Mr. G.

James “Mr. G.” Garrison is a passionate elementary teacher and explorer of Chicago Architecture! An ELL/ESL teacher in the Winnetka Public School District, and the University of the Potomac, Mr. G. is a bilingual first-grade teacher (English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese) who completed his teacher-training and education at the University of Winter Haven, Florida. 

He served as a Special Library Project Director, design, and set-up of a new library at Ball Horticulture. Mr. G. has a deep appreciation for Chicago’s rich architectural history, having grown up in a family of architecture buffs and runs a small tour company that focuses on the best of Chicago’s architecture, culture, and history.

Exploring Chicago Architecture with Mr. G.

Exploring Chicago Architecture is a project-based inspired design program for grades 2-6 (ages 7-12).

Children will explore the origins of architecture in the Midwest, USA and how architecture impacts us in our everyday lives. Mr. G. inspires exploration and discovery through architecture-based provocations in the beauty and design of architecture in and around Chicago. Children can join Mr. G. on a journey of design and architectural exploration and discovery.

COMPETENCIES

  • Designer and artists mindset
  • Visual literacies
  • Drawing and sketching skills
  • Focused observation and attention to detail
  • Historical research and exploration skills
  • Spaces and place design and development awareness

FEATURES

  • 8 episodes
  • 8 site-focused visual explorations
  • Visits to some of Chicago’s leading architectural sites
  • Historical information and storytelling
  • Design guidance and ways to observe and document building, landscape, bridge, and city architectural designs

EPISODES

  • Chicago Bridges
  • Robie House, Hyde Park
  • Water Tower
  • Chicago Conservatory
  • Chicago River
  • Chicago World Fair and the Ferris Wheel
  • Rockefeller Chapel
  • The Museum of Science and Industry