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, these workshops combine architectural exploration with hands-on design projects, nurturing the development of design thinking and providing students with instruction in architecture fundamentals such as architectural drawing, scale measurement, model building, site and precedent analysis.
Need-based scholarships are available. For more information, please see our Scholarship Application Instructions and Financial Need Form. Deadlines for scholarship applications are listed with each program.
Masks are required for all K-12 programs, regardless of vaccination status. Read our full Health and Safety Protocol here.
Check out our Youth Programs FAQs. For further questions, please email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org.
![Design Discovery SoHo promo photo resized[1]](https://www.centerforarchitecture.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2019/10/Design-Discovery-SoHo-promo-photo-resized1-1280x853.jpg)
Winter/Spring 2023 Design Discovery Programs
The Design Discovery Winter/Spring 2023 series will focus on developing fundamental architectural design skills and exploring the architecture of New York City. Each workshop focuses on a different core lesson that will help high school students explore their interest in architecture as well as hone skills that will be helpful for portfolio development. These workshops are open to all levels of architecture and art experience. Attend all four sessions, or just select the workshops that appeal most to you!
Urban Planning (Grades 9-12) Saturday, February 4, 2023
Time: 10:00 am–3:00 pm (lunch break 12pm–1pm)
Date: Saturday, February 4
Price: $100
This workshop will introduce students to the design thinking and decision-making used in urban planning. Working with a set of planning and zoning guidelines, students will collaborate to design a model of an ideal urban neighborhood, from the overall layout of the area to the design of individual buildings and open spaces. Come roll up your sleeves and share your ideas for urban living at its best!
All materials will be provided. Lunch will not be provided. All students will be dismissed for a lunch break from 12pm – 1pm. Students may bring lunch to eat at the Center if desired.
Scholarship Application Deadline: January 21. If you are interested in applying for a need-based scholarship, please see the scholarship information and Financial Need Form here.
Architectural Model Making (Grades 9-12) Saturday, March 4, 2023
Time: 10:00 am–3:00 pm (lunch break 12pm–1pm)
Date: Saturday, March 4
Price: $100
This workshop introduces students to key model making tools and techniques used by students and professionals. Basic cutting skills using X-Acto and Olfa blades will be introduced beginning with one-on-one tutorials before students embark on a selection of small projects to hone their skills. A list of tools and materials will be provided to encourage students to continue their practice at home.
All materials will be provided. Lunch will not be provided. All students will be dismissed for a lunch break from 12pm – 1pm. Students may bring lunch to eat at the Center if desired.
Scholarship Application Deadline: February 18. If you are interested in applying for a need-based scholarship, please see the scholarship information and Financial Need Form here.
SoHo (Grades 9-12) Saturday, April 1, 2023
Join the Center for Architecture for a day of design exploration in SoHo, one of New York City’s hippest historic districts. This unique neighborhood is a fascinating mix of old and new, home to trendy boutiques, innovative new buildings, and the largest collection of 19th century cast-iron buildings in the world. After an introduction to key design elements, we’ll explore this area’s architectural treasures on foot, then return to the Center after a lunch break for a design workshop where you’ll create a new building to fit in this historic district. A great project for your design portfolio!
All materials will be provided. Lunch will not be provided. All students will be dismissed for a lunch break from 12pm – 1pm. Students may bring lunch to eat at the Center if desired.
Scholarship Application Deadline: March 18. If you are interested in applying for a need-based scholarship, please see the scholarship information and Financial Need Form here.
Architectural Sketching (Grades 9-12) Saturday, May 6, 2023
This session will focus on free-hand techniques for drawing architecture. Students will be introduced to some basic techniques for sketching architecture including methods of shading and rendering different materials. The class will start at the Center for Architecture with some basic lessons and sketching exercises, then will head outside (weather permitting) to practice observational on-site sketching at a site nearby.
All materials will be provided. Students are welcome to bring their own sketchbook and pencils if preferred. Lunch will not be provided. All students will be dismissed for a lunch break from 12pm – 1pm. Students may bring lunch to eat at the Center if desired.
Scholarship Application Deadline: April 22. If you are interested in applying for a need-based scholarship, please see the scholarship information and Financial Need Form here.
Upcoming Events
Full Calendar >-
Thu, 2/16 | Exhibition Program
