ideas for kiddo's architecture interest

[VisionaryMom]

My son is very interested in architecture. I've given him some books of house plans that I had, and he loves them. I'd like to do some other things with him related to this interest but could use ideas! 

We don't have much really wonderful architecture near us, but I'm thinking I can research some old churches, government buildings, etc. to take him to see. 

I would love to hear brainstorming about resources, field trips, activities.

[DariusMom]

My DS (8) loves architecture, too, so I'll be interested in the replies here.

Have you looked at the David Macaulay books? They're great and DS has loved them for years.

DS also loves to build with Kapla. He really gets a lot of practical experience with trying to design and build things.

Lastly, we bought the Haba architectural blocks for DS this year. He really likes them.
http://www.amazon.com/Haba-Antiquity-Architecture-Wooden-Block/dp/B000N53C3Y

[fritz]

Lego has an architecture series.  You could also try building with craft sticks.  How old is your DS?

Is there a particular type of building he's drawn to?  You could always find books or documentaries on the Egyptian pyramids or Greek and Roman temples, if he likes the classical stuff (and the columns crop up a lot in later architecture, too).  See what your local library has to offer.

Shorpy is a fabulous website that posts tons of old photos--some of ships or people, but lots of buildings (some have very elaborate facades) from around 1900.  They really don't build 'em like they used to.

[ollyoxenfree]

I've heard a couple of famous architects say that they first became intrigued as children when they watched a building go up. Perhaps there is some new construction (new home, office tower) near you. If you could manage to visit regularly, say every week, he could follow along the process - clearing land, digging foundations, framing etc. He could keep a scrapbook, take photos, make notes.

If you have space, he can try a few building projects of his own. Maybe Crazy Forts in the family room, a tipi or a lean-to in the backyard, or a tree house. Bird houses and bat houses are nice projects for little hands. 

I think there are lots of 3D puzzle kits and paper cutouts for famous structures like the Eiffel Tower and the Empire State Building. I think you can google plans for paper cutout plans to build paper models.

[Petie1104]

I was in Barnes and Nobles a while back and found a book that I can't remember what it was called, but it showed how to draw blueprints and had activities in it to teach how to draw different architectural designs.  Dss is interested in drafting and design though.  I'm not sure where your son's interests lean.  Dss wanted the book but at the time I had already gotten him some others.  I am hoping to find that book again for him.

[staceychev]

I had this book as a young person and loved it: 

http://www.amazon.com/Buildings-DK-Visual-Dictionaries-Publishing/dp/1564581020/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1295910751&sr=1-3

[cparkly]

This is the quintessential book for the history of architecture. I loved it as a child and wish that I had a copy now.

[VisionaryMom]

Originally Posted by DariusMom 
Lastly, we bought the Haba architectural blocks for DS this year. He really likes them.
http://www.amazon.com/Haba-Antiquity-Architecture-Wooden-Block/dp/B000N53C3Y
 

I love these! We do have a number of different blocks, but we don't have anything similar to this. 
 

Originally Posted by fritz 

How old is your DS?

Is there a particular type of building he's drawn to?  You could always find books or documentaries on the Egyptian pyramids or Greek and Roman temples, if he likes the classical stuff (and the columns crop up a lot in later architecture, too).  See what your local library has to offer.

Shorpy is a fabulous website that posts tons of old photos--some of ships or people, but lots of buildings (some have very elaborate facades) from around 1900.  They really don't build 'em like they used to.

He just turned 6. Thanks for the website link. He sometimes has to come to work with me, and he can cruise around looking. We've spent time looking at skyscrapers - but not so much other buildings yet. 

His interest really is in the internal structural. He asks a lot of questions about how buildings are held up, how people determine what materials to use, how really cool designs can be used and still be stable. 

Originally Posted by ollyoxenfree 

I've heard a couple of famous architects say that they first became intrigued as children when they watched a building go up. Perhaps there is some new construction (new home, office tower) near you. If you could manage to visit regularly, say every week, he could follow along the process - clearing land, digging foundations, framing etc. He could keep a scrapbook, take photos, make notes.

If you have space, he can try a few building projects of his own. Maybe Crazy Forts in the family room, a tipi or a lean-to in the backyard, or a tree house. Bird houses and bat houses are nice projects for little hands. 

He does check out local construction sites, though we could make it more of an activity than just a passing commentary. 

I like the ideas for building some things on his own. DH has wanted to build a bat house for the backyard, so I can sign him up to help with that project.

[sewchris2642]

Do you have any historical buildings nearby that you can visit?  A historical society or guided walks in historical districts?  Check out DVDs and books at your local library.  Do you know anyone in the construction and building businesses/trades or know anyone who knows someone that is willing to show or have a young "helper" on projects?  Businesses like Lowes or Home Depot frequently have building/craft classes for children.  Volunteer for Habitat for Humanity where they can get hands-on experience (if he's old enough) not only with building but with helping the community.  Draw up plans and build something in the backyard (if you have one).

[Cyllya]

If he wants to design architecture, he might have fun with Google SketchUp, which is a free program.

http://sketchup.google.com/

The website has video tutorials to learn the basics.