Tempe Center for the Arts

Theme
Architecture and the Tempe Center for the Arts is based on the theme of architecture.

Theme in Life: We all move in and about buildings everyday.
Theme in Art: Architecture is the art of designing buildings that are both useful and expressive.

Lessons approach the theme through two key questions.

What forms do architects use?
What feeling or idea does the building express?

Broad themes and key questions not only give focus to specific activities but also provide connections that teachers and students can use to go beyond those activities.

The broad theme in art can be an entry point to explore art from many cultures and times. The broad theme in life connects art to widely held human concerns.

Similarly, the key questions can guide inquiry into a great many artworks, not only those introduced in the lesson. More resources for exploring art through questions can be found at Mary Erickson Ventures.

Adaptations & Extensions
Suggestions for adaptation and extensions appear at the end of lessons.

Secondary students vary greatly in maturity and prior experience. As you plan to implement specific activities, you will want to make adjustments to best suit a particular class and the abilities and interests of your students.

Estimated Time
Lesson One: The Architecture of Arrival = 1-2 class periods
Lesson Two: Forms and Spaces at the Tempe Center for the Arts = field trip
Lesson Three: Making an Entrance = a week to several weeks depending on choice of materials