Exploring stories and history through architecture - Sunny Jiang


Exploring stories and history through architecture

Target Audience: 

Age Range: 12-13 years old

Group Size: School Trip or Visitor groups of more than 6 people

Location: On-site Fort York/Online

Learn by Engaging:

Study historical events

Different periods living environment

Explore the relationship between architecture and social development

Theme: Past and present


History background (5 mins)：

A Brief Introduction to Fort York and the Educational Significance of War Sites

     When standing within historic structures like Fort York, one can truly feel the way of life, challenges, and societal needs of the time. These buildings bear the marks of history—damaged walls, traces of repairs, or incomplete structures—serving as tangible reminders of the passage of time and the scars of war. They offer a profound understanding that history is not just words written in books but has endured monumental changes and struggles.
     In this pedagogical approach using objects, I will guide participants through three types of architecture/buildings photos from different eras to explore social development and historical events.
  • War Ruins Buildings: These structures reflect the destruction and remnants of war, showing how people of the past coped with conflict and survival.
  • 18th- and 19th-Century Buildings: Victorian-style architecture demonstrates the growth of the local economy and the stability of society during this period.
  • Modern Houses: Representing a peaceful era, these buildings showcase technological advancements and emphasize functionality and comfort.
This exploration focuses on helping participants gain a better understanding of how architecture reflects the needs and values of its time, as well as the resilience and creativity of people in the face of change.

Question for students:

  • Questions for student:
  • What function did York Castle serve during the war?
  • What roles did York Castle serve during different periods?
  • After the war ended, did York Castle's function change? Imagine what other purposes it could serve.
  • From the structure of York Castle, how did it defend against enemy attacks?
  • If York Castle were destroyed during the war, what impact would that have?

Pedagogical with objects:

Three periods of architecture (buildings during/after war sites, buildings from 1812s period, modern architecture) 

  • Building during/after war:
    • What function does this building serve?
    • What does the damaged part of the building indicate?
    • What might it have gone through?
  • 18-19 era building:
    • What function does this building serve?
    • What design elements or materials reflect the social and cultural aspects of that time?
  • Modern house:
    • What function does this building serve now/past?
    • What changes are there in architectural style and function? 

COOKHOUSE, ca. 1902, Parson, photographer, City of Toronto Archives, Fonds 70, series 327/1/5
Located northeast of Officers' Brick Barracks and built ca. 1838. Frame construction. 
One storey in height with an unusual configuration to accommodate cooking facilities. Had huge central chimney stack flanked by louvered ventilators.

NORTHERN RAILWAY OFFICES, ca. 1862, City of Toronto Archives, SC 347
Toronto architect William George Storm designed offices for the Northern (formerly Ontario, Simcoe & Huron) 
Railway for a site at the northwest corner of Front and Spadina, soon (2012) to be the new home of the Globe and Mail.

Fort York: Toronto's Timeless Guardian, Creator: Francisco Milland 

Activity:

Each participant will choose an architectural style (war, 18-19 era, or modern) to design a building, using any materials—paper, building blocks, clay, AI to create a building. The inspiration could come from Fort York’s historical architecture or imagination. You can also add secret passages, protective walls, or any other special features. Present the designs in small groups, explaining the design inspiration. 

Question for group discussion: 

What is the primary function of your building?

How does it provide protection or services? 

If the building needed to adapt to the demands of war or peace, how would you adjust its design? 

What new functions might this building serve 50 years from now?


Some AI examples:
CHATGPT: Keyword - Use simple line to drawing a house that provides shelter during war.

CHATGPT: Keyword - Use simple line to drawing a house that provides shelter during modern war


Take-Home Activity:
You will draw your own house and add some elements that could protect you and your family. You can use design to show the safety, privacy, comfort, even add some special features such as secret passages, solid walls, or fantasy technology.
Which parts of the house do you think could be improved?
Could you add more functionality, such as storage space, a rainwater collection system, or a new underground escape route or emergency exit?



Conclusion:
This educational plan bridges the past and present. The core idea of this program is to help participants understand the transformative impact of war. By exploring architecture from different time periods and engaging in creative activities, participants will develop critical thinking, enhance their creativity, and gain a deeper understanding of peace and conflict.
    Historical sites serve as witnesses to war and destruction. They tell stories of past struggles while inspiring us to work together to build a peaceful future.