Column Workshop

Column Workshop

For Woman’s History Month 2023, Rojas AP worked with a group of young students from Tools & Tiaras Inc., a Jamaica-based not-for-profit group, at our local museum, King Manor Museum. Rojas AP worked together with Tools & Tiaras to develop the architectural background for the column activity. The activity was designed to teach the basics of a column and the different parts in order for the children to use what they learned to build their very own column. The process was developed with precut materials and a simple instruction manual. The children began the activity with a short mini-lesson on what a column is. With their newly acquired information, the children were able to use their instruction manual to start building their columns. Then they work semi-independently with the support of the staff to finish building their column. To personalize their column, the children were able to paint, color, and even add glitter to solidify the design of the project. In this joint effort, the children were able to understand the structure of a column with a hands-on approach and became a part of the design process.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Ramp Workshop

Ramp Workshop

Rojas AP conducted an instructive workshop during the 2023 group from Tools & Tiaras Inc., a Jamaicabased not-for-profit group with a primary emphasis on architectural inclusion and accessibility. This program provided a comprehensive introduction to the principles of ADA compliance, specifically focusing on constructing ramps that meet established building code requirements. The workshop was equipped with essential materials and step-by-step instructions thoughtfully provided by Rojas AP. Under the guidance of Rojas AP, the students embarked on a structured exploration of architecture, delving into the intricacies of ADA compliance and the significance of code-compliant ramps. Employing an array of architectural tools, the students meticulously crafted ramps, paying careful attention to nuances such as handrail post placements and assembly techniques while they followed a step-by-step guide. The workshop fostered the development of critical thinking and practical skills, as the participants systematically measured, cut, and assembled materials to create ramps adhering to ADA standards.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

GIS and Housing

GIS and Housing

Deborah Rojas De Leon, a co-author of GIS and Housing: Principles and Practices, brings her expertise to the forefront by creating all the informative graphics within the book. This book tackles the complexities of the current housing crisis in the United States, proposing denser housing options as a solution to affordability issues, limited supply, and homelessness. GIS and Housing goes beyond theory, demonstrating how Geographic Information Science (GIS) can be a powerful tool to untangle these intricate housing challenges. The authors, with their diverse backgrounds in architecture, urban planning, community engagement, and GIS, offer a well-rounded exploration of housing issues, grounded in real-world experiences. The book starts with a historical perspective, then dives into the technical aspects of GIS management. This approach bridges the gap between housing professionals and GIS experts, fostering collaboration. Through this interdisciplinary teamwork, the book proposes solutions that not only address housing but also tackle climate change and income inequality. By advocating for a collaborative approach, the authors empower all stakeholders to confront the multifaceted housing crisis with a shared understanding and purpose. GIS and Housing doesn’t just illuminate the pressing issues; it serves as a roadmap towards a future where housing is equitable and accessible for all Americans.

Programming Workshop

Programming Workshop

In the summer of 2022 Rojas AP taught a group from Tools & Tiaras Inc., a Jamaica based not for profit group during their summer camp. Rojas AP developed a STEM activity for school aged children from 6 - 14. The activity was designed to teach the basics of zoning restrictions and architectural planning to the participants. The process was developed with relatively inexpensive materials of colored popsicle sticks assembled into cubes with glue guns. The students began the activity with selecting a development scenario. In this case the girls chose to develop a new school in the neighborhood. Then they were presented with a map that indicated existing vacant or underused sites in the neighborhood, as well as the current zoning regulations. They selected a development site with a conforming zone. Once their site was selected they used a large scale map and colored cubes to identify the different program element that would need to be incorporated into a new school. The blocks were then stacked to develop massing models of the program. Ideas of stacking utilities, circulation, and adjacency were taught in this part of the exercise.

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY

Historical Home Restoration

Historical Home Restoration

Coming Soon

LOCATION
QUEENS, NY