Imagine Architecture: Introductory Summer School

Program Overview

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Course Information

Overview

We invite you to join our active 5-day Architecture Summer School for students aged 15-18. This course is ideal for young people who would like the opportunity to experience and explore what it would be like to study architecture. You will get the opportunity to experiment with design through drawing, model-making and photography in our purpose-built architecture studios. There will also be a chance to discuss your work with architects in practice, visit buildings and exhibitions, and network with others in your position.

Who is this course for?

• Would you like to experience what it’s like being an architecture student?
• Are you interested in studying architecture or interior architecture at University?
• Would you like help preparing your portfolio?
• Do you want advice on your personal statement?

This course is for enthusiastic and imaginative 15 – 18 year olds currently studying at school or college for GCSE’s, A-level or B-TEC qualifications. If you enjoy making and drawing by hand or are eager to try it out, come and join us! Some aspects of the course involve group working methods along with travel to building/exhibition visits.

Course Outcomes

By the end of the Summer School you will have a better understanding of:

• What it’s like to be an architecture student
• How to choose the right university course for you
• How to put together an impacting portfolio and personal statement
• The skills involved in studying architecture and interior architecture

Based on attending at least 80% of the course, a certificate of attendance will be issued to you. This is something you might like to include in your CV as clear evidence of motivation, aspiration, and extracurricular activity.

Course Aims

By joining us on the course, you will:

• Start to develop skills relevant to studying architecture
• Have the opportunity to get support with your portfolio preparations through a creative 2D and 3D studio project supported by our experienced architect and interior tutors
• Build awareness on a range of ideas and themes through taster mini-lectures
• Get advice from our team of expert tutors on course choice and your personal statement
• Gain insight into how the topic of sustainability, which is core to our teaching practice and the future of the profession
• Experience our world-class Fabrication Lab to create 3D elements for your design, which will provide you with the essential tools and materials to do all of the above!

Course Structure

As a group, we will explore a topical (or relevant) brief, receive feedback from expert architect tutors, explore exciting buildings, visit exhibitions in the heart of London and receive mini-lectures by practicing architects. You will have the unique opportunity to experience the University environment in our beautiful purpose-built studios and state of the art Fabrication Lab.

Over the 5 days, the structure of the Summer School will take you through the process of a University design brief. We will:

• Respond to a brief
• Explore and record a given site
• Discover architectural precedents through building/exhibition visits
• Explore experimental design methods to develop designs for an imaginative architectural proposal through model making and drawing
• Record work through photography
• Lay out portfolio sheet of your work
• Celebrate your work by creating a group exhibition
• Create list of potential references and buildings to visit in support of your University application

Day 1

• Introductions
• Site visit and collaborative drawing/collage
• End of day review and social

Day 2

• Fabrication of viewing devices
• 3-D modelling

Day 3

• Exhibition visit
• Sketch/precedent studies
• 3D Modelling and drawing

Day 4

• Architect lecture
• Photography in the Fabrication Lab

Day 5

• Portfolio layout
• Personal statement
• Group exhibition and celebration

Location

This course is taught at our Marylebone Campus in central London, within easy walking distance of Regent's Park and Marylebone High Street.

Accessibility

Together with AccessAble, we have created online Disabled Access Guides for our buildings.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

This is a 5-day Architecture Summer School designed for students aged 15-18 who are interested in exploring architecture as a potential career path.

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Objectives:

• Experience the life of an architecture student.
• Develop skills relevant to studying architecture.
• Receive support for portfolio preparation through a creative 2D and 3D studio project.
• Build awareness of various architectural ideas and themes through mini-lectures.
• Get advice from expert tutors on course choice and personal statement writing.
• Understand the importance of sustainability in architecture.

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Outline:

The program follows a structured approach, guiding participants through the process of a university design brief over five days.

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Course Schedule:

• Day 1: Introductions, site visit, collaborative drawing/collage, end-of-day review and social.
• Day 2: Fabrication of viewing devices, 3D modeling.
• Day 3: Exhibition visit, sketch/precedent studies, 3D modeling and drawing.
• Day 4: Architect lecture, photography in the Fabrication Lab.
• Day 5: Portfolio layout, personal statement, group exhibition and celebration.

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Modules:

• Design Studio: Participants will work on a topical or relevant design brief, receive feedback from expert architect tutors, and explore experimental design methods through model making and drawing.
• Building and Exhibition Visits: The program includes visits to exciting buildings and exhibitions in London, providing insights into architectural precedents and real-world applications.
• Mini-Lectures: Practicing architects will deliver mini-lectures on various architectural ideas and themes, expanding participants' knowledge and understanding.
• Portfolio Development: The program provides guidance on portfolio preparation, including layout, content, and presentation.
• Personal Statement Writing: Participants will receive advice on writing effective personal statements for university applications.

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Teaching:

• The program is taught by experienced architect and interior tutors.
• The teaching methods include studio work, lectures, site visits, and group discussions.

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Other:

• The program emphasizes the importance of sustainability in architecture.
• Participants will have the opportunity to network with other students and professionals.
• A certificate of attendance will be issued to participants who attend at least 80% of the course.
• The program is open to students currently studying for GCSEs, A-levels, or B-TEC qualifications.
• A parent/guardian consent form is required for participation.