June 11-17, 2023
Click here to apply
Program Description
The UNC Charlotte School of Architecture Summer Design Academy is a one-week program that introduces high school students to the discipline and study of architecture. Students work in the studios of the School of Architecture (SoA) and explore a variety of contemporary architectural issues through a series of design exercises.
Participants are introduced to a wide range of topics and ideas in architecture through different types of instruction and learning: presentations by SoA faculty, alumni, and local professionals; design exercises steered by current students; discussions of historical examples; and constructive critiques. Together, these activities simulate the culture and experience of architectural education today, and introduce the participants to what the experience of a university education in architecture might be for like for them. In the course of the program, the collection of projects that the participants do provide an opportunity to generate work to use in a design portfolio to use in their college applications.
Content
Participants will be introduced to a wide range of topics and ideas in architecture through different types of instruction and learning: presentations by SoA faculty, alumni, and local professionals; design exercises steered by current students; discussions of historical examples; and constructive critiques. Together, these activities simulate the culture of architectural education today, and provide participants with an invaluable opportunity to develop a design portfolio to use in their college applications.
Presentations will be given by SoA faculty and invited guests (local architects, designers and artists) each day of the program in order to introduce participants to the different elements and opportunities in architecture and design. Participants will also be given the opportunity to work in groups led by current SoA students on design projects throughout the week.
Workshops will introduce various analog and digital skill sets that SoA students use on a regular basis. These sessions will help participants become familiar with the wide range of methodologies that are used in an architectural education.
Group and individual projects will focus on ways to explore specific architectural concepts utilizing an array of analog and digital media. Participants will work with faculty and SoA students to make drawings, models and constructions at varying sizes, scales and levels of complexity.
Participants will be encouraged to engage in frequent formal and informal discussions about the program themes, selected readings and their role in design projects. These conversations will help develop a basic understanding of the vocabulary used to discuss design while introducing important historical and contemporary works of architecture.
Program Schedule
The 2023 program runs from Sunday, June 11, when participants arrive on campus, to Saturday, June 17, when participants celebrate the completion of the program. The program is in-person, with participants living on campus in the dorms under the supervision of current SoA students, and with classwork, lectures, and presentations conducted in the Storrs Building, which is the “home” of the School of Architecture.
Sunday, June 11 –
3-4 p.m. | Check in at the dormitory:
- Student TA's will greet you in the lobby of dorm
- Students get settled as parents depart.
4:30 p.m. | Meet TA's in the lobby of dorm
- Students will meet the teaching assistants in the dorm lobby to walk to the Storrs Architecture Building.
5:00 p.m. |Introductions & Studio Assignments
Each day Monday-Friday is organized into a morning, afternoon and evening session. In the morning and afternoon sessions the students will be engaged in work on design projects that will include drawing, model making, photography, and some digital exercises informed by faculty lectures. On Wednesday the group will travel to Uptown Charlotte to visit architecture offices and a pair of museums and cultural centers. The evening sessions will be dedicated to activities such as watching films and other more leisurely activities with the objective to introduce the students to an understanding of life on campus during architecture school.
Saturday, June 17 –
2-3 p.m. | Reception in the Salon (Storrs Architecture Building) for parents/students
- Parents will pick up students and luggage at Storrs Building
More detailed information will follow closer to the program start date
Admissions
The program is designed for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. There are no specific prerequisites, as students receive instruction and guidance in the skills that are used during the program. Any student who is willing to make a conscientious effort will be able to complete the course assignments successfully. Enrollment is limited to 40 students; preference will be given to rising seniors. If the enrollment limit is reached prior to the closing date for applications a waiting list will be established.
Application Procedure & Program Cost
The application is due by April 14, 2022.
The program cost is $800.00, which includes the cost of tuition, room, board, and studio fee. The payment is due by April 28, 2022. Refunds will not be made after May 10, 2022. The SoA encourages payments through its online system, but participants may also pay with a check (made payable to the School of Architecture).
The Charlotte Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has provided funding for a limited number of scholarships for this year’s SoA Summer Design Academy. For those interested in these scholarships, there is a portion of the application to fill out and submit.
The application and online payment system are accessible on the SoA website:
Apply Now
Contact
For more information, please contact the office of the David R. Ravin School of Architecture at 704-687-0101 or soa-info@uncc.edu, or Associate Professor Greg Snyder at gsnyder@uncc.edu.
David R. Ravin School of Architecture
College of Arts+Architecture, UNC Charlotte
9201 University City Boulevard Charlotte, NC 28223-0001
UNC Charlotte does not discriminate in any of its programs, procedures, or practices against any person on the basis of age, citizenship, color, disability, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation.