Alex James

SAIC SHOWS 2024 GRADUATE EXHIBITIONS

Graduates

SAIC SHOWS 2024 GRADUATE EXHIBITIONS

Master of Architecture with an Emphasis in Interior Architecture

Alex James is a dynamic professional with a diverse background encompassing architectural design and partner management. Alex holds a Bachelor’s of Arts in Communications from Michigan State University and is graduating from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in May with a Master in Architecture with an Emphasis in Interior Architecture and a Certificate in Historic Preservation. Alex is interested in sustainable design and has her LEED Green Associates. She is the Membership Chair for the nonprofit organization Chicago Women in Architecture and volunteers with the American Cancer Society

Kids Kitchen, View of the Kids Kitchen from the teacher's desk

Integrating the Natural World into Education

The American Public School system has not changed much over the years, students sit in a classroom and learn from what their teacher presents. But what if children are able to get outside, learn from nature, and be hands on in their learning. This new curriculum focuses on getting kids outside to learn and explore. Classrooms will integrate with the outside allowing natural light and fresh air to increase learning outcomes. Children will use their imagination and play within the landscape during recess. Students will grow their own food, harvest it, eat it, and return it back to the earth, learning where their food comes from, where their waste goes. The curriculum partners with local organizations to aid in harvesting and donation of surplus food. The feeling kids have of being involved in their community allows them to feel that they have some control over environmental issues that are ever present. Integrating nature into the education system early on allows for good habits to form early on which they can take with them throughout their lives.

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