Summer Programs give curious kids an opportunity to dive into an architectural topic of interest and test out their own design ideas. Each program explores a different theme through art and building activities, design challenges, guided investigations of architectural examples, and special site visits.
Summer Programs are week-long classes (Mon-Fri) for students entering grades 3-5, 6-8, or 9-12 in Fall 2023.
Please see below for examples of our 2023 programs. Information for Summer 2024 will be available in February.
For more information, see our FAQs. Please email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org with any additional questions.
2023 Program Overview
Hours (ET) and Prices
In-Person Programs (Grades 3-12): 9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Two-week Architectural Design Studio (Grades 10-12): 9:00 am–4:00pm | $1,400
Online Programs (Grades 6-12): 9:30 am–3:30 pm | $560
All program hours are in Eastern Time.
Need-Based Scholarships
A limited number of need-based scholarships are available. To apply for a scholarship, please register for the program online as a “Summer Scholarship Applicant” and then submit your Financial Need From and proof of financial need to k12education@centerforarchitecture.org. Please see the link below for application instructions and the Financial Need Form. Maximum 2 applications per student.
The scholarship application deadline is May 1.
Cancellation and Refund Policy
Registration for all programs is non-transferable. Tuition for all programs is non-refundable within four weeks of the program start date. If cancellation is made at least four weeks prior to the program start date, and we are able to fill your space from our waitlist, we will refund all but a $100 registration fee for each cancelled week. If we are unable to fill your space, we will not be able to provide any refund. There are no exceptions to this policy. The Center for Architecture will not provide make-ups or refunds for days missed as a result of vacation plans, scheduling conflicts, illness (including COVID-19), emergencies, or other events beyond our control.
For more information, please see our In-Person Terms & Conditions and our Online Terms & Conditions.
Educator and Staff Bios
Learn more about our Summer Programs educators and staff.
Health and Safety Protocols
Please be assured that the Center for Architecture is following guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), New York State, and New York City for appropriate health and safety procedures. If guidelines change, we will update our procedures to meet current standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
See our FAQs for in-person and online 2023 Summer Programs.
2023 Grades 3-5 Programs
Please see below for examples of our 2023 programs. Information for Summer 2024 will be available in February.
Parks and Playgrounds (Grades 3-5) June 26–30, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Kids are the experts in this program focusing on the design of parks and playgrounds. The class will visit several unique parks and playgrounds in the city to assess their design features by playing (of course!) and conducting on-site analysis through surveys, drawings, and user interviews. Students will explore and design different types of play spaces, culminating in a model of their own ideal park or playground.
Treehouses (Grades 3-5) July 10–14, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Design and build your own fantastic model treehouse! Students will begin by crafting their own tree out of wood and papier-mâché, then work with its unique arrangement of branches to build a one-of-a-kind treehouse. We will explore various techniques to create platforms, ladders, swings, furniture, and other fun details.
Building Bridges (Grades 3-5) July 17–21, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
In this program, we will explore beam, truss, arch, suspension, and moveable bridges to learn how these different structures support weight and span great distances. Students will visit several of NYC’s bridges, then put their new knowledge to the test as they create a final bridge of their own design!
Architectural Wonders (Grades 3-5) July 24–28, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Explore the great architectural wonders of the world! We will investigate ancient and new wonders of the world including the Great Pyramids of Giza, the Colosseum, Burj Khalifa and many more. Students will create their own designs inspired by these amazing buildings and structures and learn new design techniques and strategies along the way. Got some wonder-ful design ideas of your own? We’ll end with students creating their own architectural wonders for the 21st Century!
Animal Architecture (Grades 3-5) July 24–28, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Do you love animals? Have you ever been curious about how they make their homes? Students will explore how animals build their homes by observing structures such as nests, ant colonies, shells, and dams. We will also visit the zoo and look at buildings and environments created for animals by people to use as as inspiration. Students will be challenged to then create their own structure that their favorite animal or creature might enjoy!
Lunar Living (Grades 3-5) July 31–August 4, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Join us for an out-of-this-world experience! Students will explore the challenges of designing in a zero-gravity environment and imagine how they might live in space. Trips to explore space and spacecraft at NYC museums will provide ideas and inspiration as participants design their own ideal space habitat for living on the moon.
Spectacular Stores (Grades 3-5) August 7–11, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
What kind of store would you most like to create? Whether it’s a clothing boutique, toy store, or ice cream shop, you’ll have fun designing your own storefront and store interior by making drawings and a detailed model. Learn how designers create spaces that are both exciting and functional as we visit and learn from some of the city’s coolest stores.
Dream House (Grades 3-5) August 14–18, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Would your dream house be a penthouse apartment, modern beach house, or a castle in the hills? In this program, students will imagine and design their own personal dream house or apartment in drawings and models. Examples of amazing houses from around the world will provide ideas and inspiration, but the final design is up to you!
Skyscrapers (Grades 3-5) August 21–25, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
From One World Trade Center to the Empire State building, NYC is full of remarkably tall buildings. During this program, we’ll explore what makes these structures so strong and how their design enables them to reach such dizzying heights. Students will take inspiration and ideas from amazing skyscrapers in NYC and around the world as they design, draw, and build their own skyscrapers!
2023 Grades 6-8 Programs
Please see below for examples of our 2023 programs. Information for Summer 2024 will be available in February.
Green Island Home (Grades 6-8) June 26–30, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Imagine having a small island in NY waterways all to yourself! Who and what would you bring to your island? In this program, you’ll design an eco-friendly home for yourself on an imaginary island. You’ll also learn how to create buildings and landscapes that take advantage of our climate and natural resources to make your island a “green” oasis in the city.
Treehouses (Grades 6-8) July 10–14, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Create your own fantastic model treehouse! Students will begin the project by learning about the structure of trees to craft their own scale models of the perfect tree. Using these creations as our starting point, participants will be challenged to design and build a fantasy treehouse within its branches. We will learn various techniques to support the treehouse and create ladders, swings, furniture, and other fun details to scale!
Digital Design: Lunar Living (Grades 6-8) – Online July 10–14, 2023
9:30 am–3:30 pm | $560
This program introduces students to SketchUp, a fun and free 3D design software. Students will explore the challenges of designing in a zero-gravity environment and imagine how they might live in space. Using SketchUp, participants will design a space habitat that could make living on the moon an out-of-this-world experience!
This program will be held online via Zoom. Students will need a laptop or desktop computer, a three-click mouse, and Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) to download SketchUp software. Web-based software can be used on a Chromebook, but Digital Design classes cannot be done on a tablet or phone.
Skyscrapers (Grades 6-8) July 17–21, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Structural advances in technology allow us to imagine new skyscrapers that are taller than ever before! In this program, we will explore the structures and systems that make such tall buildings possible through discussions, trips to NYC skyscrapers, and design challenges. Students will take inspiration from amazing skyscrapers around the world as they create drawings and models of skyscrapers of their own design.
Digital Design: Bridges (Grades 6-8) July 24–28, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
In this program, students will explore the structure and design of different types of bridges through building activities and by looking at examples in New York City and abroad. Students will use this inspiration to design their own bridges using the fun and free 3D design software SketchUp and make an animated walkthrough of their finished project.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) 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.
Public Art and Architecture (Grades 6-8) July 31–August 4, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
In this program, we’ll explore how public art such as sculptures, murals and other installations make public spaces more interactive, lively, and fun! Students will visit some amazing examples in NYC and learn about others around the globe, exploring their own artistic ideas through 2D and 3D design activities. For their final project, students will design and create a model of a public art installation of their own!
Survival Architecture (Grades 6-8) August 7–11, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
How would you survive in the desert, in the middle of the jungle, or on the top of a mountain? In this program, we’ll learn about the design strategies and techniques that have helped people live in unlikely places like these. Students will then imagine their own sites and design shelters that would enable them to survive and thrive in these extreme conditions.
Digital Design: Tiny Houses (Grades 6-8) August 14–18, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Inspired by the rising popularity of miniature houses, students will examine small spaces and how limited square footage can inspire exciting design innovation. They will also be introduced to sustainable design strategies that can make tiny homes energy-efficient enough to support off-the-grid living. Students will then design their own tiny house using the fun and free 3D design software SketchUp and create an animated walkthrough of their finished project.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) 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.
Store Design (Grades 6-8) August 21–25, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
What kind of store would you most like to create? Whether it’s a skateboard shop, café/restaurant, or clothing boutique, you’ll have fun designing your own storefront and store interior by making scale drawings and a detailed model. Learn how designers create places that are both exciting and functional as we visit and learn from some of the city’s great retail spaces and architecture offices specializing in store design.
2023 Grades 9-12 Programs
Please see below for examples of our 2023 programs. Information for Summer 2024 will be available in February.
Drawing Architecture (Grades 9-12) June 26–30, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Take some time this summer to develop your architectural drawing skills! With a focus on free-hand sketching, participants will be introduced to a range of drawing techniques including one and two-point perspectives, as well as methods for shading and rendering different materials. Participants will visit different spaces throughout the city to practice observational on-site sketching. This is a great chance to create some new portfolio pieces!
Architectural Design Studio (Grades 10-12) – Offsite July 10–21, 2023 (2-week program)
9:00 am–4:00pm, Monday - Friday | $1,400
High School students interested in exploring the field of architecture and developing their portfolios will get a thorough introduction to the design process in this two-week intensive, pre-college class. Focused on a studio design project, students will learn how to work through an architectural program: from studying architectural precedents and spatial concepts, to project site analysis and developing a design concept, to creating scale drawings and models of their design for a final presentation to a review panel. Studio class will be supplemented by visits to an architectural office or a college architecture program.
This class will be hosted by the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate at their 11 West 42nd Street location. It will not take place at the Center for Architecture.
Digital Design: City Design (Grades 9-12) – Online July 17–21, 2023
9:30 am–3:30 pm | $560
In this program, students will investigate what it takes to be an urban planner by creating a digital model of their own imagined city neighborhood using SketchUp, a fun and free 3D computer modeling program. Students will learn the ins and outs of this software and test out their ideas for creating livable, urban spaces as they design their own city blocks, buildings, parks, and plazas, culminating in an animated walk-through of their final project.
This program will be held online via Zoom. Students will need a laptop or desktop computer, a three-click mouse, and Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) to download SketchUp software. Web-based software can be used on a Chromebook, but Digital Design classes cannot be done on a tablet or phone.
Digital Design: Tiny Houses (Grades 9-12) – Online July 24–28, 2023
9:30 am–3:30 pm | $560
Inspired by the rising popularity of miniature houses, students will examine small spaces and how limited square footage can inspire exciting design innovation. They’ll also be introduced to sustainable design strategies that can make tiny homes energy-efficient enough to support off-the-grid living. Students will then design their own tiny house using the fun and free 3D design software SketchUp and create an animated walkthrough of their finished project.
This program will be held online via Zoom. Students will need a laptop or desktop computer, a three-click mouse, and Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) to download SketchUp software. Web-based software can be used on a Chromebook, but Digital Design classes cannot be done on a tablet or phone.
Drawing Architecture (Grades 9-12) – Online July 31–August 4, 2023
9:30 am–3:30 pm | $560
Take some time this summer to develop your architectural drawing skills! With a focus on free-hand sketching, participants will be introduced to a range of drawing techniques including one and two-point perspectives, as well as methods for shading and rendering different materials. This class leverages the benefits of online instruction, which allows us to explore architectural marvels around the world and use digital annotation tools, while building students’ hand drawing skills. This is a great chance to create some new portfolio pieces!
This program will be held online via Zoom.
Materials Needed: Pencil, drawing paper (9” x 12” or larger recommended), and eraser. If you would like to experiment with slightly more sophisticated drawing materials, we would suggest an 11” x 14” drawing sketch pad, two pencils of varying weights (one HB pencil and one softer pencil 2B, 3B or 4B), and a white polymer or vinyl eraser.
Architectural Design Studio (Grades 10-12) – Offsite August 7–18, 2023 (2-week program)
9:00 am–4:00pm, Monday - Friday | $1,400
High School students interested in exploring the field of architecture and developing their portfolios will get a thorough introduction to the design process in this two-week intensive, pre-college class. Focused on a studio design project, students will learn how to work through an architectural program: from studying architectural precedents and spatial concepts, to project site analysis and developing a design concept, to creating scale drawings and models of their design for a final presentation to a review panel. Studio class will be supplemented by visits to an architectural office or a college architecture program.
This class will be hosted by the NYU Schack Institute of Real Estate at their 11 West 42nd Street location. It will not take place at the Center for Architecture.
Pop-Up Shop (Grades 9-12) August 14–18, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
Pop-up shops are an important way that companies generate buzz about a new concept. In this design studio, you’ll get to combine the skills of the architect, curator, and brand designer to design your own pop-up shop! The class will explore different examples of this temporary architecture and visit various concept stores for inspiration. For the final project, students will make their ideas come alive through sketches, drawings, and model-making.
Digital Design: House of the Future (Grades 9-12) August 21–25, 2023
9:00 am–4:00 pm | $700
This design studio introduces students to SketchUp, a fun and free 3D computer modeling program. Students in this program will investigate how housing has changed over the years and what’s in store for the future. Students will explore green design strategies such as using renewable energy sources, green and blue roofs, and natural lighting. Students will then create their own digital designs for a house of the future.
Students will need to bring their own laptop and charging cord with Windows 11 or 10 or Mac OS 13+ (Ventura), 12+ (Monterey) and 11+ (Big Sur) 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.
