03/20/2026
Bates Architects appreciated the invitation to join Lincoln Elementary and their 300 families at their annual Encore Night on Tuesday. It was the official unveiling of ‘Bernie’s Bench,’ which was a multi-year project spearheaded by BA’s Forrest Popkin. The painted bench honors a well-loved custodian who had passed away.
As quoted in the FCPS All-Stars News Article a few months back, “it is important to teach kids that architecture is a group effort between designers and creators and that they have to work together to create the vision. Popkin says it’s vital that students learn that architecture has to be embodied in a physical space.”
The event allowed both Mr. Day and Mr. Popkin to explain the project to parents and interact with students who had taken part in the project, eagerly looking for where they had signed.
The bench lives in Lincoln Elementary School’s main lobby, a double height space where all students pass through to their classrooms. It can easily fit 3 elementary schoolers at a time to connect to their community and make new friends.
BA would like to recognize Lincoln Elementary’s Art Teachers Ms. Presnell and Ms. Bittner, FHS Wood Shop Teacher Mr. Day, FCBIA’s donation of materials and coordination, and the countless others who could make this a reality.
