By Mallory Bower, Executive Assistant and Social Media Coordinator
Throughout human history, people have utilized different types of building materials, like stone, mortar, mud, wood, and brick. On Monday, December 13, Kelsey staff and faculty and IPCAA students experimented with new—though not promising—building materials at our End of the Year Gathering. Using marshmallows, Dots, and other materials lying around in addition to toothpicks and coffee stirrers for internal support, these academics-turned-architects, working in four groups, created (not-to-scale) miniatures of famous structures from around the world.
The IPCAA team creating Rome’s Round Temple in the Forum Boarium. 
Mark, Leslie, and Caroline work to faithfully recreate the Ziggurat of Ur. 
Nicola, Lorene, and Carrie attempt to beat Frank Lloyd Wright at his own game.
Over the course of 30 minutes, the groups brought the Ziggurat of Ur, the Parthenon of Athens, the Round Temple in Forum Boarium in Rome, and Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater to life on Ann Arbor’s campus. No item was safe from potentially being used in construction, and these marshmallow structures reflect the creativity and ingenuity of the Kelsey team. Active collaboration, laughter, and appreciation of each team’s efforts permeated the room. It was truly a fun gathering!
The majestic Parthenon, complete with colossal statue (not visible in this photo but believe me, it was truly awe-inspiring). 
The Great Ziggurat of Ur. We believe the gods of Mesopotamia were well pleased with our creation.
The Round Temple in Forum Boarium in Rome. A masterpiece in fluff. 
Fallingwater as perhaps it was intended to be.
Each sticky, squishy, sugary construction was worthy of accolade. Fallingwater received the award for Most Daring, the Parthenon received the award for Most Creative, and the Ziggurat and the Round Temple tied for Most Accurate.
Which structure is your favorite? Wish we had tackled a different one? Try your hand at re-creating an ancient (or modern) monument using marshmallows or other materials! It will be an activity to remember.
