Summer Programs give curious kids the opportunity to dive into specific interests in architecture and test out their own ideas. Each program explores a different theme through art and building activities, design challenges, guided investigations of architectural examples, and site visits. Our educators strive to accommodate all learners. Classes are taught in a group setting and students engage independently to design and build projects. Classes include 12 to 16 students, 1 teacher, and 1 assistant.
Summer Programs are week-long classes (Mon-Fri) for students entering grades 3-5, 6-8, or 9-12 in Fall 2024. All Summer Programs are held at the Center for Architecture, unless otherwise noted.
2024 Summer Programs have concluded. Information and registration for 2025 will be available in March.
For more information, see our FAQs. Please email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org with any additional questions.
2024 Program Overview
2024 Summer Programs have concluded. Information and registration for 2025 will be available in March.
Hours and Prices
One-Week Programs (Grades 3–12): 9:00 am–4:00 pm | $725
Two-week Architectural Design Studio (Grades 10–12): 9:00 am–4:00pm | $1,450
Need-Based Scholarships
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 two weeks of the due date. At that time, balance payment will be due.
The scholarship application deadline is May 1. Maximum 2 applications per student.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Registration for all programs is non-transferable. Tuition for all programs is non-refundable within four weeks of the program start date. If cancellation is made at least four weeks prior to the program start date, and we are able to fill your space from our waitlist, we will refund all but a $100 registration fee for each cancelled week. If we are unable to fill your space, we will not be able to provide any refund. There are no exceptions to this policy. The Center for Architecture will not provide make-ups or refunds for days missed as a result of vacation plans, scheduling conflicts, illness, emergencies, or other events beyond our control.
Educator and Staff Bios
Learn more about our Summer Programs educators and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
See our FAQs for 2024 Summer Programs.
Grades 9–12 Programs
2024 Summer Programs have concluded. Information and registration for 2025 will be available in March. Please see below for examples of previous programs.
Digital Design: Tiny Houses (Grades 9-12) July 8–12, 2024
Inspired by the rising popularity of miniature houses, students will examine small spaces and how limited square footage can inspire exciting design innovation. They will also be introduced to sustainable design strategies that can make tiny homes energy-efficient enough to support off-the-grid living. Students will then design their own tiny house using 3D design software and save 2D images of their final projects for their portfolio.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) for this class. Students can bring their own mouse or CFA will provide a wired mouse for student use. Students will be sent a link to download the free SketchUp trial software prior to the first day of class. Students with Chromebooks can use the free web-based SketchUp software. Tablets and phones cannot be used for this program. Please check your system requirements here.
Architectural Design Studio (Grades 10-12) – Offsite July 8–19, 2024 (2-week program)
High School students interested in exploring the field of architecture and developing their portfolios will get a thorough introduction to the design process in this two-week intensive, pre-college class. Focused on a studio design project, students will study architectural precedents and spatial concepts, perform project site analysis and develop a design concept and create scale drawings and design models for a final presentation to a review panel. Studio class will be supplemented by visits to an architecture firm’s office or a college architecture program.
This class will be hosted by the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate at their 20 W. 43rd Street location. It will not take place at the Center for Architecture.
Architectural Design Studio (Grades 10-12) – Offsite July 22–August 2, 2024 (2-week program)
High School students interested in exploring the field of architecture and developing their portfolios will get a thorough introduction to the design process in this two-week intensive, pre-college class. Focused on a studio design project, students will study architectural precedents and spatial concepts, perform project site analysis and develop a design concept and create scale drawings and design models for a final presentation to a review panel. Studio class will be supplemented by visits to an architecture firm’s office or a college architecture program.
This class will be hosted by the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate at their 20 W. 43rd Street location. It will not take place at the Center for Architecture.
Drawing Architecture (Grades 9-12) July 29–August 2, 2024
With a focus on free-hand sketching, this course develops architectural drawing skills. Students are introduced to a range of drawing techniques, including one- and two-point perspectives and methods for shading and rendering different materials. The course visits different spaces throughout New York City to practice observational on-site sketching and can help students create work for their portfolios.
Architectural Design Studio (Grades 10-12) – Offsite August 5–16, 2024 (2-week program)
High School students interested in exploring the field of architecture and developing their portfolios will get a thorough introduction to the design process in this two-week intensive, pre-college class. Focused on a studio design project, students will study architectural precedents and spatial concepts, perform project site analysis and develop a design concept and create scale drawings and design models for a final presentation to a review panel. Studio class will be supplemented by visits to an architecture firm’s office or a college architecture program.
This class will be hosted by the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate at their 20 W. 43rd Street location. It will not take place at the Center for Architecture.
Drawing Architecture (Grades 9-12) August 19–23, 2024
With a focus on free-hand sketching, this course develops architectural drawing skills. Students are introduced to a range of drawing techniques, including one- and two-point perspectives and methods for shading and rendering different materials. The course visits different spaces throughout New York City to practice observational on-site sketching and can help students create work for their portfolios.
Grades 6–8 Programs
2024 Summer Programs have concluded. Information and registration for 2025 will be available in March. Please see below for examples of previous programs.
Skyscrapers (Grades 6-8) July 8–12, 2024
Structural advances in technology have resulted in skyscrapers that are taller than ever before. Through discussions, trips to New York City skyscrapers, and design challenges, students explore the structures and systems that make such supertall buildings possible. Learning about amazing skyscrapers around the world offers inspiration for students to design their own skyscraper through drawings and models.
Digital Design: Tiny Houses (Grades 6-8) July 15–19, 2024
Inspired by the rising popularity of miniature houses, students will examine small spaces and how limited square footage can inspire exciting design innovation. They will also be introduced to sustainable design strategies that can make tiny homes energy-efficient enough to support off-the-grid living. Students will then design their own tiny house using 3D design software.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) for this class. Students can bring their own mouse or CFA will provide a wired mouse for student use. Students will be sent a link to download the free SketchUp trial software prior to the first day of class. Students with Chromebooks can use the free web-based SketchUp software. Tablets and phones cannot be used for this program. Please check your system requirements here.
Waterfront City (Grades 6-8) July 22–26, 2024
This class will explore past, present, and future designs for cities built on or around water, including New York City. Working collaboratively, students will create a design for a waterfront city, incorporating ideas about architecture, transportation, and recreation. Each student’s piece of the city will come together at the end of the week to create a collective vision of a sustainable waterfront city.
Digital Design: Survival Architecture (Grades 6-8) July 22–26, 2024
Extreme living conditions come in many forms, from arid deserts to remote jungles and freezing mountaintops. Students in this class will learn about the design strategies and techniques that help people live in unlikely places. They will imagine their own sites and use 3D design software to design shelters that enable people to survive and thrive in these extreme conditions.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) for this class. Students can bring their own mouse or CFA will provide a wired mouse for student use. Students will be sent a link to download the free SketchUp trial software prior to the first day of class. Students with Chromebooks can use the free web-based SketchUp software. Tablets and phones cannot be used for this program. Please check your system requirements here.
Treehouses (Grades 6-8) July 29–August 2, 2024
After first learning about the structure of trees, students craft scale models inspired by their own idea of the perfect tree. Using these creations as a starting point, students will be challenged to design and build a fantasy treehouse within its branches. The class will explore various techniques to support the treehouse and create ladders, swings, furniture, and other fun details to scale. By the end of this course, students will have created their very own model treehouse.
Digital Design: Bridges (Grades 6-8) August 5–9, 2024
Beam, truss, arch, suspension, and moveable bridges support weight and span great distances. Students will learn about these different bridge types through interactive discussions and visits to several New York City bridges. Students will then use 3D design software to create bridges of their own design.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) for this class. Students can bring their own mouse or CFA will provide a wired mouse for student use. Students will be sent a link to download the free SketchUp trial software prior to the first day of class. Students with Chromebooks can use the free web-based SketchUp software. Tablets and phones cannot be used for this program. Please check your system requirements here.
House of the Future (Grades 6-8) August 5–9, 2024
Students investigate the history of housing and consider what’s in store for the future. This class will explore historic homes to see how people lived in the past, discover advancements in green architecture today, and speculate about how we might live in the future. For their final project, students will design and build their own scale model for a house of the future.
Digital Design: Neighborhoods (Grades 6-8) August 12–16, 2024
Urban planners consider street layouts, building types, open spaces, infrastructure, and other amenities when designing vibrant communities. Students will use their own neighborhoods, as well as examples from around the world, to learn about urban design. They will then design and build their own piece of a neighborhood using 3D design software. Individual projects will come together at the end of the week to create an ideal neighborhood.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) for this class. Students can bring their own mouse or CFA will provide a wired mouse for student use. Students will be sent a link to download the free SketchUp trial software prior to the first day of class. Students with Chromebooks can use the free web-based SketchUp software. Tablets and phones cannot be used for this program. Please check your system requirements here.
Public Art and Architecture (Grades 6-8) August 19–23, 2024
This program explores how public art such as sculptures, murals, and other installations make public spaces more interactive, lively, and fun. Students will visit some amazing examples in New York City and learn about others around the globe, exploring their own artistic ideas through 2D and 3D design activities. For their final project, students will design and create a model of a public art installation of their own.
Grades 3-5 Programs
2024 Summer Programs have concluded. Information and registration for 2025 will be available in March. Please see below for examples of previous programs.
Building Bridges (Grades 3-5) July 8–12, 2024
Beam, truss, arch, suspension, and moveable bridges support weight and span great distances. Through interactive discussions, experiments, and small building projects, students will learn about these structural marvels. Students will visit several bridges in New York City, then put their new knowledge to the test as they create a final bridge of their own design.
Subway Architecture (Grades 3-5) July 15–19, 2024
New York City would be very different without the complex subway system that runs underneath its busy streets. Learn about the history and design of the New York City subway and examples from around the world. Students will explore some of the city's most unique subway stations and transit-related sites as research for designing and building a future subway system.
House of the Future (Grades 3-5) July 15–19, 2024
Students investigate the history of housing and consider what’s in store for the future. This class will explore historic homes to see how people lived in the past, discover advancements in green architecture today, and speculate about how we might live in the future. For their final project, students will design and build their own model for a house of the future.
Museum Architecture (Grades 3-5) July 22–26, 2024
Museums now cover more subjects than ever before, from history and art, to animals, and ice cream. This program will visit some of the best museums New York City has to offer and also look at examples of museums around the world. Students will consider how design helps visitors learn and engage their imagination to create a museum that showcases a collection of objects they love.
Animal Architecture (Grades 3-5) July 29–August 2, 2024
Animal homes come in many different shapes and sizes, all just right for the creatures living in them. This class will explore how animals build their homes by observing structures such as nests, ant colonies, shells, and dams. Students will visit the zoo to look at buildings and environments created for animals by people. The program concludes with a challenge for students to create a structure that their favorite animal or creature might enjoy.
Parks and Playgrounds (Grades 3-5) August 5–9, 2024
Kids are the experts in this program focusing on the design of parks and playgrounds. The class will visit several unique parks and playgrounds in the city to assess their design features by playing (of course!) and conducting on-site analysis through surveys, drawings, and user interviews. Students will explore and design different types of play spaces, culminating in a model of their own ideal park or playground.
Waterfront City (Grades 3-5) August 12–16, 2024
This class will explore past, present, and future designs for cities built on or around water, including New York City. Working collaboratively, students will create a design for a waterfront city, incorporating ideas about architecture, transportation, and recreation. Each student’s piece of the city will be combined at the end of the week to create a collective vision of an ideal waterfront city.
Skyscrapers (Grades 3-5) August 12–16, 2024
From One World Trade Center to the Empire State building, New York City is full of remarkably tall buildings. This class will explore what makes these structures so strong and how their design enables them to reach such dizzying heights. Students will take inspiration and ideas from amazing skyscrapers in New York City and around the world as they design, draw, and build their own skyscrapers.
Treehouses (Grades 3-5) August 19–23, 2024
After first learning about the structure of trees, students craft scale models inspired by their own idea of the perfect tree. Using these creations as a starting point, students will be challenged to design and build a fantasy treehouse within its branches. The class will explore various techniques to support the treehouse and create ladders, swings, furniture, and other fun details. By the end of this course, students will have created their very own model treehouse.
