Last May, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Newark & Suburban sections hosted a contest to celebrate New Jersey Architecture Week, May 15-22. Students in grades 6-8 and 9-12 throughout North Jersey were asked to think about how architecture and design influences everyday life and to create an architecturally-themed drawing/artwork. Jeanette Rodriguez’ spring Architecture students at Buzz Aldrin submitted amazing artwork to the competition, some of which are currently being exhibited in the school’s main entrance display cases. Buzz students won every award in the Middle School categories. “Thank you to John Fallon from AIA for extending the invitation to participate in this contest, to Ms. Leard for facilitating the opportunity and thanks to all the Architecture students that participated,” said Rodrigues. “Everyone’s work was beautiful and thoughtful and it made us very proud!” The projects were reviewed by four judges, all architects and members of AIA Newark & Suburban. “The judges were really impressed with the quality of work, the variety of buildings represented and the use of different media,” said Fallon. “The purpose from our viewpoint was to try to make students aware of the importance that architecture has on our everyday life and how good design can make a better world.” AIA is planning on another contest in the late fall focused on architecture and the holidays. Click to see the winners.