Winter Design Academy

In this three-week program, high school students will enroll in a regular UMass introductory architecture studio course offered online.

The Winter Design Academy (Arch 100) is an immersive, foundational design studio course that explores the vital effects of architecture as both a way of thinking and understanding the world around us, and as a professional practice engaged with proactively shaping our built environment. 

Coursework is project based and will challenge students to acquire and improve on a wide range of studio skills including physical and digital modeling, sketching, drafting, verbal presentation, and portfolio layout and design. Topics will include techniques and conventions for visual analysis and graphic storytelling, diagramming, design drawing, materials and methods, structure and tectonics, and passive solar design strategies. 

At the completion of this course, students will have a portfolio of work that includes visual analysis of a historically significant work of architecture, design study sketches and design drawings, and a range of physical and digital models. 

With significant time dedicated to one on one individual critique and discussion, Arch 100 is available to and appropriate for a wide range of students, from those seeking a first-time introduction to the study of architecture, to those seeking additional portfolio content for applications to architecture school.

Schedule: Online live sessions every Monday - Thursday, 4 - 7pm (EST)