Young Architect's Lab

Course Description

Young Architect's Lab is an engaging program that introduces students to the basics of architectural design through hands-on activities, thought-provoking lessons, and creative exploration. The course is centered on a week-long creative project, divided into several engaging activities that each build on the last. While immersed in lively architectural studio culture, students will learn how the built environment is shaped and start developing the skills of an architect.

Throughout the week, students will learn and practice how architects observe, imagine, and create. They’ll start by tuning into the world around them, mapping spaces and understanding context, then turn their ideas into drawings and diagrams that decpict space and how it’s experienced. We will also experiment with model-making and how physical experimentation can bring concepts to life. Students will receive thoughtful feedback and assistance during all stages of their project to help further push their designs. The week will finish with a showcase where students present their projects and share their unique architectural visions.

Our program emphasizes the iterative nature of architectural design, meaning students will be encouraged to look at problems from many different perspectives and mediums throughout the week. The engaging activities are designed to progressively strengthen thinking, making skills, and students’ confidence in their design decisions.

By the end of the program, students gain a broad introduction to architecture as a creative and technical discipline. Students will have developing skills in observation, drawing, making, presenting, thinking outside the box, and working through ideas; skills that will support them in many future learning opportunities, including (but not limited to) architectural education. We cannot wait to make and design with you!