kim ihnatko arch ed spiral: National Building Museum (DAP) Design Apprentice Program - March

Wk 1 Design Challenge 1. As a group design a piece of furniture for a small space, build a model and create an advertisement.

The Design Apprenticeship Program (DAP) is one of three Outreach Programs on offer throughout the year at the National Building Museum for DC students 12-18yrs of age.
I'm working as a volunteer on the DAP Spring session which began on Saturday March 9th and runs for 8 consecutive weeks. The 30+ students are working in groups to complete a major design challenge.

This session, students have been asked to design and construct a simple piece of furniture for a family in the Transitional Housing Corporation's (THC) housing program here in DC. The Transitional Housing Corporation (THC) provides stable housing and supportive services with the goal to transition families to permanent housing after a two year period. Students recently had the opportunity to visit the apartments they will be designing for in Georgia Ave, NW DC.

Wk 3 DAP Spring Session students and volunteers at the THC location. Volunteers include young architects, an English Design and Technology teacher, an exhibition design student at the Corcoran, a Swiss architect and video marketing producer

Using resources in and outside of the Museum, students explore how good design can maximize a small space and what role design plays in creating a home. Participants work alongside Museum staff, volunteer design professionals, and in collaboration with THC staff and families to determine the appropriate size, aesthetics and concept for final projects.


Wk 4 Taylor presenting her THC (Take Home Challenge), a table with storage cubes below. Each member of the group presents their individual model, changes are discussed and made and a final design agreed on.						.