoundation.org.

About The Chicago Architecture Foundation
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing public interest and education in architecture and related design. The Foundation pursues this mission through a comprehensive program of exhibits, tours, special events, and lectures. CAF’s “Schoolyards to Skylines: Teaching with Chicago’s Amazing Architecture” K-8 curriculum has earned four awards including a top honor in 2005 from the American Institute of Architects. Introduced in 2002, “Schoolyards” is being taught to thousands of students in Chicago and throughout the country. A high school curriculum is currently in development. For more information, please visit www.architecture.org.

For More Information:
Helen Wechsler
American Architectural Foundation
(202) 626-7372
hwechsler@archfoundation.org

Lynn Osmond
Chicago Architecture Foundation
losmond@architecture.org
312-922-3432, ext. 245