As part of the WOW Week program, we held the workshop "RUI Children's Architecture Academy / Why Not Try Building an 'Unbreakable Bridge'?"

We welcomed instructors from Rui Architects and Engineers, a firm with a 53-year history that handles over 100 projects annually, including designs for government offices, educational facilities, and cutting-edge corporations, as well as community-engaged urban planning.

This event received an overwhelming number of applications immediately after registration opened, making it so popular that participants had to be selected by lottery. The workshop was held in two sessions on the day, where students learned the basics of architecture while working in groups to design and build based on the theme of "an unbreakable bridge."

In the workshop, students utilized familiar materials such as bamboo sticks, rubber bands, melamine sponges, and string to come up with ideas to increase the strength and stability of their bridges. Discussing questions like "What shape is the strongest?" and "How can it withstand the weight?", the students repeatedly assembled and modified their structures.

Despite the limited time, unique and carefully crafted bridges were completed one after another, featuring triangular truss structures or innovative ideas distinct to each group. Through this process of trial and error in collaboration with their peers, it served as a wonderful opportunity to learn that architecture requires not only creativity but also logical thinking and teamwork.

By engaging in hands-on activities to explore structures, the participating students truly experienced the excitement and depth of architecture. Through this hands-on experience, which goes beyond what can be learned in a traditional classroom setting, it was a fulfilling time that further deepened their intellectual curiosity about the field of architecture.

Starting from September, we plan to host more architecture-related projects inviting the team from Rui Architects and Engineers. We will continue to deepen our learning about the charm and possibilities of architecture through various hands-on experiences.