The Center for Architecture Foundation is an award-winning architecture and design education organization dedicated to promoting a broader appreciation of the built environment. Our main education initiatives, Learning by Design: NY and Programs@theCenter, foster students' skills in observation, critical thinking, problem solving and creativity.
Summer@theCenter
Explore architecture and design at the Center for Architecture this summer!
Summer Studios run Monday through Friday, 9am - 4pm at the Center for Architecture. Each week explores a different topic in architecture and design through art and building activities, walking tours, and special site visits. Students bring their own lunch daily.
Program ages are grade levels in Fall 2010. Classes are limited to 18 students; 10 students for Digital Design classes. Tuition is $400/week.
To register, send in the 2-page registration form and a $100 non-refundable deposit for each program to the Center for Architecture Foundation, 536 LaGuardia Place, NY, NY 10012; 212-696-5022 fax. Confirmation will be sent upon receipt. Full payment due May 1.
Some scholarships are available. Send in your completed Scholarship Application with your registration.
Download the Summer 2010 Program flyer. (Legal size)
June 21 – 25
Intro to Digital Design: 6 – 12 grade
In this program held in the Center's computer lab, students will learn how to create their own 3D architectural designs using Google Sketch-Up. Students will also create hand drawings and models to help make connections between digital and physical designs. Program is limited to 10 students to allow for individualized instruction and pacing.
Model Magic: 3 – 5 grade
Do you love making stuff? Learn how to use a wide variety of materials to create your own architectural models. Students will create models of different types of buildings using cardboard, wire, fabric, wood and recycled materials, learning about architectural parts, building types and design concepts as they go.
June 28 – July 9 (no class July 5)
Architectural Design Studio: 9 – 12 grade
High School students interested in exploring the field of architecture and developing their portfolios will get a thorough introduction to the design process in this two-week intensive studio. Focused around a studio design project, students will learn how to work through an architectural program, from site analysis and developing a design concept, to creating scale drawings, models and digital renderings of their design for a final presentation. Studio class will be supplemented by visits to architectural and engineering offices, walking tours and guest lectures.
July 19 – 23
A Room of One’s Own: 6 - 8 grade
Students will learn about architectural scale drawing and model-making as they design and build their own dream apartments. Starting with a room that uniquely meets their needs and interests, students will expand on this to create a scale model of a complete apartment. Site visits to unique apartments will provide inspiration and new ideas.
Intermediate Digital Design: 9 – 12 grade
Students already familiar with Google Sketch-up will launch right into a design project in this advanced digital design studio. The studio project will also include site visits, model building and a final presentation. Program is limited to 10 students.
July 26 – 30
Waterfront Parks: 6 - 8 grade
The development of parks along the city’s waterfront has been a major initiative of public and private groups for the past decade. Where are the city’s great waterfront parks, and how do they meet the needs of so many different New Yorkers? Students in this program will visit and analyze some of NYC’s best and newest waterfront parks, then create their own designs for a new park along the city’s edge.
August 2 – 6
Bridges: 3 - 5 grade
Popular demand for this exciting topic has prompted a week-long studio focusing on bridges. Students will visit some of NYC’s great and lesser known bridges to learn about the many different types of bridges and how they work. Students will put their new knowledge to the test as they create several models of different types of bridges, including a final bridge of their own design.
August 9 – 13
Playground Design: 3 - 5 grade
Kids are the experts in this week-long studio focusing on the design of playgrounds. The class will visit several unique playgrounds in the city to assess their design features by playing (of course!) and conducting on-site analysis through surveys, drawings and user interviews. Students will create a model of their own working piece of playground equipment and work together as a group to design and build their own ideal playground.
Intermediate Digital Design: 6 – 8 grade
Students already familiar with Google Sketch-up will launch right into a design project in this advanced digital design studio. The studio project will also include site visits, model building and a final presentation. Program is limited to 10 students.
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