Programs » Architecture: Summer Programs at Penn

Architecture: Summer Programs at Penn | Ages 14-18

APPLY

Click to Download the Brochure: Click to Download the Brochure
Click to Watch the Video: Click to Watch the Video

Click To Play

4-week program
Residential and day sessions
Campus life at the University of Pennsylvania
Choice of Saturday trips

Experience Architecture Camp at Penn

Offered by the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, this architecture summer program for high school students prepares students for college admission as you experience college life and create your portfolio.

The architecture studio introduces the fundamentals of design through two-dimensional and three-dimensional exercises. Assignments in freehand drawing, technical drawing, and model building will allow students to explore various techniques and materials. A rigorous sketchbook will also be kept to further observational skills and record ideas. The studio begins with an abstract exercise to familiarize the students with the essentials of critical thinking and their creative strengths. The initial exercise is followed by a project in which each student designs a space on the University of Pennsylvania campus.

From Portfolios to Career Opportunities

Express your personal ideas as you go from basic architectural design process to hand drawing to creating digital models you can include in your portfolio. Then, you'll go beyond design and look into future career opportunities and what it means to be an architect. With a limited number of students per studio, you'll receive one-on-one personal attention from experienced architects and Penn faculty every day. The curriculum is taken from undergraduate Penn courses, giving you a head start in this field while you are still in high school. Plus, you will visit local architecture firms so you can speak with today's industry leaders. Finally, all student work is displayed in a final exhibition in Penn's art gallery which takes place on the last Friday of the session.

Your choice of Weekend trips

Two trips are offered each Saturday. You choose one. We leave after breakfast and return in the evening. Then, on Sundays experience Philadelphia! Please visit Weekend Trips and Destinations for this summer’s schedule.

Learning at Penn

You'll love working in Penn's architecture studios as you create art and develop your artistic expression.

The University of Pennsylvania School of Design is dedicated to promoting excellence in design across a rich diversity of programs including Architecture, City Planning, Landscape Architecture and Fine Arts. They believe in the centrality of design to all aspects of creativity. A dual challenge is offered to our students: explore a broad range of possibilities through both practice and theory.

The architecture department is housed at Meyerson Hall, in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus, at the corner of Walnut Street and 34th Street. In addition to design studios, exhibition spaces, classrooms and offices, this facility includes state of the art laboratories for computing and fabrication, and two advanced research labs.

You'll love experiencing the campus!

Penn's Summer Faculty

Students enrolled in Architecture learn from world-renowned faculty from Penn's School of Design. Classes are kept small to ensure you will receive personal attention from each faculty member.