In Town Craft, towns designed by kids, there were no cars but there was a farmers market.
“We have a rule about cars,” said the Lazy Town team of architects, including Kaili Kaui, Scarlett Patterson, Kyra Pond and Kailash Letman. “They aren’t allowed to the public — they are exclusive to the hospital, police and fire stations.”
The 13 students started the class Tuesday, a free event sponsored by Envision Kauai. Students viewed videos on towns and took a walk through Lihue with Lee Steinmetz. Then, they created their own version of towns by working with Legos in teams of four.
On Friday, judges from Envision Kauai announced Lazy Town as the best overall with Blocksburg getting nods for Most Sustainable, and Fortnight Town getting the thumbs-up as Most Fun.
“The young people are very educated and definitely have their own ideas of what they want in towns,” said Bev Brody, who led the class along with Marie Williams of the Planning Department.
Lazy Town topped the judges’ decision Friday following a week-long instruction on towns that included the challenge of a volcanic eruption in a neighboring town, and the need to accommodate additional residents displaced by the eruption.
“Sometimes, no matter how well things are planned out, nature throws a twist,” Brody said. “That was the challenge the students faced for this project.”
The Lazy Town architects’ vision was to create a safe and fun community for kids and adults.
“We have renewable energy, and the reason cars aren’t allowed is to reduce our carbon footprint,” the team said. “Our Volcano Plan is to help provide support to the victims of the recent eruption by giving them shelter and sympathy during this rough time. We will also supply them with food, water and an education.”
Peggy Lake of the OCET said Town Craft is only a part of Kids’ College offered by the Kauai Community College. There is space available in the remaining classes.
Info: 245-8318, or kauai.hawaii.edu/training
