This past spring, 16 students participated in an exercise in sustainability through a “box city”; a 20 by 25 foot floor map of the neighborhood surrounding their school, Patterson Park Charter School, just outside downtown Baltimore. Facilitated by University of Maryland Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning Alex Chen, “box city” allows teachers to convey concepts to students about where they live and how they view their environment.  The “box city” project is one of several educational outreach programs created by the Urban Studies Program for schools and youth organizations state-wide.

The team of rambunctious seventh grade boys, who call themselves CAAM (an acronym combining the first letter of each of their names), were determined to put a water park in the middle of Patterson Park, a city park located just outside of downtown Baltimore. Despite lengthy discussions and some gentle mentoring, the boys held firm.

“What will people do in the winter?” asked Regine Saintilien, a graduate student in the Urban Studies and Planning Program, helping to oversee the project.

“We’ll make it an INDOOR water park,” replied the boys.

Team CAAM was part of a class of 16 students who participated in an exercise in sustainability this past spring through a “box city”; a 20 by 25 foot floor map of the neighborhood surrounding their school, Patterson Park Charter School. Facilitated by University of Maryland Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning Alex Chen, “box city” allows teachers to convey concepts to students about where they live and how they view their environment. The “box city” project is one of several educational outreach programs created by the Urban Studies Program for schools and youth organizations state-wide.

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The School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at the University of Maryland is home to four academic disciplines: architecture, urban planning, historic preservation and real estate development. Committed to educating its students and community about the importance of sustainability and smart growth, the School practices an interdisciplinary approach to education, research, creative work, and community and professional service. For more information, please e-mail us or call 301.405.8000.

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