K-12 - Center for Architecture

The Center for Architecture promotes public understanding and appreciation of architecture and design through educational programs for K-12 students and teachers, families, and the general public.

Our programs take place at the Center for Architecture and in schools and community sites throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Youth & Family Programs

Family Programs weekend programs for kids ages 5-13

adult and child working together on a model of a bridge

Weekend public programs about architecture and design for youth ages 5-13 and their families.

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Vacation Programs for kids grades 3-12

K-12 Summer Program, 2017. Photo: Erik Bardin.

Three-day school vacation programs for students in grades 3-12, exploring topics in architecture and design through art and design activities, walking tours, and site visits.

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Summer Programs for kids grades 3-12

Week-long summer programs for students in grades 3-12, exploring topics in architecture and design through art and design activities, walking tours, and site visits.

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Teen Programs

Teen Workshops weekend workshops for high schoolers

Teen Workshops are for high school students interested in learning more about the city’s built environment and developing their architectural design skills. Offered on weekends during the school year.

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Architecture and Design College Fair Saturday, October 19, 2024

Free college fair offered each October. Representatives from colleges, universities, and design programs nationwide will be on-hand to meet with students and answer questions about applying to architecture school.

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Discover Architecture Career Exploration Program February 18–21, 2025

K 12 Teen Programs Discover Architecture 400px

The Center for Architecture in conjunction with AIA New York offers a career development program for current high school students interested in learning more about the field of architecture. Participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable insight and exposure to real life projects and practice from local architecture firms.

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K-12 School Programs

Learning By Design:NY multi-session classroom residencies

K-12 Learning By Design Program, 2016. Photo: Center for Architecture.

Learning By Design:NY is a multi-session classroom residency program that weaves architecture and design into the classroom curriculum.

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Professional Development design teaching strategies for instructors

Offered to classroom teachers, professional development workshops introduce participants to built environment education teaching strategies, activities, and curricula.

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Annual Student Exhibition Why Design?

Installation view, Building Connections, Center for Architecture, 2023.

Our annual exhibition of K-12 student design work from our Learning By Design:NY in-school residencies and school and youth workshops held at the Center for Architecture.

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Educational Resources

Self-Guided Activities

Nurture your budding architect through free, online architecture-themed activities. These short, easy to follow design projects use simple materials to get kids exploring. These materials can be used individually or even in a classroom setting.

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