First-year B.Arch. students prepare, assemble, and display their Core I Studio models and works for an exhibition in Milstein Dome. Melanie Chu (M.Arch. '24) / AAP
Build your portfolio. Start on your path to the study and practice of architecture at Cornell.
"It was wonderful! Not only did I attain knowledge of basic architectural concepts, but I also learned how to think and analyze like an architect."
— Qi Yun (Christine) Gao, Summer Program Student
Lay foundations. Explore new ideas. Open possibilities.
The virtual Introduction to Architecture program is offered to high school students all over the world and is deeply rooted in thinking through making. This intensive, online curriculum is designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of emerging designers for the endless possibilities opened by the study and practice of architecture. Pairing design studios with courses covering history and theory, the program both grounds ideas and concepts in processes of making, and encourages students to develop a creative and critical design practice inspired by their unique interests and imagination.
Our pre-college program is taught entirely online using the latest remote learning software and techniques so that students learn to set up their own studio and collaborate across projects and platforms no matter where they are. The curriculum has a strong emphasis on digital tools while also embracing analog and hybrid modes of design. All students receive close instruction and thoughtful critique as they develop a unique body of work suitable for application portfolios, and ultimately come to a deeper understanding of architectural education and practice.
Application Deadlines
Applications for the high school architecture summer program are due on Sunday, May 5, 2024.
ARCH 1110 Introduction to Architecture: Design Studio
The summer program's design studio introduces students to the principles and methods of solving architectural problems as well as to concepts of space, form, function, and technology in a supportive and creative learning environment that includes faculty and guest reviews, culminating in a major final project.
ARCH 1300 An Introduction to Architecture: Lectures
The summer program's survey course covers the many facets of architecture that inform and influence practice past and present, including design history, principles, theory, preservation, landscapes, cultures, and technologies.
In-Person Courses
Local high school students can apply to take the following AAP courses on campus this summer as commuters. To apply, follow the instructions for local students.
Instructors
Instructor, ARCH 1110 Introduction to Architecture: Design Studio
Instructor, ARCH 1300 An Introduction to Architecture: Lectures
Instructor, ARCH 1110 Introduction to Architecture: Design Studio
Instructor, ARCH 1610 Design Making: Introduction to Digital Fabrication
Lay foundations. Explore new ideas. Open possibilities.
College students from all over the world have options at Cornell this summer. Our online Introduction to Architecture program is rooted in thinking through making and is designed to expose the next generation of emerging designers to the endless possibilities opened by the study and practice of architecture. Pairing design studios with courses covering history and theory, this program introduces ideas and concepts that help students establish creative and critical design practices inspired by their unique interests and imagination.
The Department of Architecture also offers several in-person courses for college students over the age of 18 who want to deepen their knowledge or sharpen their skills in a specific area of architectural design or theory — from making with new and emerging technologies to critical thought and writing about architecture and design.
Both online and in-person options provide close instruction with leading faculty who use different tools to support collaboration across projects and platforms. The virtual Introduction to Architecture program is well-suited for those looking to study architecture at a graduate level or as a minor at their home institution. Students in all classes receive thoughtful guidance and feedback as they develop a unique body of work suitable for application portfolios and ultimately come to a deeper understanding of architectural education and practice.
Registration Deadlines
For registration deadlines, please refer to the Summer Session Academic Calendar.
Introduction to Architecture — Online Courses
ARCH 1110 Introduction to Architecture: Design Studio
The summer program's virtual design studio introduces students to the principles and methods of solving architectural problems as well as to concepts of space, form, function, and technology in a supportive and creative learning environment that includes faculty and guest reviews, culminating in a major final project.
ARCH 1300 An Introduction to Architecture: Lectures
The summer program's survey course covers the many facets of architecture that inform and influence practice past and present, including design history, principles, theory, preservation, landscapes, cultures, and technologies.
Summer Studios for College Students — In-Person Courses
ARCH 1610 Design Making: Introduction to Digital Fabrication
Rooted in the emergence of fab-labs and maker culture, this course introduces students to the fundamentals of digital fabrication, an important skill set for future designers, engineers, artists, and architects.
ARCH 3308 Special Topics in the Theory of Architecture I
This undergraduate class introduces students to architecture criticism and other forms of public discourse such as exhibitions and performance, familiarizing them with various forms of architectural writing including critical writing in popular media, architecture journals, social media, and more.
ARCH 4509 Immersive Realities – New Technologies of Visual Representation
This undergraduate design seminar challenges students to create tactics of visual representation that are both intentional and relational; where "drawing out" is an intellectual position in constant relation to ideas in the world.
ARCH 6308 Special Topics in the Theory of Architecture II
This graduate-level class introduces students to architecture criticism and other forms of public discourse such as exhibitions and performance, familiarizing them with various forms of architectural writing including critical writing in popular media, architecture journals, social media, and more.
ARCH 6509 Special Topics in Visual Representation II
This graduate-level design seminar challenges students to create tactics of visual representation that are both intentional and relational; where "drawing out" is an intellectual position in constant relation to ideas in the world.
Instructors
Instructor, ARCH 3308 Special Topics in the Theory of Architecture I and ARCH 6308 Special Topics in the Theory of Architecture II
Instructor, ARCH 1110 Introduction to Architecture: Design Studio
Instructor, ARCH 4509 Immersive Realities - New Technologies of Visual Representation and ARCH 6509 Special Topics in Visual Representation II
Instructor, ARCH 3101, 3102, 4101, 4102, 4101, 5104
Instructor, ARCH 1300 An Introduction to Architecture: Lectures
Instructor, ARCH 3101, 3102, 4102, 4101, 5104
Instructor, ARCH 1110 Introduction to Architecture: Design Studio
Instructor, ARCH 1610 Design Making: Introduction to Digital Fabrication
Student Experience
Introduction to Architecture Summer Program
Frances Shloss Studio
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