ABOUT
Background
The built environment is the parts of our environment that are made by humans. This includes the physical parts of where we live and work such as cities, buildings, parks and streets. Design professionals such as architects, landscape architects, and urban planners make decisions about our built environment. Collectively, the related professions determine what resources are allocated to our communities, how communities are planned and designed, and who, ultimately, benefits from these decisions. Design decisions impact every aspect of our lives including housing, food, education, employment and health. Yet, design leadership does not reflect the diversity in our communities. Read more here.
We all deserve to be a part of the decisions made about our built environment including our kids! Our children should understand what’s happening in their communities, and have the skills to create a future that they're able to thrive in. This is why we believe that design should be a fundamental part of every child’s learning.
Mission
The mission of WATER BLOCK Kids™ is to teach youth about design including architecture, landscape architecture, urban planning and real estate through camps, workshops and at-home educational tools.
Goals
To build awareness and understanding about design, design careers and their direct impact in our communities
To advance creative problem-solving, design and critical thinking, and project-based learning skills to address real world challenges
To highlight Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) design professionals, who are significantly underrepresented in design and design careers
To affirm the identity and involvement of youth in the decisions made about our built environment