“30 Architectural Gems in Nebraska”

Thirty existing Nebraska buildings from 1854 to 2009 illustrate function, structure, and beauty to third through seventh graders to enrich their understanding and appreciation of architecture.

“30 Architectural Gems in Nebraska” is a 20-minute DVD learning module targeted at teaching Nebraska students in third through seventh grade public and private schools, and in after school, and summer school programs how to appreciate architecture, and the roll that architects play in designing the built environment.

In addition to architecture, the DVD learning module presents social studies, art, and industrial technology curriculum to develop student’s learning skills. Collateral materials including a glossary of architectural terms, a description of architectural styles, and the location of buildings included in the teaching module are available by using the links on the right.

The DVD learning module contains a series of five segments organized in such a way that they may be shown individually or all at one time. Segments are organized chronologically from 1803 to the present day and by building user needs, structural requirements, and aesthetic considerations.

The presentation format includes black and white drawings and color images of selected buildings in Nebraska demonstrating basic principals and features of architectural function, structure, and beauty. A carefully scripted narrative leads the viewers on an adventure through 150 years of time and space in Nebraska demonstrating how we have created the architecture in which we live and learn today.

This DVD learning module is inspired by the book “Places and Spaces of Nebraska “ published in 1996 through the combined efforts of AIA Omaha, AIA Nebraska, and The Architectural Foundation of Nebraska. Architectural selections have been updated to 2009 and the number of selections adjusted to meet the running time requirements.

Criteria for selection of projects includes: a) projects in “Places and Spaces of Nebraska, b) projects that have received design recognition through the annual AIA Nebraska Design Award Competition since 1996, c) projects open to the public during some reasonable hours of the day/week/year, d) projects distributed throughout the State of Nebraska, e) projects that clearly illustrate a design feature unique to a particular building type, and f) projects that represent a diversity of building types.

By viewing the DVD learning module students will learn:

Why no development occurred in Nebraska from the time of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 until Nebraska became a Territory in 1854
What materials early settlers used to build homes and businesses in Nebraska
What impact the transcontinental railroad had on development of towns and cities in Nebraska
How popular architectural styles from the Victorian Age in Europe influenced building design in Nebraska
Why Nebraska architect Thomas Kimball began searching for new forms of architectural expression at the Columbia Exposition in Chicago in 1893 and in the missions of the southwestern United States.
How rapid advances in technology in the industrial age changed the way buildings were built and what new building types and styles began to emerge
How a building that was originally designed for a use that is no longer needed can be successfully adapted to another use that is needed
Why prominent theater architect John Eberson chose Moorish architectural style for the design of a theater in Omaha
What key features New York architect Bertram G. Goodhue included in the Nebraska State Capitol building
How architects after World War II began to replace traditional styles with a contemporary architecture that emphasized building function and structure as an expression of beauty
How architects in Nebraska began to consider the natural environment and sustainability of natural resources in the design of buildings
How buildings in Nebraska with special functional requirements stretch the limits of structural technology

This DVD learning module “30 Architectural Gems in Nebraska” is available free of charge (while supplies last) to public and private schools, and to after-school, and summer school programs in the state of Nebraska.

To order your copy of the DVD learning module “30 Architectural Gems in Nebraska” please contact AIA Nebraska at 402-472-1456.

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AIA Nebraska

Office Hours:
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P. O. Box 80045
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
102 Architecture Hall
Lincoln, NE 68501-0045

P 402/472-1456
F 402/472-1654

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