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Potential education opportunities of the National Architectural Arts Center are extensive. While much of what would be offered through the Arts Center is available at several institutions around the country, nowhere is it integrated with an architectural collection, a conservation laboratory, and an architectural library.

Unlike other museums where artifacts are used strictly for exhibit and are approached largely from an artistic or historical context, the NAAC's exceptional resources, thoughtfully interpreted, can provide a new context with insights capable of engaging the public in a deeper understanding of architecture, construction, and urban development. The collection can be used to explain the complex relationships involving the changing technological, economic, and design context of construction. The collection can serve as well to understand urban form - why buildings went up where they did, and why they came down. The materials themselves can be used to illuminate the lives of people who made them, lived in, or worked in the buildings, and thus can open paths to a greater awareness and appreciation of the built environment.

Children

Various classes and outreach programs would be offered to elementary and high school students.

Classes that could be offered would include: architectural collection, a conservation laboratory, and an architectural library.

1. Gateway and Eads Arches
2. Fuller's Geodesic Dome Designs
3. Early American Architecture

1. Teaching children to be active participants in shaping their communities.
2. Exploring solutions for renovating urban buildings as an alternate to demolition.
3. Introducing students to basic design and construction processes.

For students who are interested and successful, the above class offerings could lead to more extensive apprenticeship programs. These courses would involve more hands-on activity in the conservation and development of various construction and architectural materials. (See Learning Resources for Children for more information.)

College Programs

These programs would be coordinated through Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, Saint Louis University, and Washington University in St. Louis. These offerings could occur in various disciplines including conservation and preservation, urban studies, development, construction, environmental engineering, and architecture. These programs would include summer programs and intern opportunities, and supplemental education. (See Academic Preservation Program Overview for further information on Academic Preservation Programs.)

Professional Education

Professional education will be administered through several universities including Southern Illinois University and Saint Louis University as well as professional organizations such as American Institute of Architects, Urban and Land Institute, and the National Association of Industrial Office Professionals.

Courses will be intended for numerous uses including accreditation, degree hours, and professional development. Courses would include topics such as the following:

Planning & Design for a New Generation of Seniors
Public School Planning & Design
Universal Design
Strategic Planning & Design for Residential Campus Communities
Sustainable Design Strategies for Historic Buildings
Development & Design of Affordable Housing
Public/Private Joint Ventures in Real Estate Development
Urban Retail Planning for Neighborhoods & Communities
Information Technology & Life Cycle Management & Design Construction
Improving Residential Building Performance

Construction, Craft, & Decorative Trades

A wide variety of classes and instructional programs can be created in coordination with partners such as Ranken Technical School and the St. Louis Creative Artisans Guild. Many of these programs would be hands-on and would include continuing education for various subcontractors and trades people as well as possible cross-specialty training for individuals that need to or want to work in mixed material. Many of these programs would be offered in our hands-on/manufacturing areas.

(See Professional Education for additional information.)

Public Programs

The extensive offerings developed for the public would include lectures, instructional courses, seminars, and team construction development projects.

Target audiences would include one-time visitors, seniors, and members. Types of programming would include gallery talks, lectures, docent programs, concerts, design and manufacturing sessions, out-reach lectures and architectural tours. (See Public Programs for more information.)

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