Hixson Leads Annual Architectural Walk and Construction Contest

In mid-May, Hixson associates participated in our Architecture Walk and Construction Contest with fifth-grade students at our Partner in Education school, St. Francis de Sales. The program, which provides exposure to the fields of architecture and design through experiential learning, takes place in two parts:

First, students were led by five Hixson volunteers and their teaching staff on a 1.5-mile architectural-focused walk around their historic neighborhood of East Walnut Hills. During their tour, students made special notes about the five buildings they would later construct: Found Village Education Center (aka the “Tudor Apartments”), The Alms, the Marathon gas station, Skyline Chili, and an art deco building at on East McMillan Street. (Given the rainy spring we’ve had, the group were lucky to have missed rain by all but a few drops!)

The second part of this volunteer activity took place at school, where students competed in groups of five in a construction contest. Using provided materials, and working with a Hixson coach to help guide them, students were given total creative control to create a city block, which included the buildings seen on the walk. Completed structures were then judged by three faculty members, including the principal. Prizes were awarded for Best Design of each Building Type, Most Creative Building, and Best Team Block, with each student receiving their first Architect’s Sketchbook and a small price for First-Time Contractors.

The Architecture Walk and Construction Contest is just one way Hixson gives back to the communities in which we work and live. Visit here to learn more!