K-12 - Center for Architecture

The Center for Architecture promotes public understanding and appreciation of architecture and design through educational programs for K-12 students and teachers, families, and the general public.

Our programs take place at the Center for Architecture and in schools and community sites throughout the New York metropolitan area.

Sponsors

K-12 educational programs are supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, an award from the National Endowment for the Arts, public funds from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the NYC Council, Kinder Morgan Foundation, and generous donations from Silman, Lu-Shawn Thompson, Robert A.M. Stern Architects, Christina R. Davis, Judith Hunt, Rockwell Group, CNY Group, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, John B. Simoni, Esq., Levien & Company, WEISS/MANFREDI, Roslyn Consultants, WSP, and generous individual and corporate donors.

K-12 Summer Program, 2017. Photo: Erik Bardin.

K-12 Learning By Design Program, 2016. Photo: Center for Architecture.

K-12 Student Day, Skyscrapers, 5th Grade. Photo: Center for Architecture.

K-12 Summer Program, 2017. Photo: Erik Bardin.

K-12 Student Day, Green Architecture, 3rd Grade. Photo: Center for Architecture.

K-12 Student Day, Exhibition Program, 5th Grade. Photo: Center for Architecture.

Youth & Family Programs

Family Days weekend programs for kids ages 5-13

Weekend public programs about architecture and design for youth ages 5-13 and their families.

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Vacation Programs for kids grades 3-12

Three-day school vacation programs for students in grades 3-12, exploring topics in architecture and design through art and design activities, walking tours, and site visits.

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Summer Programs for kids grades 3-12

Week-long summer programs for students in grades 3-12, exploring topics in architecture and design through art and design activities, walking tours, and site visits.

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After-School Programs for kids grades 3-8

Weekly after-school programs for students in grades 3-8, introducing architecture and design through neighborhood exploration, drawing, and hands-on building activities.

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K-12 School Programs

Student Day K-12 workshops at the Center for Architecture

K-12 Student Day, Scale Model Building, 7th Grade. Photo: Center for Architecture.

Student Day workshops are two-hour, hands-on programs for school groups interested in enriching their classroom learning through the disciplines of architecture, engineering, urban planning, and design.

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Learning By Design:NY K-12 in-school residency program

Learning By Design:NY is a multi-session classroom residency program that weaves architecture and design into the classroom curriculum.

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Professional Development design teaching strategies for instructors

Offered to classroom teachers, professional development workshops introduce participants to built environment education teaching strategies, activities, and curricula.

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Teen Programs

Design Discovery weekend workshops for high schoolers

Design Discovery 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.

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Discover Architecture Career Exploration Program February 18-21, 2020

The Center for Architecture in conjunction with AIA New York offers a career development program for current NYC high school students interested in learning more about the field of architecture. Selected participants will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience and on-site learning at a local architecture firm.

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Architecture and Design College Fair November 7, 2020, 11 AM – 3 PM

An annual FREE Architecture and Design College Fair for high school students from the Tri-State area. Representatives from over 30 colleges, universities, and design programs nationwide will be on-hand to meet with students and answer questions about applying to architecture school.

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Special Youth Programs

Building Connections Exhibition On view through January 4

This year's exhibition of student work focuses on the intersection of architecture and nature, highlighting tree houses and green buildings created by young designers, ages 7–13.

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