New Mexico State University
IN-1: Innovation 1

Architecture Camp

This two-week program is designed for Mid and High School students interested in learning about architecture and related fields. Students gain hands-on experience in architectural design, LEED, drawing, software, model building, presentations, and team building. Students will also learn about famous architects, architectural styles and history and sustainable design.

Presenters will include local architects, engineers and developers, experts in the areas of sustainable design, and student volunteers of the DACC - AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) organization.

A large part of the design focuses on sustainability. This gives young people the opportunity to learn about LEED and designing buildings for the desert environment and how to live more sustainably in the desert. The Manager of Environmental Policy and Sustainability has played an active role working with the students by serving as a presenter on issues of sustainable principles in architecture and in their personal lives. She is also part of the final critique process.

The students are issued a metal water bottle at the beginning of the class and are asked not to bring plastic bottles, so awareness starts on day one with actions on walking the walk and talking the talk.

As a follow-up to the presentation on Sustainability and LEED, the students final competitive design project consists of designing a space or building, in coordination with a local community agency. This design is required to incorporate general sustainable principles as well as target specific LEED strategies. The campus at which the Camp takes place houses two LEED Gold Certified buildings, adding to the emphasis on sustainability as the example of environmental design as the living working environment.

Professor Luis Rios is currently forming a USGBC Students group and is totally committed to green buildings in his teachings and everyday life.