News & Views
FROM THE BULLETIN: Barkitecture, Dogs in the Curriculum
Over in the woodshop, Visual Arts Teacher Chris Lawler offers a popular Upper School elective course that he calls “Barkitecture.” Part woodworking, part art, the class imagines, designs and builds actual houses for actual clients — dogs.
“According to the brief I give the students, our client is a medium-sized dog who desires a single-story home which is both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” said Mr. Lawler with a characteristic grin. “Architecture is a living experience beyond just shelter. I want them to consider functionality, but also develop an understanding for the various designs, materials, styles and ornamental elements which adorn all buildings.”
While the class, does not require prior woodworking experience, Mr. Lawler said he recognizes many familiar faces. “I see a lot of repeat customers. The students who sign up for this have typically spent at least a year or more with me already and are ready to apply their knowledge
of woodworking and construction to form and function.”
Before cutting any wood, however, the students are first given an overview of architecture, reviewing popular styles such as Victorian, modern, arts & crafts and American colonial. They also visit nearby Grace Farms, where they take a tour of the award-winning River building and
learn about minimal-impact design, energy-efficient construction and geothermal systems.
“We are so fortunate to be located in the backyard of the Harvard Five’s modernist movement, with Philip Johnson’s famous glass house not even a half-mile down the road from us.”
Within their smaller groups, the students begin drafting a scaled drawing. Once Mr. Lawler approves it (much like a planning and zoning meeting, with many clarifying questions), they begin the build process, emerging several weeks later with a variety pack of miniature houses in various architectural styles.
At the end of the course, students draw straws to determine which of their own dogs will get a new home.
New Canaan Country School
New Canaan Country School admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin and are afforded all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, national origin or ancestry, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies or any other school-administered programs.
