What do paper, tape, and gum all have in common? They’re all items used in the most recent challenge undertaken by Hewitt’s 13 architects-in-training. This past Thursday, on our third visit to Robert A. M. Stern Architects, our mentors challenged us to create the highest structure possible that could successfully hold a pack of gum using only three pieces of paper and 12″ of Scotch tape . The word “challenge” successfully describes the task, especially when given a time constraint of 30 minutes. However, when time was up, we realized we had put our day’s structural engineering lecture to good use, ultimately producing some impressive structures.
Have you wondered about those new bulletin boards in the fishbowl, covered with drawings, thumbtacks and bright green Post-it notes? They’re reserved specifically for the ACE Mentor program, which gives a small group of Hewitt students the opportunity to delve into fields surrounding architecture with RAMSA and its partners.
“The mission of ACE is to engage, excite and enlighten high school students to pursue careers in architecture, engineering and construction through mentoring and to support their continued advancement in the industry.” Through ACE, professionals from Robert A. M. Stern Architects, one of the world’s leading architectural firms, along with engineers and construction managers, meet with us every other week to teach us about the architectural discipline. During this nine-week program, Hewitt students will learn the fundamentals of architecture, structural and mechanical engineering, interior and environmental design, and construction management.
Our objective? To “build” an innovative, functioning school on an empty lot. This activity resembles and requires every step to that of a real life project, the only difference being the lack of physical execution of plans at the end. We’ll separate into different disciplines to plan out, in as much detail as possible, every aspect of the project from the site to the design to the mechanics.
The first day of RAMSA, we trudged across Central Park (trailing behind Mr. Weaver’s uncommonly large strides), full of excitement to get started. The authenticity of the professional setting, full of bustling movement and business attire, added to the reality of the experience. Sitting in RAMSA’s conference room, we nervously jotted down a few notes as the architects and engineers began presenting their individual disciplines with their respective jargon. This first day, though a bit intimidating, set the program into gear.
With each additional session, our nerves have begun to dissipate due to the confidence that stems from our increased knowledge. As a part of RAMSA, which is a real commitment for the girls on board, we have “fun” homework. Homework assignments thus far have been creating two different floor plans of our favorite rooms with and without improvements, sketching general floor plans of the school we’re working on, and examining architectural structures and researching materials. Tajae Williams ’16, who noticed two RAMSA interns working on their projects in school, said, “I thought it was pretty cool, and I didn’t think it took that much work and neatness to design a building. I admire the dedication of all of the Hewitt girls participating in this internship. I wish I’d joined. ”
Hewitt girls are already breaking gender barriers by expressing interest in various careers of STEM. Ji-Hye Ham, a RAMSA architect and one of our mentors, says of the field, “This is a very male-dominated field, but lots of women are becoming more interested. I will say that there should be more support for women in engineering. Architecture and engineering are growing fields, and women and girls should not be discouraged by the idea. When we take charge, we are very successful!”
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