As a culminating activity to a unit on architecture and sustainability, Art 1 students at the Jr./Sr. High School had the opportunity to meet an urban designer/planner.
Chris Henry, a senior planner for Oneida County and owner of Christopher Henry Designs, visited Art 1 classes on May 15.
Henry is a graduate of SUNY ESF, where he majored in Landscape Architecture. In addition to discussing his experiences as an urban designer/planner, Henry explained how architecture can simultaneously maximize the functionality of a space and be environmentally friendly.
The lesson complimented a project that asked each student to create an “ideal” school using sustainable energy. They had to create floor plans and draw elevations.
“Meeting a professional was a great way for students to gain knowledge and ideas for their projects,” Mrs. Notaro, art teacher, said.
Henry has worked on many projects in the City of Utica, including the design of “Handshake City.” The container park is a collaboration of an art gallery, urban marketplace, event venue and green space.