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ARCHITECT BARBIE MAKES HER DEBUT AT THE AIA CONVENTION

As part of the 2011 AIA National Convention in New Orleans, Mattel pre-launched Architect Barbie, the latest Barbie in their “Barbie I Can Be...” series. About 400 girls from local schools and community groups visited the convention center to participate in Architect Barbie workshops, where they learned about women architects, designed their own Barbie Dream House, and left with their very own Architect Barbie. Read More.

ARCHITECT BARBIE DREAM HOUSE PROJECT

For more than 50 years, Barbie has empowered girls to dream big and explore a world without limits. This year, Barbie unveils I Can Be … Architect, encouraging a new generation of girls to pursue a career in architecture. Along with introduction of the newest Barbie, the American Institute of Architects and Mattel announced the Architect Barbie Dream House Design Competition. The competition challenged AIA members to design a dream house for an American icon. From nearly 30 submissions, a panel of jurors selected five finalists with input from Mattel’s own team of Barbie experts. We then invited the public to choose their favorite design. Almost 9,000 kids and kids at heart voted. And the winners are…Read More.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE ARCHITECT BARBIE WORKSHOPS

“The girls were so happy to be a part of such an inspiring event of this magnitude. We... at Just for Girls would like to thank you for orchestrating such a powerful event that will help in transforming the lives of so many young girls.  Their lives will never be the same.  A day they will always remember and cherish forever.” – Tony Alexander, Just for Girls

“Our Girls had a great time and the Barbie doll topped it off. Girls can truly be anything they set their minds to be and we try really hard to keep all of our girls on a straight path to a great future. Thanks again.” – Linda Dugas, Brownie Troop #21346

ARCHITECT BARBIE WORKSHOP IN 10 STEPS
You, too, can host an Architect Barbie Workshop in your community - whether you’re a firm, a component, or an individual with an interest in sharing your profession with the next generation.

1. Select a day, time, and location for your workshop.

2. Set your budget. Will you offer meals or transportation? Will you give each girl an Architect Barbie doll?

3. Determine the number of girls and volunteers per workshop (we suggest 4 volunteers for each group of 25-30 girls)

4. Contact elementary schools and community groups (National Urban League, Girl Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.) for participants. Don’t forget to issue release/permission slips.

5. Sign up volunteers (Architect and Associate AIA members, NOMA and NOMAS members, etc.).

6. Compile workshop materials.

7. Determine who will lead each workshop.

8. Send confirmations to participants and volunteers.

9. Host your Architect Barbie Workshop and have fun!

10. Tell us how it went! Add your comments to our Architect Barbie Facebook Group and upload photos from your event.

Download Architect Barbie Workshops in 10 Steps in one convenient file (PDF)

Download the Architect Barbie Workshop Toolkit (not including posters) in one convenient file (PDF).

ARCHITECT BARBIE WORKSHOP MATERIALS
Architect Barbie Workshop Outline (PDF)

Barbie Dream House Floor Plan (PDF)

Barbie Dream House Room Cut-Outs (PDF)

List of Additional Supplies

Posters showcasing the work of prominent women architects (PDF ) – Don’t forget to add your own local women architects!

Sample Information Sheets

• Sample Participant Information Sheet

• Sample Volunteer Information Sheet

Sample Sign-Up Sheets

• Girls

• Volunteers

Sample Release and Permission Form

Download the Architect Barbie Workshop Toolkit (not including posters) in one convenient file (PDF).

Additional Resources
Example of a Completed Barbie Workshop Dream House Exercise (PDF)

ARCHITECT BARBIE IN THE NEWS

Meet Architect Barbie – AIArchitect

After 10 years, with a Little Help from Buffalo, Architect Barbie Emerges as Icon of the Building Trades – buffalo.edu

What I Learned from Architect Barbie – DesignObserver.com

Architect Barbie is in the Building – MASH

Barbie Becomes an Architect in New Orleans – Times-Picayune NOLA (video link)

Barbie: The Fashion Experience – The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis

Click here for more.

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Join our AIA Architect Barbie group on Facebook

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