Summer Design Academy

Summer Design Academy: UMass Amherst Campus

This summer, high school students are invited to enroll in a regular UMass introductory architecture studio.

This immersive three-week foundational studio course will explore the vital effects of architecture and their representation. Through carefully sequenced two and three dimensional projects, students will develop a conceptual approach to architecture that incorporates graphic storytelling, mapping, and translation across a wide range of media and scales.

Students will enhance skills in drawing and drafting techniques, digital and physical model making, and digital graphic design while exploring the process of conceptualization, design development, iteration, analysis, and critique. The final project will conclude with the design of a habitable space.

Anchored in the challenging and fun design curricula used in many top design and architecture schools across the U.S., the Summer Design Academy provides an opportunity for high school students interested in architecture, landscape architecture, urban or interior design to explore and gauge their interest in the kinds of activities that take place in a typical university design program.

Students attending the Summer Design Academy in person will receive a materials kit (included in program fees). 

The UMass Department of Architecture is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in higher education, and in the profession of architecture. Students of color who cannot meet the financial obligations of the Summer Design Academy (SDA) are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. Please see Tuition & Fees to learn how to apply.

Schedule: M - F, 9am - 4pm. Students should expect some additional studio time in the evenings.

Summer Design Academy: Mount Ida Campus (Greater Boston)

This summer, high school students are invited to enroll in a regular UMass introductory architecture studio.

This immersive three-week foundational studio course will explore the vital effects of architecture and their representation. Through carefully sequenced two and three dimensional projects, students will develop a conceptual approach to architecture that incorporates graphic storytelling, mapping, and translation across a wide range of media and scales.

Students will enhance skills in drawing and drafting techniques, digital and physical model making, and digital graphic design while exploring the process of conceptualization, design development, iteration, analysis, and critique. The final project will conclude with the design of a habitable space.

Anchored in the challenging and fun design curricula used in many top design and architecture schools across the U.S., the Summer Design Academy provides an opportunity for high school students interested in architecture, landscape architecture, urban or interior design to explore and gauge their interest in the kinds of activities that take place in a typical university design program.

Students attending the Summer Design Academy in person will receive a materials kit (included in program fees).

The UMass Department of Architecture is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in higher education, and in the profession of architecture. Students of color who cannot meet the financial obligations of the Summer Design Academy (SDA) are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. Please see Tuition & Fees to learn how to apply.

Schedule: M - F, 9am - 4pm. Students should expect some additional studio time in the evenings.

Summer Design Academy: Online

This summer, high school students are invited to enroll in a regular UMass introductory architecture studio.

This immersive three-week foundational studio course will explore the vital effects of architecture and their representation. Through carefully sequenced two and three dimensional projects, students will develop a conceptual approach to architecture that incorporates graphic storytelling, mapping, and translation across a wide range of media and scales.

Students will enhance skills in drawing and drafting techniques, digital and physical model making, and digital graphic design while exploring the process of conceptualization, design development, iteration, analysis, and critique. The final project will conclude with the design of a habitable space.

Anchored in the challenging and fun design curricula used in many top design and architecture schools across the U.S., the Summer Design Academy provides an opportunity for high school students interested in architecture, landscape architecture, urban or interior design to explore and gauge their interest in the kinds of activities that take place in a typical university design program.

Students attending the Summer Design Academy online will be provided with a list of materials to purchase on their own - please budget about $100 for materials. 

The UMass Department of Architecture is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment in higher education, and in the profession of architecture. Students of color who cannot meet the financial obligations of the Summer Design Academy (SDA) are encouraged to apply for a scholarship. Please see Tuition & Fees to learn how to apply.

Online Schedule: Live, synchronous sessions will meet Mon - Thur 1:00 - 4:00pm (EST) plus additional asynchronous work as assigned. 

Attendance

Students attending the online program are expected to attend all class sessions live in real time. In order to prioritize the health and well-being of participants, eligibility is restricted to applicants residing in time zones where class hours do not extend beyond midnight. Please use a time zone converter to check when class sessions will meet in your time zone.