Living Architecture Test-Bed

The Living Architecture research group was invited to present an immersive, interactive installation and curriculum workshop for the city of Palestine, Texas and the Palestine Independent School District, in partnership with the Institute of Creativity Empowering Education (ICEE) Success Inc. The group has been collaborating since 2012, applying Living Architecture group research to classroom settings in order to develop curriculum for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12. Leaders included Rob Gorbet of Knowledge Integration, University of Waterloo, and Lucinda Presley, Director of ICEE Success, working with Philip Beesley, studio associates and a large group of community members and young students.

The research integrates current Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) with Art, creating innovative STEAM education models. Students are immersed in hands-on science that relates to the Living Architecture installation. The exhibit and demonstration kits encourage exploration of how varying physical processes can combine into complex natural systems. Exploring the installation components, students learn to use art/design thinking and how to integrate these experiences in innovative ways. Measurement of Living Architecture programs were conducted in collaboration with the Centre for Brain Research, University of Texas, confirming these methods are highly effective for teaching and learning.