Project Description

Architecture Summer Program at Penn

Rising 9th - 12th Graders

ARCHITECTURE: SUMMER AT PENN

Architecture summer programs for high school students at The University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman School of Design are based on the approach of the undergraduate architecture program. You will be encouraged to develop a unique creative process as you learn specific architectural design skills. Working with Penn faculty, you will experiment with different techniques and design tools and use the city of Philadelphia’s historic and modern architecture for inspiration.

Offered by the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, the summer architecture program prepares you for college admissions as you experience college life and develop your portfolio. The courses are similar to those offered by the University of Pennsylvania Architecture Program but are sequenced and paced for the age and experience of high school students.

GET MORE INFO
Location: University of Pennsylvania
Grades: Rising 9th - 12th
Program Dates: June 28 - July 25
Session Length: 4 Weeks

Application Deadline: April 1, 2020

Residential Tuition: $7,800

APPLY NOW

FAST FACTS

0
Portfolio Pieces Photographed
0
Academic Field Trips
0
Students Per Studio Ensures Individual Instruction
0
Final Exhibition in Charles Addams Fine Arts Hall Gallery

“My daughter had a very positive experience and I would definitely recommend this program to other parents for their children.”

Sally F., Parent

“I was concerned about her first time away from home and in the city. I can tell you she absolutely loved the experience and the safety is top notch.”

Jodi Solkin H., Parent

SCHEDULE OF A DAY

  • 8:15am Breakfast

  • 9:30am Skills & Free Drawing Session

  • 10:30am Classes/Lectures

  • 12:00pm Lunch

  • 1:30pm Studio Time

  • 4:30pm Open Studio

  • 6:00pm Dinner

  • 7:00pm Evening Activities

THE STUDIO EXPERIENCE

The studio style learning approach introduces the fundamentals of design through 2D and 3D exercises. Assignments in freehand drawing, technical drawing, and model building allow you to explore various techniques and materials. Learn how to use emerging digital software and methods of digital fabrication, such as laser cutting and 3D printing, as you create your own architectural design.

Studio sizes are kept intentionally small. With no more than 12 students per studio, you are given individualized attention from Penn’s faculty during every work session. You’ll love working in the beautiful sunlit studios overlooking Walnut Street and Penn’s campus. Just like a professional architect, you will be given a dedicated workstation and locker for the entire session.

ARCHITECTURAL FIELD TRIPS & EXHIBITS

Academic field trips and exhibitions are a cornerstone of the program. Each week, students will explore architectural treasures across the region such as:

BUILD YOUR PORTFOLIO & FUTURE

Learn to express your personal ideas through the architectural design process. Architecture summer programs help high school students develop their portfolio by exploring hand drawings, digital models and photographs of physical models created by you during studio. View student projects here. Then, you’ll go beyond design, looking into future career opportunities and what it means to be an architect. Plus, you will visit local architecture firms, so you can speak with today’s industry leaders.

Finally, your work will be displayed in a final exhibition in Penn’s art gallery at the end of the summer and professionally photographed in our studio for your future use.

ARCHITECTURE AT PENN

The Architecture Department is housed at Charles Addams Hall, in the heart of the University of Pennsylvania campus, at the corner of Walnut Street and 36th Street. In addition to design studios, exhibition spaces, classrooms, and offices, this facility includes state of the art laboratories for computing and fabrication, a gallery and two advanced research labs.

View Student Projects

AT ARCHITECTURE: SUMMER AT PENN YOU WILL:

LEARN FROM PENN’S ARCHITECTURE FACULTY

The University of Pennsylvania Stuart Weitzman 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 you, our students: explore a broad range of possibilities through both practice and theory.

High school students enrolled in Architecture summer programs at Penn learn from world-renowned faculty from UPenn’s School of Design. Classes are kept small to ensure you will receive personal attention from each faculty member.

You will also hear lectures from Architecture’s Undergraduate Department Chair, Richard Wesley, author of Three Cultural Ecologies.

LIFE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

A historic Ivy League university. Located in the heart of Philadelphia. During the summer, the UPenn campus is filled with high school students, undergraduates, graduate students and professors; giving you the real collegiate experience.

International Experience. About 40% of students come from around the world to join us each summer. Every year we hear how much students enjoy meeting people from all over the country and the world and how it opened their eyes to different parts of the globe.

Trips & Activities. There is always something to do when class is over: movies, tours, events, going to the gym and more. Campus is surrounded by dozens of shops and restaurants that are fun to explore with friends. Trips are offered every Saturday to regional destinations of your choice. And Sundays are for exploring the Philadelphia region.

LEARN MORE ABOUT UPENN AND LIFE ON CAMPUS

2020 DATES & PRICES

June 28 - July 25

  • Academic instruction
  • Rooming
  • On-campus meals
  • Afternoon and evening activities
  • Guest appearances
  • Academic field trips
  • Course materials
  • Lab fees

  • Non-refundable application fee: $100
  • Two weekend stays: $400
  • Optional services such as laundry, linen and airport transportation
  • Meals during weekend trips and off-campus weekday dinners

Students arrive on Sunday, June 28 and students depart on Saturday, July 25.

In order to complete an application for admission, students are required to submit the following:

  • Basic application information using our registration form
  • Application fee ($100, paid via credit card)
  • Personal information (required, citizenship, additional addresses, biographical and alumni information)
  • Student questionnaire (required, including extracurricular activities, honors or awards, short answer items)
  • Essay (required, explaining your interest in architecture in 200 words or less)
  • School information (required, including name, address, phone, type, graduation year, and guidance counselor information)
  • Academic transcript including Fall grades (required, we accept unofficial and official transcripts)
  • Letters of recommendation (we require two letters that may be written by current or recent teachers, school administrators, employers or mentors, or directors of extracurricular activities)
  • Application Closes: April 1, 2020
  • Decision Date: April 17, 2020

HOW TO APPLY

BEHIND THE SCENES

VISIT PHILLY

Learn More About Philadelphia >

APPLY NOW

#JKCP

Watch Video


Project Video From A Previous Student

PENN DESIGN FACEBOOK PAGE

CONNECT
GET MORE INFO
SCHEDULE A CONSULT

WE ALSO RECOMMEND

INTERNSHIPS

JKCP Internships place you within your field of choice, with a mentor who gives you a hands-on, three-week look at what they do - a priceless opportunity to see a career in action. Discover an industry and unlock your passion!

Location: University of Pennsylvania
Grades: Rising 11 & 12
Residential Session Length: 3 Weeks
Learn More

ENRICHMENT

Variety is the spice of life, making Enrichment a favorite for students who want to try a few different things! Create your perfect summer schedule by choosing one morning and one afternoon course from 20 subjects.

Location: Villanova University
Ages: 14 - 18
Residential & Day Camp
Learn More

YALE SUMMER ACADEMY

Sponsored by Yale University, the summer academy is an immersive, innovative leadership program for high school students in an Ivy League setting. It’s designed to develop the next generation’s leaders, top thinkers and change-makers.

Location: Yale University
Ages: 14 - 17
Residential Session Length: 2 Weeks
Learn More