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Recap: Addressing Sustainability through Architecture, Engineering, & Construction
On February 6, 2024, The Green Engineer hosted a student engagement session at Concord Middle School for 6th to 8th grade students. In response to the disproportionate representation of BIPOC and female professionals in the fields of architecture, engineering and construction (AEC), the event aimed to introduce BIPOC students to the several potential pathways leading into the AEC profession. Engaging the students with a planned integrated design activity was meant to showcase the wide range of roles involved in the development of a built project, with a particular focus on sustainability.
Event Highlights
TGE Introduction
The session began with an introduction to TGE, where team members shared their diverse backgrounds and career paths that led them to the firm. They discussed the significance of design collaboration across many AEC disciplines, and explained the universal design elements such as architectural plans and elevations. TGE presenters also highlighted how these collective elements all relate to sustainable design.
LEGO Activity
The highlight of the event was a hands-on LEGO activity. Students worked in groups, guided by TGErs, to build structures using LEGO bricks and sketch the plans and elevations of the created structures. The student groups then disassemble their LEGO builds and would pass the pieces to the next group with the sketched plans and elevations, so that the structure could be reassembled. To incorporate sustainable concepts, each LEGO color represented different embodied carbon values, teaching students about the environmental impact of building materials. This interactive session allowed students to ask questions and learn about sustainability in a fun and engaging way.
Sustainability Discussion
The event concluded with a group discussion on sustainability. TGE emphasized the need for more BIPOC professionals in the AEC industry and general trades. They showcased drawings of the new school and related them to the students’ current courses, highlighting how sustainability can be integrated into everyday learning and future careers.
Conclusion
The event at Concord Middle School reflected TGE’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the AEC field. By engaging with BIPOC students through interactive activities and discussion, TGE hopes to inspire foster a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and encourage more diverse participation in the industry. The event not only highlighted the importance of sustainable practices but also underscored the critical role of social equity in creating a more inclusive and environmentally responsible future.