SAPC: Special Edition
From SAPC members,
Thank you all for keeping up with our blog posts throughout the entire year! Over the course of this semester we worked on 2 rooftop café designs which we presented to the principal, Mr. Macklin. The designs will be shown to external contractors and realised hopefully by the summer of 2027. To mark the end of the year and our projects, we would like to allow our members to describe their experiences in SAPC this school year. They were asked the following questions:
-What was your experience like in SAPC this year?
-What was your favourite project and what did you learn from it?
-What improvements can be made for next year?
Name: Lisa Bomin Kim
Grade: 11
Favourite Architecture: The Pantheon, Italy
That's a Wrap!
My experience in SAPC this year was probably better than last year. We struggled a lot due to quite a small number of members, but I think that number is what made our club special. As a small group, we were able to get really close with each other and communicate more efficiently, which probably made the processes easier.
I’d say it was the rooftop project because it took the longest time. Because we worked together as a group, I learned how important it is to have good communication skills.
Definitely more projects! I think it’d be great if members could explore a diverse range of activities rather than focusing on just one project for the majority of the year.
Name: Erica Kim
Grade: 11
Favourite Architecture: The Grand Ring, Japan
My Year in SAPC
This year in SAPC has been one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve had in high school. I walked in not fully knowing what to expect, and I walked out genuinely excited about the world of architecture in a way I never was before.
My favorite project was designing the rooftop café area. I loved it because it was a hands-on experience. We thought of how people would actually move through space, what kind of atmosphere we wanted to create. This hands-on experience gave me a genuine glimpse into what architects actually do day-to-day, and it was honestly thrilling. I learned that design is not just about aesthetics but also about how people experience a place.
If I could change one thing for next year, it would be giving students a little more creative freedom. Loosening up the constraints a bit could unlock engaging works from future SAPC students.
Beyond the projects, the people in SAPC made everything so much better. Everyone brought in lots of work and ideas. Being surrounded by others who genuinely love design pushed me to care more, try harder, and grow in ways I didn’t expect.
Name: Grace Kim
Grade: 9
Favourite Architecture: Dongdaemun Design Plaza, South Korea
More Than Just a Project
This was my first semester in SAPC, and it was way more fun and memorable than I expected. At first, I thought it would be another club where we pretend to do work and carry out passive projects and presentations. I soon realized that in SAPC, we can be creative and express our ideas. I liked how we could collaborate with both the teachers and executives to plan for future renovation projects and incorporate aspects of Korean culture into our school.
Our project was to propose a rooftop cafe with most of the logistics and inspiration. This was a bit challenging at first because it was hard to balance both modern and traditional architecture and design. But it was interesting, as I was part of a process I did not know about at all. As I had no idea that students were designing some of the new renovations in our school.
For next year, I think SAPC could include even more interactive and creative projects. Also, making the meetings a bit more engaging or even making them shorter. SAPC does a lot of work, but meeting time isn't being used to its fullest potential. SAPC could also try to engage other students and our school community further by posting more on social media, utilizing the boards, or even asking for mentions of certain facts in the announcements.
Name: Yuna Ock
Grade: 9
Favourite Architecture: Gyeongbokgung, South Korea
Untitled
This year was my first year in SAPC, and it was a very new and professional experience for me. Unlike many other clubs, SAPC gave students the opportunity to present ideas to Mr. Macklin and discuss real changes that could be made around the school. It was exciting to know that our opinions could have an impact on actual architectural projects, such as the Senior Wall. That made the club feel more meaningful because we were not just learning about architecture, we were helping shape parts of our school community.
My favorite project was the rooftop design project. I enjoyed it because members were able to share ideas and help make decisions, even if they were not executives. It felt rewarding to know that everyone's voice could be heard. Through this project, I learned the importance of collaboration, listening to diverse perspectives, and thinking creatively about how to improve spaces.
Next year, I think SAPC could be improved by fostering a more energetic atmosphere during meetings. Sometimes the mood felt a little gloomy, which made discussions less engaging. I also think members should be encouraged to participate more consistently. While absences are sometimes unavoidable, having members attend meetings regularly would help projects run more smoothly and allow everyone to contribute equally. Overall, SAPC was a unique experience that taught me a lot about architecture, teamwork, and leadership.
Name: Tyger Byun
Grade: 10
Favourite Architecture: Fallingwater, USA
Year in Review
I generally enjoyed my experience in SAPC this year. Despite the low member count and mainly work-focused atmosphere, I felt proud of the outcomes of our projects in the end.
Between the two main projects this year, the room decorations and the rooftop design proposal, I would say the rooftop design proposal was my favourite. I liked that we were able to express our creative abilities to provide to the school’s students. I also learned how to organise and manage larger scale projects that require higher coordination between staff and students and greater attention to detail.
Despite our successes, there are a few improvements that I think would help make our club better in the future. For example, we should make our club more engaging with more fun activities. We struggled to keep members engaged as the club failed to keep its appeal. If we implement engaging activities, we should expect higher engagement from members. We also should try to be stricter on our policies as we struggled to enforce club rules and meet deadlines due to frequent missed meetings and assignments. By doing so, we should be able to get more work done in shorter periods of time.
Name: Chloe Park
Grade: 11
Favourite Architecture: Gando Primary School, Burkina Faso
Untitled
My experience in SAPC this year was incredibly rewarding and enjoyable. I really appreciated how all the members worked together as a team and supported one another throughout the year. Despite our busy academic schedules and extracurricular commitments, everyone remained dedicated to our projects and responsibilities. Being part of SAPC allowed me to collaborate with passionate and hard working students, develop new skills, and contribute to meaningful projects that positively impacted our school community. Overall, it was a valuable experience that helped me grow both personally and as a team member.
My favorite project was the Rooftop Design Project, where we worked on redesigning the rooftop area on the third floor. I enjoyed this project the most because it challenged us to think creatively while also considering solutions. Throughout the process, our team had to communicate effectively, collaborate closely, and combine different ideas to create a design that would benefit the school community. This experience strengthened our teamwork, problem solving, and communication skills. In addition, I learned how architecture and environmental design can significantly impact student and teacher's well being, comfort, and daily experiences. It helped me develop a greater connection and understanding for the relationship between humans, the built environment, and sustainability.
One improvement SAPC could make next year is becoming more involved in outside school activities. For example, SAPC could participate more actively in fall festival to increase student engagement and raise awareness of our work. Additionally, doing more team building activities and engaging games during meetings could help members build stronger relationships and create a more enjoyable and welcoming environment. These changes could encourage greater participation, strengthen teamwork, and make SAPC an even more engaging experience for future members. So we hope you all look forward to next year!!
Thank you to all who are always supporting SAPC!!
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