Archikidz launched its inaugural regional program, Archikidz Goes Bush, at The Rocks Pop Up in Sydney on 7 August 2014.
The not-for-profit program which originated in The Netherlands more than ten years ago was first held in Sydney in 2012 introducing mostly primary school aged children to ideas in learning about and shaping their built environment in a fun-filled hands on platform. After two successive years, the program has inspired more than 800 children who will potentially be the city-makers of the future.
In September 2014, the first regional program will be held over three days involving thirteen schools and 300 children. The program’s theme this year is Shelter and the children will be working alongside a legion of volunteering architects, landscape architects, urban designers and engineers to design and construct at a “large-scale”.
The program is a collaboration between Archikidz, The Corridor Project and Cowra Public School. It offers an opportunity for children in regional areas to explore, imagine and create their own towns and environments, planting the seed for an interest in built environment design at an early age.
Archikidz! Sydney - Carriageworks 27 October 2012 from ARCHIKIDZ I Sydney on Vimeo.
“Whilst it is still often necessary for students to pursue academic qualifications in larger rural and urban centres they represent the future as they return to our community bringing with them skills and knowledge to benefit our district.” said Bradley Tom, principal of Cowra Public School.
“The long-term objective is to establish Archikidz Goes Bush as an educational program, available to children throughout NSW,” said Emma Rees-Raaijmakers, Archikidz Executive Producer and Creative Director. The organisation also hopes to increase its reach, working collaboratively with schools and the curriculum to engage young children and the broad industry. As Archikidz director, Vanessa Trowell said, “The built environment belongs to everyone and most importantly, our kids. Through Archikidz’s extensive program of education, we are placing design on the agenda and investing in our future places.”
