Innovation Studios

Food has always been on your plate, but has it ever told you a story? 3D Printed Food is a studio that transforms the culinary experience into a narrative form, and installation design. In this studio, students delve into the fusion of advanced 3D printing, mold making, and culinary arts to create sculptural desserts that tell stories and convey meaningful messages and responses to real world problems. Bring your appetite, and get ready to enter the high-tech culinary world!

Architecture shapes our urban landscape through structures that define the character of cities and serve various functions, from living to entertainment. The Living Architecture studio challenges students to rethink conventional building designs in light of increased home occupancy, engaging with innovative materials and methods to create responsive and sustainable environments. Students will investigate architecture's social influence, particularly within Armenian-American communal spaces, proposing enhancements that reflect their active role in shaping community environments.

SKILLS: Architectural design, sketching, drafting, laser cutting, 3D printing, model making, and presentation.

In our studio, we're turning the future into a playground for imagination, where kids can invent extraordinary body parts and gadgets that stretch the limits of creativity. As technology races ahead, enabling us to dream up ways to enhance how we look, move, and think, our young inventors use simple tools and teamwork to bring their wildest ideas to life. They'll learn to think big, build quickly, and improve their creations with helpful feedback, all while exploring what makes us truly human. Our projects touch on the magic of 3D printing organs, seeing like superheroes with special lenses, and even gadgets that connect with our brains, showing kids the power of science and imagination combined.

SKILLS: Innovative thinking & creativity, Design, Robotics, Programming, 3D Modeling, Sensors & Actuators.

Studio: Living Architecture

Project: A Traveler's Hut

Description: The "Traveler's Hut" from the Living Architecture Studio nestles in the forest, harnessing energy through a horizontal windmill for off-the-grid living, while its walls showcase adaptations of traditional Armenian carpet patterns. Inspired by Filippo Brunelleschi's renowned dome of Santa Maria del Fiore, the hut reimagines this architectural marvel as a skeletal dome structure. The project distinguishes itself with its wall designs, featuring a blend of standardized motifs and unique interpretations of Armenian artistry.

Materials used: Laser Cut plywood; 3D printed parts; cardboard; natural rocks

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Innovation Studios- Our Innovators

Studio: BioRobotics

Project: Goat Climbing Shoe

Description: The "Goat Climbing Shoe" from the Bio Robotics studio is designed to enhance the safety and enjoyment of climbers, drawing inspiration from the remarkable functionality of wild goat hooves. This innovative footwear integrates the biomechanical adaptations of goat hooves, offering climbers improved grip and stability. The project aims to transfer the agile climbing ability of wild goats to human adventurers through advanced shoe technology.

Fun Fact about Nyra: Nyra was one of the first high schoolers to join our program at age 16, where she found her true calling thanks to our Living Architecture studio. Her newfound interest has now led her to pursue a career in architecture. She's now coming full circle, applying to join AGBU Innovation Studios as a student intern.

Materials used: Laser cut plywood; Arduino sensors

You can check out her presentation here.

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Innovation Studios- Our Innovators

Studio: Deep Sea Bots

Project: Ocean Cleaning Whale

Description: The "Ocean Cleaning Whale" project, from the Deep-Sea Bots/BioRobotics studio, takes its inspiration from the orca whale. This robotic innovation, designed in the likeness of the majestic sea creature, patrols aquatic environments to gather trash and purify the water of contaminants. It serves as a mobile cleaning system, combining form and function to address water pollution in pools and various water bodies.

Materials used: Laser-cut plywood (multiple layers); Arduino sensors

This program is super cool because we get to make our own ideas actually happen. We don't just get told what to do - we have coaches that help us out. It's all about coming up with our own cool stuff and then making it real!

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Innovation Studios - Harry - Ocean Cleaning Whale