Community Corner

Architects Build Playhouses for Pediatric Cancer

American Institute of Architects promotes design competition at Christkindlmarkt. Creations will be auctioned off to benefit pediatric cancer patients.

Whimsical and imaginative playhouses created by local architects and architectural students will greet guests at Christkindlmarkt Bethlehem in a first-ever architectural design competition and showcase that will also raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.

The first of these playhouses—made of wood slats—was erected Monday afternoon by a team from Spillman Farmer Architects of Bethlehem in PNC Plaza, the courtyard outside of the Bethlehem Visitors Center, which will be adjacent to Christkindlmarkt when it opens at SteelStacks on Nov. 21.

Two more will be built Tuesday by teams representing Ryan G. Welty AIA of Whitehall and the Lehigh University Department of Art, Architecture and Design.

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Perhaps the best part of this competition sponsored by the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, is that each of these creations will go home with the highest bidder in a silent auction. And all the proceeds of that auction will benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley.

“Our goal with this competition is to promote learning about architecture and understanding the value of architecture,” said AIA Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter President Michael Metzger of Spillman Farmer. “Through this project, we hope that people will discover that architects are approachable and play an important role in building and developing our communities. In addition, we’re helping to raise money for children and families who are going through some very challenging and difficult situations.”

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All of the playhouses will be available for Christkindlmarkt visitors to explore for the length of the open-air holiday market’s run through Dec. 21.

The Spillman Farmer SlatHouse is inspired by the simple, highly flexible structures that kids build for themselves: minimal shelters made of cardboard boxes, table tops, blankets or string. Built of thermally modified yellow pine, it is resistant to rot and insect damage and is chemical free.

“We wanted it to be something that kids not only play in; but on, under and around, as well,” said Spillman Farmer team leader Elliot Nolter. “It has the materials of a pirate ship, without the scurvy crew. And it has the protection of a fort, but can be invaded by Mom when it’s time for dinner.”


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