Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment

From walking tours that study neighborhood architecture to an examination of the Williamsburg Bridge, the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment explores city dynamics from both historic and ecological perspectives.

On-site programs: The Urban Design program fosters awareness and appreciation of the development of city environments and communities through the study of urban design principles, architectural history, and structural technologies, and activities that range from site visits and neighborhood mapping projects to interviewing and oral history exercises. Pre- and postvisit materials for teachers are available. (K–12; call for information on grade-specific programs; $)

In-school programs: The Urban Design program is also offered in classrooms and focuses on the development of urban spaces. Emphasis is also placed on mapping, neighborhood history, architectural history, or urban planning. (K–12; $)

Professional development: Training workshops introduce techniques for teaching community studies and lessons in the built environment and address subjects such as geographic literacy and the history and technology of arch and bridge building. For example, professional development can focus on the history of the Brooklyn Bridge and ways to integrate activities and lessons from this event in New York's history into the classroom. Additional offerings include model programming, technical assistance, observation, feedback, and coaching sessions. (For teachers of K–12; $)

General information: Address: The Tennis House, Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY 11215-9992; Phone: (718) 788-8500; Web: www.bcue.org.

Back to Directory