"I just like using my imagination; you just imagine that everything is this size," said Wang. "It exercises your brain and makes your mind work better."

Though they have ample creative liberties, the edifices must not only fit a given scale but must coordinate with other areas of the city.

The city was divided among 14 classrooms and within the classes it is divided into areas and blocks. Students held "planning meetings" with other groups to make sure their areas coordinated.

Hill said project leaders also made sure they assigned topologies the students were familiar with in their own areas — be it malls, houses, apartments or trailer parks.

Marsha Newman, fifth-grade teacher at Longview Elementary in Murray School District, said the students loved every minute of it.

"When the architects were here they were engaged and involved . . . they developed an appreciation to what goes on in their town," said Newman.

Around 30 architects participated in the project with two assigned to each class.

Carlos Setterberg, co-chairman of the Young Architects Forum, said architecture is a single discipline that combines aesthetics, science, structure, engineering, art and beauty — a perfect opportunity to bring professionals into the classroom while incorporating numerous subjects.

He said students leave understanding how to apply measurement tools and techniques, a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical energy, social and physical structure, and how to collaborate and develop presentation skills.

"We hope they walk away with a greater understanding of how their education applies to the real world," said Setterberg.

Box City schools included Edison, Escalante, Hawthorne, Longview, Uintah, Washington, Wasatch and Whittier elementaries.

In its finished form the city will represent 40 acres and 26 blocks complete with buildings, ponds, trees and streams and parks. It will be on display in the Grand Hall in the Union Pacific Depot at The Gateway Dec. 13-19.

---

E-mail: terickson@desnews.com