Local Architect Inspires Alton Students During Architecture Week

ALTON - A local architect visited Alton schools to talk to kids during Architecture Week.

Joel Hall is a professor at Lewis and Clark Community College and serves as a project manager for the Alton Community Unit School District #11 with FGM Architects. Last week, he stopped by Alton High School and West Elementary School to talk about the work architects do and the different educational pathways students can take to study architecture.

“It’s one of my favorite things to do, to talk to young people about it,” Hall said. “I wish someone had talked to me about it when I was their age.”

At the elementary school level, Hall spoke about how buildings are designed and built. He encouraged students to think about the buildings they encounter every day.

He hopes this conversation might spark an interest in students to pursue more STEM classes or enroll in the Architectural Technology Program with Pat Goetten when they reach high school. Hall noted that the goal is to bring awareness to architecture as a field and show kids that it can be a possible career path.

At the high school, Hall spoke candidly about the requirements that architecture students face at the college level. He noted that Lewis and Clark Community College is a great place for students to begin their collegiate careers. But wherever the students end up, he lets them know that he can help them.

“I always tell kids, first and foremost, I’m a resource in the school district for you,” Hall explained. “Your parents pay taxes here. Whether a student decides to choose my program at Lewis and Clark or bypass it and go someplace else, I’m still a resource for them to help teach them the options that they have.”

Hall tries to instill in students some of the characteristics that architects need to possess. Humility and cooperation are major parts of the job, and he urges students to develop these life skills. These qualities help students learn how to navigate the architecture culture, or, as Hall calls it, “the archiculture.”

He also enjoys showing students the craftsmanship and mathematics behind each build. He hopes his conversations with students inspire a few of them to pursue a career in architecture and know that Hall is ready to help.

“I’m no Frank Lloyd Wright by any means, but I do really appreciate the craftsmanship,” he joked. “I’m always loving to talk about the craft and what I do and how I can help young people progress or learn more about it. If it’s something that they actually want to do, I can be of assistance to them.”

The Alton Community Unit School District #11 is focused on providing students with opportunities to engage with different career paths and professionals. Architecture Week was a chance for Hall to share his experiences with students and hopefully inspire them to reach out.

“That’s where my role as an educator slides in, as opposed to just being an architect,” he added. “All in all, it emphasizes architecture as a viable path or viable career…The force is strong there in Alton with architecture.”

This Featured Article is sponsored by Alton Community Unit School District #11. To get your business or organization featured on www.Riverbender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.

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