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First Monday of October • Design & Living

World Architecture Day

Celebrated on the same day as World Habitat Day, this day was created by the International Union of Architects (UIA) to remind the world of its collective responsibility for the future of our human habitat. It celebrates the power of design to change lives. Today we're debating form vs. function—should buildings be beautiful pieces of art, or just practical spaces to live and work? We explore the buildings that shape our souls.

World Architecture Day Lesson Visual

Speaking Discussion

  • Which building in your city do you think is the most beautiful, and why?
  • Do ugly buildings actually make people feel worse or more stressed?
  • Should we preserve old historic buildings even if they are expensive to keep?
  • If you could live in any famous building in the world, which one would it be?
  • What will the home of the future look like in 100 years?

Activity 1: The Master Builder

You are a "Rebel Architect". You want to build a house made entirely of "Recycled Plastic". Pitch your idea using the word "Aesthetic".

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Debate

Justify your answer in 30 seconds:

  • "Architecture is the most important art form because we live inside it."
  • "Skyscrapers are a waste of space and energy."
  • "Minimalist design is boring and lacks soul."