“Mom, when can we go back to Arkki?”
As a mother of two, I’ve been through my fair share of holiday programs. Yet, it was rare to see Buddy, my son, so deeply enamored with a workshop that he was already looking forward to the next one even before the current one ended. Arkki’s architecture-focused camp proved to be a unique blend of logic, imagination, critical analysis, problem-solving, and initiative. And the cherry on top? Its roots trace back to Finland – one of our family’s favorite Nordic destinations.
Introducing the ‘Recycled Cities Workshop’ at Arkki Singapore! Aimed at kids between 7 to 12 years, this program instills lessons about innovation, creativity, and sustainability through tangible learning experiences. Throughout the three days, Buddy got a taste of architecture’s basics – delving into town planning, environmental interactions, and crafting sustainable habitats. The fun twist? They had to fashion a ‘green’ city using recycled materials.
Here’s a glimpse into our adventure:
Brainstorming & Building Bonds:
On the first day, teamwork was the lesson of the day, a crucial skill for the 21st century. Collaborative efforts taught the children the essence of empathetic teamwork, encouraging constructive criticism and shared idea-generation. By day’s end, they’d chosen their preferred plots and began planning their land spaces.
Watching Buddy collaborate with his partner, witnessing their negotiations and shared responsibilities, was quite heartening!
Diving Deep into Creation:
The excitement of Day 2 was palpable. The minute Buddy woke up, he was raring to head back to Arkki. His infectious enthusiasm was evident throughout the day. By evening, his abstract post-it note designs had evolved into tangible models. His intricate details, which included a petting zoo, police station, and cinema, were genuinely impressive!
Showcase & Goodbyes:
Day 3 had a bittersweet vibe. As Buddy showcased his meticulously crafted 1:200 scale model, integrating a shopping mall with police stations and dog parks, the pride in his eyes was evident. The details were intricate, referencing many of his personal experiences, which added a personal touch to his creation.
The workshop concluded with a certificate presentation, highlighting the bonds he’d formed with his trainers and peers in a mere three days. His comment about the trainers being ‘therapists’ due to their patience and kindness was both touching and humorous!
A week post-workshop, we received feedback from the trainers. This provided insights into Buddy’s journey during the camp and hinted at his potential future in architecture and town planning.
Our Takeaway:
Arkki’s Recycled Cities workshop isn’t just another program; it’s a transformative experience. It offers children a sneak-peek into the world of architecture while emphasizing crucial life skills. The idea of crafting a future city, bearing the essence of sustainability at its heart, conceptualized by the very individuals who would inhabit it someday, is nothing short of inspiring.
About Arkki Singapore:
Positioned as the world’s premier school for skills & creative education tailored for young minds, Arkki offers an award-winning curriculum that leverages architecture to enhance critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application. Originating from the global architecture school for kids in Finland, Arkki has set a benchmark in creative education.