Stamford American International School

As an IB School, the Grade 10 MYP Design course at Stamford allows students to develop an appreciation for design and innovation, create solutions to real-world problems and develop an appreciation for global society. In the first unit, students learn about issues impacting neighbouring countries and find solutions for them. Some projects include designing a flood-resistant house in Cambodia, creating self-cooling homes to reduce the “Urban Heat Island” effect in Singapore, and developing ideas for an earthquake-proof house in Indonesia. Students learn about environmental issues and create architectural models in their natural habitats. Through the project, students become innovative architects, bringing their designs to life through 3D modelling, laser cutting and 3D printing.

In the MYP, students are encouraged to transfer knowledge to new situations and learn in meaningful ways. Kako, now in Grade 11, used her experience and knowledge from the design course to support a project on Biomimicry (combining geology and engineering to create innovative models). During the past summer, she participated in an online course at Brown University and was challenged with using sustainable architecture to problem-solve. She created a model of an eco-friendly shopping centre ventilation system, adapting infrastructure from termites to create a building that mimics their ventilation system. It included a large cafeteria made of a material that imitates the skin of the Saharan silver ant, keeping the building cool while expelling heat.

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