The next great generation of architects have their sights set on making Miami Beach more beautiful in Eric Hankin's Architecture Design Studio Class at DASH.
"We are doing a parklet design. And the parklet is a reclaimed parking spot in an urban area that's designed into a parking space," says Eric Hankin, Architecture teacher at DASH.
The students will add these designs to their portfolios. And those portfolios will be on full display come January.
"Here at DASH we have once a year portfolio review day. It's a big day here at DASH, where the seniors get to negotiate admission into colleges. As juniors they will get to meet these college representatives for the first time and show their work, so next year when its time for them to apply to college, they will already developed a relationship with the college admissions counselors and they will see the work and how it has improved." said Hankin.
Another way the students shape their portfolios is by taking field trips and exploring Miami for inspiration.
"For this particular project, we were able to go to the Museum of Art and Design, that's part of Miami Dade College's Museum system. They had a exhibit called Designing for Better America, which was a combination of different designers from all over the country and the projects that they are doing to help build community," said Hankin.
These kids are learning from a master in his field. Not only has Mr. Hankin taught here for 17 years but he’s been a Licensed architect in Florida for 28 years.
"Other than his amazing experience, he really cares about his students. He teaches with everything he knows about the field and it really helps us grow everyday," says Omar Leon, 11th Grader.
"One of the qualities that makes him special is his personal attention and dedication to the students. He doesn't teach the class, he teaches students. This makes him more personalize with the critique and input he gives each student, " said Principal Ana Alvarez-Arimon.
So give it up for Eric Hankin, who’s designing future architects. He’s this week’s super teacher and the recipient of two passes to Universal Orlando Resort.
(Prizes provided by Universal Orlando Resort™)
