What Is Architecture? Overview

Inspiring future designers begins with exposure, curiosity, and creativity. What is Architecture? is NCNOMA's Youth Outreach Initiatives that introduces children to architecture, design, and the built environment through books and interactive learning experiences.

Originally established as a book distribution program, the initiative provides architecture-related books to selected library systems and elementary schools across North Carolina. Building upon this foundation, NCNOMA members bring architecture directly into local communities through storytime sessions and hands-on activities such as LEGO challenges, Blockitects, Scale Up, and scrap building exercises.

Through creativity and exploration, the program helps children discover how architects shape the places where we live, learn, work, and play while encouraging them to imagine their own role in designing the future.