Modeling Tolerance

This year the 9th-grade social studies classes at Pablo Neruda Academy tackled a very timely topic: the five major religions in the world. Students found that many of the conflicts in the world are rooted in religion and for that reason, the teachers thought it important for student to understand these religions, not only their basic beliefs but also what they do and do not hold in common.

Out of this study of religions grew the exhibit Modeling Tolerance, held on April 4th, 2006, at the Bronx Museum of the Arts. Designed as a contest -- what architects call a "charrette" -- students, working in groups, had to build a model that incorporated architectural features from each major faith -- Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam -- and respected the rituals and beliefs of each religion.

In the lead-up to the exhibition on April 4, Salvadori Architect-Educator Janny Gédéon helped the students learn basic architectural skills such as measuring, drawing, cutting, scoring, using architectural tools (T-square, triangles, and so on), and scale (structures were 1" to 10'). They also visited mosques, synagogues, temples, and churches.

On the day of the exhibit, each group was assigned two judges who went around asking questions and viewing the models. The judges selected four winners as well as an honorable mention. (See the pictures below.) Judges included school and Salvadori Center staff, partner organizations, visiting architects, Bronx Museum employees, the Region 2 Arts Coordinator, and Local Instructional Superintendent Dov Rokeach. Special thanks also went to social studies teachers Ms. Kimberly Frankel (who coordinated the entire project), Ms. Alyssa Simon, and Ms. Erica Epstein.

The models were on display at the Salvadori Center Annual Fundraising Dinner. Everyone agreed that the Modeling Tolerance exhibit was a memorable occasion for the entire school and local community. One student commented that the project “showed me that I could be a leader. I didn’t like group work before, but I saw that when I accepted the responsibility that I had been given, I could be successful.” Another student observed that “it showed me that my art and drawings can be used in the working world,” while a third student realized that “many things are the same in the religions. It will help me to be more patient with people who are different than me.”