Building Your Future: Architecture Summer Programs for High School Students
The summer break opens opportunities for the dynamic world of design, innovation, and construction. Architecture summer programs for high school students serve as a gateway for students to expose themselves into an exhilarating journey of hands-on learning, creativity, and mentorship. In these programs, students not only discover the foundations for architecture but they also engage in the practical applications for it. From sketching to creating models, students learn and design their visions. In this blog post, we will go over the main benefits for these architecture programs, as well as some examples of architecture summer programs for high school students.
Benefits of Architecture Summer Programs for High School Students
Hands-On Experience
Architecture summer programs are designed to be interactive and hands-on, allowing students to move beyond just thinking about a project!
Participants engage in design studios, model making, visiting places with extraordinary architecture, collaborative projects, digital technologies, and getting guidance from experts; eventually gaining practical experience in this field
Creativity
Architecture summer programs for high school students strive to create design challenges - such as, involving unique materials, and encourage the students to think outside the box teaching students to learn to embrace innovation and creativity as a part of their designs
Participants are also often times taken to inspiriting environments, such as places with extraordinary architecture, which can spark creativity by exposing students to diverse architectural styles, structures, and urban landscapes
Some projects given by the leads are extremely open-ended, encouraging students to take ownership of their designs and explore their own personal interests. The freedom allows for a sense of ownership and creativity as students create and pursue projects similar to their passions.
Communicating with Professionals in the Field
Previous and current architects and experienced professionals often lead these programs, providing invaluable insights and mentorship
The direct interaction with industry experts allows students to ask questions, seek advice, and gain a realistic understanding of the profession
Through guest lectures, networking events, studio critiques, visits and tours, Q&A sessions, and so much more, these interactions provide valuable insights and also inspire and motivate students as they consider a path into architecture
Building Portfolios
Engaging in a summer program allows students to develop and create portfolios showcasing their work and by incorporating involvement in summer programs, the evidence of their skills and creativity become extremely valuable when applying to architecture schools or pursuing future programs
Not just the creation, but many professionals from the program take their time to review the portfolios to provide constructive feedback and guidance on how to strengthen their portfolios for future academic and professional opportunities
5 Architecture Summer Programs for High School Students
Design Immersion Days(DID)
The Design Immersion Days(DID) program takes place at SCI-Arc in Los Angeles, CA in person. It is an engaging four-week summer program designed to provide high school students with the knowledge of design and architecture. This immersive program aims to instill a sense of curiosity regarding the vast world of design, providing participants with fundamental design knowledge and critical thinking skills. Through the duration of the program, DID participants are introduced to many examples of design and various examples of production. Participants use both traditional methods - like physical building and sketching - but also digital approaches such as 3D modeling, 3D printing. This program encourages participants to explore diverse ways of thinking and creating, which are crucial skills for people hoping to pursue the field of architecture
Boston Architectural College(BAC) Summer Academy
The BAC Summer Academy program is located at Boston Architectural College as well as a virtual opportunity. There is an application process and a cost, which can be viewed in more detail on the website. No prior design expertise is necessary - only a curiosity to learn. The BAC Summer Academy welcomes high school students interested in exploring architecture, interior design, and landscape design. Participants, usually in grades ninth-twelfth grade, engage in hands-on building and design projects, gaining knowledge on various aspects of the field. The program includes workshops, lectures, field trips, allowing students to learn both from experienced professionals and immerse themselves in the architectural environment. The BAC Summer Academy involves both collaboration and teamwork, preparing its participants for the real environment of careers in architecture and design.
Drexel Discovering Architecture
The Drexel Discovering Architecture is a two-week educational program offered during summer. For more information on the cost and the application process, check out the website! This program provides high school students with the opportunity to explore the field of architecture through hands-on experience and academic coursework. Participants engage in studio projects, design exercises, and workshops held by professionals in the field. The curriculum covers fundamental aspects in architecture, encouraging students to develop their design skills and gain a valuable insight into the architectural design process. The program aims to introduce, inspire, and prepare students for potential careers in the field of architecture.
Pre-College Design Program at Georgia Institute of Technology
The Pre-College Design Program at Georgia Institute of Technology is a fascinating summer program made for high school students interested in design fields. This program offers a comprehensive exploration of design concepts, fostering creativity and critical thinking. Participants engage in hands-on studio projects, design challenges, and collaborative activities under the guidance of professionals. The curriculum covers various design concepts, including industrial design, graphic design, and architecture, providing students with various understandings of the design process. Through workshops, students have the ability to refine their skills, create a portfolio, and gain valuable insights into potential career paths in design. The program aims to inspire and prepare students for further studies in design-related fields at the college level.
Columbia University Intro to Architecture
The Columbia University Introduction to Architecture is a dynamic summer program offered to high school students interested in exploiting the field of architecture. This in-depth summer program introduces participants to fundamental aspects of architectural design, covering topics such as spatial relationships, form, and function. Through a combination of studio sessions, lectures, and hands-on projects, students engage with the design process and develop critical thinking skills. Led by professionals in the field, this program exposes students to the rich architectural landscape of New York City, providing inspiration for their work. By the end of the program, students gain a foundational understanding of architecture and are equipped with valuable insights for the potential future studies and careers in the field.
Architecture summer programs for high school students offer a unique chance to explore, learn, and grow in a field that combines both artistic expression with technical precision. These programs not only provide an insight to the life as an architect but they also equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a successful academic and professional journey in the field of architecture. So, if you’re a high school student with the passion for design, consider spending your summer unlocking the doors to creativity in one of these transformative architecture programs! Keep on building and designing your portfolio through these summer programs!
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