Mason Intermediate fifth grade ACT classes recently showcased their architecture projects as part of the Cincinnati Architectural Foundations' Design Lab program.
Over 1,000 votes were cast on April 27 during the Gallery Walk, and the top eight by vote that day were taken downtown to the city-wide competition. That competition ended Saturday, May 5, and MI had many winners!
The Comprehensive Constructor Award is judged by professional architects, engineers, and designers who are part of the Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati. This award is for the most well-researched, well-documented, and comprehensive designs that appropriately addresses client needs. MI winners included:
The Smoothie Shack
Joanna Hu, Grace Kim, Shreya Kothnur, Tanya Zhang, Iris Zhu
Romantic Blossoms
Rhea Doshi, Zoe Fowler, Shivani Galgali, Niki Rajaram
The Virtual Victor Award was selected by an online public vote. MI winners included:
Ocean View
Ananya Biswas, Sritanvi Devineni, Harshita Ganga, Sahasra Uppuganti, Priyanka Yenugu
Many of the projects were on display until May 18 at the Mason Community Center.
"This project is part of an annual project sponsored by the Architectural Foundation of Cincinnati,” explained fifth grade Gifted Intervention Specialist Lynne Hutchinson. “Schools from around the tri-state area sign up to participate, and top design projects from each school were showcased the week of April 30 - May 5 at the main branch of the Cincinnati Public Library."
Students with showcased projects could attend on May 5 to talk with judges and be recognized.
The projects were displayed in two MI classrooms in a school-wide display for classmates, parents and families, and members of the community.
"This year's theme was food, so all projects pertained to either producing, marketing or consuming food," said Hutchinson. "We've had lots of fun researching and then creating original designs. Students have gone through the design process, working with local architects, engineers, and designers to bring their ideas to 3D life!"
"We also want to give a big thanks to our volunteers and their firms!" added Hutchinson.
"Most came in several times a month, or even weekly, over the three-month project. It's wonderful having their professional help!"
Hutchinson also shared how grateful she is for the several parent volunteers who helped with construction projects too. “It's been busy, and we really appreciate their help!”
The local architects, engineers and designers included:
Blake Helms and Tricia Cartner
Hi-Five Development
Mason, OH
Lauren Meister
Champlin Architecture
Cincinnati, OH
Leigha Carman
Interior Designer with JLL
Cincinnati, OH
Danielle Henry – She has helped with Design Lab for several years!
BHDP Architecture
Cincinnati, OH
Gerald Stanley – He has helped with Design Lab for several years!
VSWC Architects
Mason, OH
In addition, early in the process, speakers from local businesses came to speak with the classes. This included:
Todd Hudson
Wildflower Cafe
Mason, OH
Sean Spurlock
Two Cities Pizza
Mason, OH
Leigha Carman – She shared her experience designing grocery stores in the past!
JLL
Cincinnati, OH
Farmer Kip
Grassland Graze
Liberty Township, OH
Stephen Dienger
Our Harvest Cooperative
Cincinnati, OH