Investigate an architect
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore and describe the style and work of an architect and use it to inspire my own design ideas.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
Pencils, rubbers, sharpeners, rulers, colouring pencils, fine liners.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these tools are most likely used for drawing?
Q2.What does it mean to collaborate in a group?
Q3.What is a sculpture?
Q4.Match the item to what it's used for.
Q5.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?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does an architect do?
Q2.What is a 'blueprint' used for?
Q3.Features found in the architect Zaha Hadid’s designs include ...
Q4.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 ...
Q6.What do we call a detailed plan or drawing made by an architect?
To help you plan your 4 art and design lesson on: Investigate an architect, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 art and design lesson on: Investigate an architect, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 art and design lessons from the Architecture: drawing and 3D design unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.