Nestled in the heart of the Farm Cultural Park, a community committed to create, transform, and reinvent urban places you will find the first SOU School of Architecture for Children, it is a testament to creative education's transformative power. My tenure as Co-Director during the academic year of 2022/2023 was not just an opportunity to contribute to this remarkable institution but also a transformative journey that I undertook, enriched by freedom, happiness, and artistic exploration.

"In guiding the young minds at the SOU School of Architecture for Children, one belief that resonated deeply within me was the significance of creative freedom. I observed firsthand how granting this liberty to our students sparked a profound transformation, unveiling endless possibilities within their young, fertile minds. The freedom to explore, create, and even falter was not merely a teaching approach; it was the very lifeblood of our collective journey. The significance of these moments transcends any curriculum, serving as the foundation upon which their future innovation will rest. It was my conviction that every experience, every interaction, should be a canvas for our students to express their unique perspectives. It was through this unfettered creativity that they discovered not just architectural principles or artistic techniques, but their inherent potential to shape the world."
- Ionee Waterhouse

SOU, by design, is a far cry from traditional educational establishments. It embraces a dynamic, evolving curriculum. The weekly rotation of teachers and innovative labs creates a rich tapestry of 30 diverse learning experiences annually. During these rotations, I had the privilege of teaching three classes myself. Two of these sessions explored Playtronica, an interactive hardware platform that merges the physical and digital worlds. Guiding young minds through crafting interactive installations using Playtronica devices, it was an experience of sublime gratification. The third class was co-taught with my co-director, brilliant Architect Lillo Giglia, and it focused on the nuanced art of creating an exhibition.

***"Immersing the children in an atmosphere of exploration and innovation, I had the pleasure of guiding two interactive lessons with*** ***Playtronica*** devices. This ingenious tool enabled us to transform everyday objects into musical instruments, revealing the hidden symphony within our surroundings. These interactive installations were not just lessons; they were symphonies of creativity, fostering a playground where technology, sound, and imagination harmoniously intersected."

In our inaugural lesson, we embarked on a creative adventure, transforming color into sound using Playtronica

This unique approach keeps the academic environment buzzing with excitement and curiosity, providing fresh perspectives, methodologies, and possibilities. Each week witnessed sharper thought processes, vibrant creativity, and amplified student confidence. It was a joy to behold their achievements and watch their tangible excitement - embodying SOU’s core mission.

***"In an age where the importance of empowering women has never been more paramount, the laboratories conducted by the brilliant archaeologist*** ***Zelia Di Giuseppe*** at SOU were indeed a magnificent manifestation of our commitment to this cause. Through her compelling exploration of the 'Mother Goddess' from prehistoric times and the evolution of the feminine figure through time, we delved deep into the roots of human civilization, gaining a profound understanding of the intrinsic power of the female essence. This beautiful and necessary journey in time, illuminated by Zelia's wisdom, dovetailed seamlessly with our very special theme for this year - 'Radical She'. In a culture like Sicily, where traditional gender roles have deep roots, our aim has been to redefine narratives and inspire a new generation of thinkers who value equality, respect, and empowerment. Zelia's laboratories, with their focus on the historical significance and transformative power of women, were a beacon of light guiding us toward that goal."

Each teacher, all amazing humans, architects, and notorious artists deliver engaging and diverse lessons that enriched our students' minds, unraveling many themes. Their unwavering dedication and passion for teaching were the bedrock of our accomplishments.

Beyond its academic structure, SOU's true magic lies in nurturing personal growth, resilience, and teamwork. The lessons learned within the school's boundaries extend beyond architecture and design, instilling the power of persistence, the thrill of exploration, and the audacity to dream without boundaries in our students.

Damian Pissarra, Argentinian Visual Artist, founder of Kronos Festival BCN, Barcelona, Spain

“There is a certain kind of magic in the confluence of diverse minds, a symphony of ideas that pushes the boundaries of what we can collectively create. During my tenure at SOU, I was deeply moved by the wealth of talent that converged here from across Italy, Sicily, and, indeed, the world. Among the many gifted contributors, a standout moment was having the honor of welcoming Diam Pisarra, an acclaimed Argentine visual artist and founder of the Kronos Festival Barcelona. His master class on the art of instant photography was not just a lesson but a window into the soul of artistic expression. The stunning creations borne from this workshop will grace the esteemed Kronos Festival 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. This is a testament to the power of the platform SOU offers — a bridge between local talent and global recognition. I express my deepest gratitude to all the brilliant minds who joined us on this journey. Your talent, dedication, and generous knowledge sharing have forever enriched the SOU story, leaving an indelible mark on the young creators we nurture.”

— Ionee Waterhouse

Looking back at the past year, a sense of fulfillment washes over me. It was a year of triumphs, learning, and camaraderie, with each student, teacher, and team member contributing uniquely to the school's vibrant journey.

"As Co-Director of the SOU School of Architecture for Children, my mission was to foster curiosity and intellectual diversity among our young learners aged between 6 and 10. The beauty of this endeavor lay in its vastness, introducing children to eclectic subjects, ranging from ***tattoo art*** ***to futuristic museum concepts.***
***The charm of guiding these young minds in imagining their perfect cityscapes was matched by the sheer joy of observing their creativity bloom during hands-on*** ***sculpture session**. Moreover, delving into introspective discussions on dreams and life perspectives opened a realm of self-discovery, further enriching their learning journey.***
In essence, my tenure at SOU has been about creating a landscape of diverse, enriching, and immersive learning experiences. It was about cultivating a love for learning, about fostering individual creativity, and ultimately, about sowing the seeds for a future full of potential." -Ionee Waterhouse

During my enriching tenure, I was fortunate to have the expert guidance of the insightful architect Lillo Giglia as my co-pilot. His unwavering dedication played a pivotal role in shaping the academic year.

The pillars of SOU stand firm on the visionary ideals of Florinda Saieva and Andrea Bartoli, also the founders of Farm Cultural Park. Their audacious ambition to reimagine education and their relentless pursuit of this vision continues to inspire. They have crafted an educational experience transcending conventional boundaries, leaving an indelible impact on all who experience it.

Our exceptional team's collective effort contributed significantly to our achievements. Our coordinator, Joséphine Sedita, proved instrumental in turning challenges into achievements with her tenacity and dedication. Our tutors, notably Totò Puleo, and visual artists - Salvatore Giglia, Andrea Barba, Marila Arces, and Nadia Castronovo - were the lifeblood of our creative identity.

SOU's structure transcends the typical understanding of a children's architecture school. With 25 branches spread across Italy and global ambitions, SOU has proven itself a winning formula, a unique educational experience, and a network of knowledge radiating far and wide.

One of the unique features of SOU is its rotating directorship, ensuring an influx of fresh perspectives and ideas with each academic year. As I close this chapter of my journey with SOU, I am excited to pass the baton to the new directors for the academic year 2023-2024, Francesco Moncada and Mafalda Rangel. Their innovative ideas will undoubtedly usher in the next exciting chapter for SOU, continuing to inspire and nurture the curiosity of every young mind that steps into its realm.

SOU School of Architecture for Children is more than an educational institution; it is a testament to the transformative power of creativity, freedom, and joy in shaping the future creators of our world.