Teaching Preservation: Connecting with Architecture
by Guest Writer on November 13th, 2009Written by Kim M.
St. John's Cathedral
Hi, this is Kim M. This week I have been interviewing people about their favorite building in Boise. What I realized, though, is that their favorite building is based on a personal experience that they had with that building. From students to faculty it still refers back to this theory, consciously or subconsciously.
Chelsea M., a senior, loves St. John’s Cathedral, the architecture, the feel, everything, “There is something about going there, about the light, it feels open…and that element of history to it… everything within has biblical reference to it, I noticed though there are lions and dragons above the windows.” Not only does she love it because she is a strong Catholic but because she was confirmed here when she was 16. “I first really appreciated St. John’s when I was confirmed… whether it was the mood of the event or what… but I definitely started noticing new things about the church and it was a beautiful moment.”
The Bown House
Sitasma K., a junior, told me about her experience with the Bown House. When she went for the first time in 4th grade an event occurred that stuck in her mind. “I realized how strict schools were back then, I was wearing nail polish and the teacher that was there was smacking her yard stick on my desk and telling me that I would have detention!” Even with that frightening event, she did notice some things about the building, “I loved how the building is so well preserved, you feel like you step into a whole different time period.”
The Boise Depot
Scott W., a school counselor, told me about his love for the Boise Train Depot. “[I love the Depot] due to the historical factor… it serves as the entrance into Boise… the steeple… and the architecture within the building which is a lot of mahogany pews and archways.” He loved it more, of course, when he was younger and the trains actually went through Boise, he would go when his family would arrive in Boise and pick them up and he thought it was “the coolest thing ever.”
Raybia A., a senior when asked what her favorite building was she answered, “That’s tough, there are a lot of good buildings [in Boise].” After a long contemplation she decided on Boise High School. She, like me, loves the columns and the Greek architecture feel of the school, even if Boise High is our main rival in town!
Donna D., the attendance secretary, expressed to me her memories of the Idaho Capitol. She told me about that the first memory that came to her was the field trips that she has taken to there, “It’s so ornate and obviously historical, very eye catching, and impressive.” She loved going through there and seeing the history of Idaho expressed in the Capitol.
Crissy W., a junior, loves experiencing life in the Big Easy, a concert hall in Boise. “I like how it is in an alleyway and holds cool concerts. I love the mosh pit area, because it is formed to make you mosh pit.”
Crissy has been to many concerts here including Tech9.
Brody C., a senior, enjoys the view of the LDS temple in Boise. He explained to me the admiration of the Modern Greek architecture that you don’t see very often in the building. “I love the stained glass windows and how well it is taken care of.” He loves the materials that are used here and the feel that the building gives to him. He says it was a place of “holiness and righteousness within a world of hatred and war.”
In all, I see how the buildings around Boise really affect the people and their lives in Boise. I see how folks can connect with beautiful buildings because of the way it feels, for what it means to them. I saw the glitter in their eyes when they spoke and the anxiety in their voices when they talked. People have a real connection to the things, the buildings that remind them of good experiences and wonderful occasions and with much thought I bet that you do too!
Kim M. is a student at Boise’s Timberline High School and is participating in the Boise Architecture Project. You can follow the students here on the PreservationNation blog and on their Flickr photostream. Also, get daily updates from their teacher, Doug StanWiens, on Twitter.
Are you an educator interested in teaching preservation in your classroom? Visit PreservationNation.org for resources, tips, and ideas to enhance your curriculum with lessons that will teach your students to recognize and appreciate the rich history that surrounds them.
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