BUILD for Kids

Designed for children ages 4+, BUILD for Kids introduces the fundamentals of design and making through play, experimentation, and hands-on exploration. Rather than following step-by-step instructions, participants begin with a growing library of simple chipboard components that they can trace, cut, modify, and combine. Using kid-safe Chompsaws and a little imagination, participants will cut, connect, paint, and assemble their own one-of-a-kind 3D creations.

Children will learn basic fabrication skills, creating waffle joints, a simple slotting technique that allows flat pieces to interlock and become sturdy 3D structures. As they experiment with combining different shapes, they'll discover how small design decisions can transform a collection of flat parts into animals, buildings, vehicles, sculptures, imaginary creatures, or entirely new forms.

Once assembled, each creation becomes a blank canvas for paint, markers, and color, encouraging every participant to personalize their work and express their own creative vision. Throughout the workshop, there are no predetermined outcomes or "correct" solutions, only a shared construction system that encourages children to experiment, problem-solve, and build with confidence. Every participant leaves with a unique handmade object and a new understanding of how simple parts can come together to create design and art.

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UN SUSTAINABILITY GOALS

We use Detroit's UNESCO City of Design designation as a call to action for Detroiters to embrace the Sustainable Development Goals in their own communities, contributing to the active effort of solving global interconnected issues.