Lower School Architects Design Museum Expansion

When the Nelson-Atkins announced its plans to expand last fall, lower school art teacher Polly Blair saw a unique opportunity to integrate art, architecture and technology into a robust project-based learning experience. Together with classroom teachers, lower school STEAM teacher Jennifer McNickle and IDEA Space Director Cassie Banka, she launched a collaborative learning experience that encourages students to think creatively and solve problems together as they envision the museum of the future.

“One of the things that was appealing to me about teaching at Barstow was the opportunity to offer students robust project-based learning opportunities that take advantage of the technology at IDEA Space and marry it with art,” Blair said. “When I heard about the plan to expand, I immediately pitched the idea to (Director of Lower School) Todd Nelson of having all of lower school act as architects to create an expansion idea that we would propose to the museum.”

The project, Blair went on to explain, aligns perfectly with the National Art Standards, particularly the pillar of “Presentation,” which encourages students to explore the role of museums in shaping ideas and experiences. Students engaged in essential questions such as: “What is an art museum? How does the presentation of objects, artifacts and artworks influence our understanding? How do museums cultivate appreciation for art?” Through this exploration, students gain a deeper understanding of museums' importance while actively contributing their own visions for the Nelson-Atkins’ future.

Leveraging the cutting-edge technology available at IDEA Space, students are creating detailed architectural models and conceptual drawings of their plans. For example, facilitators transformed student-created sketches with measurements of each wall to a digital file that was then laser cut on the Trotec.

Each grade level is taking on different elements of museum design, from gallery layouts to outdoor spaces, ensuring that their proposals are both creative and functional. The result is a collaborative, student-driven vision of what an expanded Nelson-Atkins could look like.


While the museum is unable to display the students’ final designs, Barstow will showcase the completed project in Price Hall during Lower School STEAM Night on Thursday, Feb. 20. The event will offer families and community members the chance to see the students’ innovative ideas firsthand. Blair plans to document the project and follow up with people at the Nelson, in hopes that the students’ hard work is shared with the museum’s leadership.

This project has given Barstow’s lower school students a rare opportunity to step into the role of architects and museum planners, bridging art, design and technology in an authentic, meaningful way. As they prepare to present their work, they do so with a deeper appreciation for the institutions that preserve and celebrate art—and with a lasting connection to one of Kansas City’s cultural landmarks.