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, these workshops combine architectural exploration with hands-on design projects, nurturing the development of design thinking and providing students with instruction in architecture fundamentals such as architectural drawing, scale measurement, model building, site and precedent analysis.
Need-based partial scholarships are available. Upon completing program registration as a “scholarship applicant”, you will automatically receive a confirmation email which includes a link to the Scholarship Application. Your registration is complete once you submit the Scholarship Application. If you are selected to receive a scholarship, you will be notified by email within one week of the due date. At that time, balance payment will be due. Application deadlines are listed below.
Check out our Youth Programs FAQs. For further questions, please email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org.
Upcoming Teen Workshops
Teen Workshops focus on developing fundamental architectural design skills and exploring the architecture of New York City. Each workshop focuses on a different core lesson that will help high school students explore their interest in architecture as well as hone skills that will be helpful for portfolio development. These workshops are open to all levels of architecture and art experience. Attend all three sessions, or just select the workshops that appeal most to you!
Architectural Model Making (Grades 9-12) Saturday, March 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (lunch break 12pm – 1pm)
Price: $130
This workshop introduces students to basic model making tools and techniques used by architecture students and professionals. Cutting skills using X-Acto blades will be introduced beginning with one-on-one tutorials before students embark on a selection of small projects to hone their skills. A list of tools and materials will be provided to encourage students to continue their practice at home.
All materials will be provided. Lunch will not be provided. All students will be dismissed for a lunch break from 12pm – 1pm. Students may bring lunch to eat at the Center if desired.
Scholarship Application Deadline: Saturday, February 8
Registration Opens: Tuesday, January 21
Plan and Elevation Drawing (Grades 9-12) Saturday, April 5, 2025
Time: 10:00 am–4:00 pm (lunch break 12–1pm)
Price: $130
Architectural drawings are part of the visual language used by architects around the world. Join the Center for Architecture for an introduction to reading and creating drawings such as plans and elevations. This hands-on workshop will include exercises in line weights, drafted lettering, and learning to read and utilize an architect’s scale. Participants' new skills will culminate in hand drafted plans and elevations drawn to scale.
All materials will be provided. Lunch will not be provided. All students will be dismissed for a lunch break from 12pm – 1pm. Students may bring lunch to eat at the Center if desired.
Scholarship Application Deadline: Saturday, March 15
Registration Opens: Tuesday, February 18
Architectural Sketching (Grades 9-12) Saturday, May 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 am–4:00 pm (lunch break 12–1pm)
Price: $130
This session will focus on free-hand techniques for drawing architecture. Students will be introduced to some basic techniques for sketching architecture including methods of shading and rendering different materials. The class will start at the Center for Architecture with some basic lessons and sketching exercises, then will head outside (weather permitting) to practice observational on-site sketching at a site nearby.
All materials will be provided. Students are welcome to bring their own sketchbook and pencils if preferred. Lunch will not be provided. All students will be dismissed for a lunch break from 12–1pm. Students may bring lunch to eat at the Center if desired.
Scholarship Application Deadline: Saturday, April 12
Registration Opens: Tuesday, March 4
