AIA Pennsylvania Announces Statewide Architecture Week Initiative for K-5 Students—–Bringing Design Thinking to Every Corner of the Commonwealth

AIA Pennsylvania is thrilled to announce a new statewide initiative for Architecture Week 2026 (April 12-18) designed to bring architectural inspiration and design thinking directly to children across all 67 counties of Pennsylvania.

Our goal is to foster creativity and introduce the power of design to the next generation in a fun, accessible way.

Stories and Design

In partnership with the Pennsylvania Library Association and Pennsylvania’s 67 county library systems, volunteer architects from AIA Pennsylvania will host interactive, hands-on sessions for K-5 students.

Each engaging storyhour will combine literacy and design thinking:

• Architecture-Themed Reading: Children will enjoy a reading of a specially selected architecture-themed children’s book, Iggy Peck, Architect. A copy of the book will be provided to each participating library system for their permanent collection.
• Guided Design Activity: Following the story, students will participate in a guided design activity, designing different built environments for specific animals and their communities.

Reaching Every County

This initiative aims to involve approximately 1,300 students statewide, with sessions planned for every county library system. By leveraging the reach of our partners at the Pennsylvania Library Association, we are ensuring that children in all corners of the state have the opportunity to participate in this enriching program.

Get Involved

Register to host an architect-led story hour and activity at your nearest county library system.

Questions & Answers for Volunteers:

• What is the time commitment?
• The story hour is designed for 1 hour of time including the following components:
  • Introduce yourself and share a little about your role as an architect.
  • Answer student questions about architecture and what architects do.
  • Spend approximately 10 minutes reading the selected book. 
  • Lead the hands-on design activity.  Students will gather at tables and draw on the paper provided.  They will design a city for animals by rolling two dice – one animal die and one word die – to determine their design challenge.  For example, a student may roll giraffe and library, then design a library for giraffes.  The architect volunteer will help students think through what that animal might need in the building, similar to how architects consider client needs in real-world design.  After one student has their concept, the next student rolls the dice to begin their design challenge.
  • Answer final questions and conclude the activity.
• Do I need to provide anything for this program?
• No, all materials will be shipped directly to the library for your use. 
• Who coordinates where I will host the activity?
• AIA Pennsylvania will coordinate with volunteers and participating libraries
• What age group is this program designed for?
• This is a program designed for K-5 students

Sponsor the purchase of additional copies of Iggy Peck, Architect for distribution to Pennsylvania libraries.

Encourage teachers and librarians you know to lead architecture themed lessons and events.

Other Ways to Participate in Architecture Week

Architecture Week is a nationwide celebration recognizing the power of good design, with a goal of inspiring hopeful architecture and design professionals and K-12 students.  AIA National provides several opportunities for engaging with students and sharing your knowledge and enthusiasm for the profession.

Download the Architecture Week, Animal Dice activity to play at home or share.

Register for a virtual read-aloud session with children’s architecture book authors.

Get involved in Architecture Week by sharing social media posts, contributing to a wish list, inviting students to your firm, sending a letter to your local schools or libraries, or actively engaging with students throughout the week.