Earthscapes with The Rockwell Museum, part 1

Earthscapes, part 1

The SSC Library partnered with The Rockwell Museum to introduce a 2 part lesson plan called Earthscapes.  Thinking about sustainability, the goal was to create a model home using recycled materials in session one.  Then, in the second session, students will create clay slab landscapes to place the model home in an environment.

Artists get right down to business

After a short Power Point presentation, the artists got right down to business.  We had 5 grocery bags full of various items we salvaged from the trash can.  Scraps from fruit and vegetable packaging, rafts from 3-D printed objects, foam from packing materials, a filter from a furnace, etc. became materials to design a model home.

Cardboard and tape 

Some artists chose to work with cardboard and tape.

3-D Fences

This artist utilized the zig-zag of a 3-D print raft structure to establish a fence for her home.  You never know who you need to keep in and who needs to stay out!

Concentration

I was available to help with any questions, but there was total concentration on the dream home creation.  Glue guns were hot, glue sticks were melting away and foundations set.

Foam Staircase

The use of high density foam represented a staircase for this fortress. 

 A water well was considered, as well as a trap door to keep out trespassers.

Escape Plans are Important

This artist used foam for floating capabilities in case of flooding. 
 Towers allow for secret passage ways.

Organized "mess"

This dream home was meant to look messy. The exterior of this building gives visitors pause to enter, so what intruder would know the gorgeous mansion inside?  Strong imagination proved this fortress is secure and PLUSH inside.  It's certainly a haven in disguise!

Tipi Takes Rank

The only tipi structure came to fruition quickly, but I'm not quite sure what the red and green containers represent.  I teased that it was never ending tomato and avacado buckets to make bottomless bowls of guacamole.

Truffula Trees and a Pergola

When Truffula Trees grace a pergola, you know this dream home is intended for warm climates and safe surroundings.  The artist intends to live near no predatory animals and only see clear blue skies and sunshine 365 days a year.

Clean Lines and Clean Water

The spirit of conservation struck this artist when he used simple, clean lines to create his structure.  Having a dedicated clean water supply was of utmost importance, too.  The netting works as shade, but the open roof allows in plenty of sunlight for indoor gardening.

Feels like "Fallingwater"

As this student created her yoga getaway, I remarked how this dream home resembled "Fallingwater," by Frank Lloyd Wright.  She had never heard of that home, but recalled the ever-important architect's name from a school lesson.

Building with recycled materials and considering how to maintain a sustainable existence for humans on earth was a thought provoking subject for students.  They considered predators, intruders, protection from elements and daily needs like food and water.  Imagination and creativity enabled them to develop wisely designed homes for their clay slab landscapes.

Check back in May to see where these dream homes land.

 You never know what teens will make with piles of trash and lumps of dirt!