Architecture students aiding local preschool

Students in the School of Architecture’s AIAS “Freedom by Design” chapter recently completed the first of a two-phase project at the Cabarrus Bilingual Preschool, run by Families First in Cabarrus County, a nonprofit organization that serves low-income families through bilingual (Spanish and English) programs for children and parents.

The finished phase of the project includes a privacy fence weave of colorful nylon strips woven through the existing chain link fence, a series of interactive wooden panels attached to the fence and a large gardening area.

The project’s second phase, which will be completed during the upcoming academic year, will explore the infill of the playground with the possibility of adding a race track, a mound for climbing and sliding and seating/meeting areas for picnics and gatherings.

Freedom by Design is the American Institute for Architecture Students (AIAS) community service program; it encourages architecture students to use their skills to “radically impact the lives of people in their communities,” according to the AIAS website.

The UNC Charlotte School of Architecture started a Freedom By Design program in 2007 under the mentorship of architecture faculty John Nelson, Greg Snyder and David Thaddeus. The UNC Charlotte chapter was recognized nationally as the 2014-15 Chapter of the Year and received the 2014-15 Project of the Year award for a play structure designed and built for the playground at Chantilly Montessori Elementary School.