PHOTOS: Cross-Divisional Collaboration Brings Students Together for Form-Versus-Function Challenge

The Johnson Wallis Visual Arts Center was buzzing with creativity and collaboration as grade 7 science students joined the Upper School students in Advanced Ceramics and Architecture for an exciting hands-on learning experience. The students took part in a “form vs. function design challenge,” where they built bird towers—a structure that blends artistic design with practical functionality.

The challenge kicked off with teams of grade 7 students working alongside their Upper School mentors, who guided them through the design and construction process while also showcasing artistic and architectural creativity. The teams of three to four grade 7 students explored the balance between form in artistic expression and function, the structural integrity needed to create a habitat suitable for birds. 

This challenge provided students with an exciting opportunity for hands-on learning, mentorship, and creative problem-solving, all while designing structures that balance beauty and purpose in the natural world. The primary goal of the Bird Towers challenge is for students to design a functional bird habitat that also showcases creative artistic elements. 

The teams are tasked with making choices to emphasize either form (the aesthetic beauty and artistry of the tower) or function (its durability and practicality as a bird-friendly shelter), while keeping both aspects in mind. Advanced Ceramics and Architecture students stepped into leadership roles, helping their younger peers navigate this exciting project. These mentors bring valuable experience, sharing architectural and ceramic techniques that allow the grade 7 students to experiment with structure and design.