New
New
Investigate an architect
I can explore and describe the style and work of an architect and use it to inspire my own design ideas.
Lesson 1 of 6
New
New
- Year 4
Investigate an architect
I can explore and describe the style and work of an architect and use it to inspire my own design ideas.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Architects influence how buildings look and function.
- Architectural styles vary across time, place, and purpose.
- Architects use blueprints to help communicate their ideas.
- Observing details (materials, shapes, and forms) improves visual literacy.
Keywords
Architect - a person who designs buildings and oversees their construction
Building - a structure with a roof and walls, such as a house or factory
Structure - how something is built or put together
Blueprint - a detailed drawing or plan used in building design
Common misconception
All buildings look the same because they follow similar rules.
While buildings need to be safe and follow certain rules, architects use creativity to make them unique.
Help pupils focus on specific features in buildings (like shapes, lines, and materials). Model how to talk about what they notice using key vocabulary before they draw or design.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, rulers, colouring pencils, fine liners.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these tools are most likely used for drawing?
Which of these tools are most likely used for drawing?
spoon
paintbrush
scissors
Q2.What does it mean to collaborate in a group?
What does it mean to collaborate in a group?
Work quietly by yourself.
Copy someone else's work.
Watch others and not help.
Q3.What is a sculpture?
What is a sculpture?
a flat drawing on paper
a song sung by a group
a photo taken with a camera
Q4.Match the item to what it's used for.
Match the item to what it's used for.
Q5.Put these steps in the correct order when creating a sculpture.
Put these steps in the correct order when creating a sculpture.
Q6.What is the word for a quick drawing that shows an idea or plan?
What is the word for a quick drawing that shows an idea or plan?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does an architect do?
What does an architect do?
paint pictures
build cars
plant trees
Q2.What is a 'blueprint' used for?
What is a 'blueprint' used for?
a painting of a house
a map of a city
a list of materials
Q3.Features found in the architect Zaha Hadid’s designs include ...
Features found in the architect Zaha Hadid’s designs include ...
brick walls and tunnels.
pointed rooftops only.
angular, straight lines.
Q4.Put the steps in order that an architect might follow when designing a building.
Put the steps in order that an architect might follow when designing a building.
Q5.A word that describes something an architect might design for people to use is a ...
A word that describes something an architect might design for people to use is a ...
Q6.What do we call a detailed plan or drawing made by an architect?
What do we call a detailed plan or drawing made by an architect?
