The HPHS Environmental Architecture class in the Moody Advanced Professional Studies (MAPS) Program constructed a dollhouse replicating the Williams House that is listed on the Preservation Park Cities Top 100 List of architecturally significant homes. The dollhouse serves as the model for the pre-planning construction of a playhouse replica of the Williams House. Students will begin construction on the playhouse next week. Once completed, it will be submitted to the 27th annual Dallas CASA Parade of Playhouses, to benefit abused and neglected children. The playhouse will be on display at North Park Mall July 15-31.
“We are so proud of our Environmental Architecture students and their commitment to the Dallas CASA Parade of Playhouses project,” HPISD’s Executive Director of Moody Innovation Institute Geoffrey Orsak said. “Their attention to detail for the design and construction of the doll and playhouse reflects their appreciation for preservation of architecturally significant buildings as well as a heartfelt commitment to service.”
What students say about the project
"Environmental Architecture and the CASA Parade of Playhouses project inspired me to be creative and it was fulfilling to put all my knowledge to work to create an amazing model with my classmates. I hope that this dollhouse inspires other children to be creative." - HPHS rising senior Hannah Hemschot
“The class has been such an amazing experience for me to further my love for architecture, design, and the environment, and the CASA playhouse project was the perfect way to tie those concepts together! The CASA Playhouse is for such a good cause and I love being a part of such a life-changing project.” - HPHS rising senior Raina Pietrzak
How the community has supported the endeavor
The learning experience for students in the MAPS Environmental Architecture class was expanded through the Dallas CASA project by guest lecturers and business leaders. The Founding Partner of GFF and author of A House for Texas Larry Good spoke to the class about the Williams House. Good spoke about the value of preservation and the attributes of the Williams House that contributes to designating the home for preservation efforts. Class discussions also included the environmental impact of preservation and construction debris as a major contributor to landfills. Lee Lewis Senior Project Director Patrick Surratt met with the class and talked about the process of how the builder works with the architect to bring drawings to life.
Additional information
Click here to watch the MAPS Environmental Architecture Dollhouse Project video or click here to read the Dallas CASA blog post about the HPHS project.