As part of this new initiative, DVF will also launch Circle Square, a hands-on program that introduces children and families to architecture, design, and the spaces around them.

Inspired by architecture in children’s books, Circle Square invites children to look closely at doors, windows, rooms, houses, streets, materials, patterns, and everyday spaces. Through simple creative prompts, children are guided through a playful design process: observe, imagine, make, and share.

The focus is not on making something perfect. The focus is on curiosity, experimentation, confidence, and learning through making.

Location

Circle Square can take place in architecture offices, design studios, schools, community centres, libraries, or public spaces.

One possible format is a Family Craft Night hosted at an architecture or design studio from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM. Families are invited into a creative workspace to meet designers, explore architecture, and take part in a hands-on workshop together.

Workshop Structure

1. Welcome + Warm-Up
A short opening activity helps children get loose, feel comfortable, and understand that creativity should be fun. Activities may include doodling on large sheets of trace paper, quick drawing games, or playful prompts to help children begin thinking creatively.

2. Composition Exercise
A simple visual activity introduces design ideas such as scale, balance, shape, space, rhythm, and emotion.

Example activity: How are you feeling?
Children use different sizes of circles to express a feeling, mood, or idea. Through this activity, they begin to understand how composition can communicate emotion.

3. Storytime + Design Prompt
Each workshop begins with a children’s book as a way to introduce architecture, imagination, character, and environment.

Season 1: Need a House? Call Ms. Mouse!
Inspired by the story, children are invited to think about home, comfort, scale, character, and how spaces can be designed for different needs.

4. Make a Home for a Character
Using the book as inspiration, children create a home for one of the characters from the story. They may draw plans, build simple models, collage materials, or create small structures using paper, cardboard, found objects, and craft materials.

Children are encouraged to ask:

Who is this home for?
What does the character need?
How should the space feel?
What makes a home comfortable, safe, playful, or surprising?

5. Share + Present
At the end of the workshop, children are invited to share their ideas with the group. This helps build confidence and gives children a chance to practice explaining their creative choices.

Program Goals

Introduce children to architecture as a creative and everyday form of design.

Build spatial awareness through drawing, making, and storytelling.

Encourage creativity, confidence, and problem-solving skills.

Create opportunities for children to express ideas visually and verbally.

Invite families to connect with local architects, designers, and creative spaces.

Make design feel accessible, joyful, and part of life, every day