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 field trips.
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. Our educators strive to accommodate all learning styles.
These week-long classes are offered Mon–Fri for students entering grades 3–5, 6–8, or 9–12. All Summer Programs are held at the Center for Architecture, unless otherwise noted.
Grades 6–8 Programs
All Summer Programs for Grades 6–8 are now sold out. Join the waitlist for sold out programs here. All grade levels are based on the grade the student will enter in Fall 2026.
Public Art and Architecture (Grades 6–8) July 6–10, 2026
This program explores how public art such as sculptures, murals, and other installations make public spaces more interactive, lively, and fun. Students visit amazing examples right here 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 design and create a model of a public art installation of their own.
Digital Design: Transit Architecture (Grades 6–8) July 6–10, 2026
New York City would be very different without the complex subway system running above and below its busy streets. Students learn about the history and design of the New York City subway and compare it with notable systems around the world. We explore how the subway’s extensive network operates, as well as the social, environmental, and engineering challenges it faces today. Inspired by the new Interborough Express which will connect 17 subway lines between Brooklyn and Queens, students use 3D design software to create a transit hub to support the city’s growth and connectivity.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or Mac OS 26 (Tahoe), 15 (Sequoia), 14+ (Sonoma), or 13+ (Ventura) 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 13–17, 2026
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 are challenged to design and build a fantasy treehouse within its branches. The class explores various techniques to support the treehouse and create ladders, swings, furniture, and other fun details to scale.
Waterfront City (Grades 6–8) July 20–24, 2026
This class explores past, present, and future designs for cities built on or around water, including New York City. Working collaboratively, students create a design for a waterfront city, incorporating ideas about architecture, transportation, and recreation. Each student’s contribution will come together at the end of the week to create a collective vision of a sustainable waterfront city.
Digital Design: Skyscrapers (Grades 6–8) July 20–24, 2026
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 using 3D design software.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or Mac OS 26 (Tahoe), 15 (Sequoia), 14+ (Sonoma), or 13+ (Ventura) 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.
Bridges (Grades 6–8) July 27–31, 2026
Beam, truss, arch, suspension, and moving bridges all support weight and span great distances. Through interactive discussions, experiments, and small building projects, students learn about the engineering behind these structural marvels. Students 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.
Digital Design: Neighborhoods (Grades 6–8) July 27–31, 2026
Urban planners consider street layouts, building types, open spaces, infrastructure, and other amenities when designing vibrant communities. Students in this class explore New York City neighborhoods and look at examples around the world to learn about urban design. Using 3D design software, each student designs and builds a piece of a neighborhood. By the end of the week, the class assembles the individual pieces into a shared vision of an ideal neighborhood.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or Mac OS 26 (Tahoe), 15 (Sequoia), 14+ (Sonoma), or 13+ (Ventura) 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.
Skyscrapers (Grades 6–8) August 3–7, 2026
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 skyscrapers using drawings and models.
Digital Design: Aquatecture (Grades 6–8) August 10–14, 2026
Throughout time, buildings have been built near the water for both resources and transit. This program investigates how rising sea levels will affect the design of buildings at, on, or near the water in the future. Students are introduced to sustainable design strategies that can make these buildings energy efficient enough to support off-the-grid living. Students then use 3D design software to design their own imaginative aquatecture.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or Mac OS 26 (Tahoe), 15 (Sequoia), 14+ (Sonoma), or 13+ (Ventura) 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 17–21, 2026
Students investigate the history of housing and consider what’s in store for the future. This program asks students to 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 work collaboratively in small groups to design and build a scale model for a house of the future.
Schedule
Upcoming Summer Programs will run July 6–August 21, 2026.
The application deadline for need-based scholarships is May 1. (Upon completing program registration as a “scholarship applicant”, you will automatically receive a confirmation email which includes a link to the Scholarship Application.)
For more information, see our FAQs. Please email [email protected] with any additional questions.