Vacation Programs

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 in drawings and models. Learn how designers create retail spaces that are both exciting and functional by taking inspiration from some of the city’s coolest stores and architecture offices specializing in store design.

This program has been canceled. We hope you will join us for our Treehouses (Grades 3-5) program, March 30 - April 1.

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.

Students will need a laptop or desktop computer, a three-click mouse, and Windows 10, 8, or 7 or Mac OS 10 operating system 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. 

This Program is Sold Out - to be added to the waitlist, email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org.

Take some time this winter 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 hybrid 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 using a large format sketchbook and drawing supplies sent to each student. This is a great chance to create some new portfolio pieces!

Design and build your own fantastic model treehouse! Begin by crafting your own tree using materials shipped to each participant and real tree branches you collect yourself, then work with its unique arrangement of branches to build a one-of-a-kind treehouse with platforms, rooms, ladders, swings, furniture and other details.

This 3-day program introduces students to SketchUp, a fun and free digital design program used by professional designers. Students will learn the ins and outs of the software through a series of short design challenges, then develop their own designs for a one-of-a-kind digital treehouse. SketchUp is a great tool for continued 3D modeling for personal or school projects.

Students will need a laptop or desktop computer, a three-click mouse, and Windows 10, 8, or 7 or Mac OS 10 operating system 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. 

This introductory class explores the fundamentals of architecture and space-making through design activities, architecture analysis, and class discussions. A series of small hands-on projects will build students’ design thinking, drawing and modelmaking skills, helping them explore their own design ideas and learn how to create architectural plans, sections and elevations as well as perspective drawings. A visit with professionals will complement these activities, helping students imagine their place in this creative and multi-faceted field.   

This Program is Sold Out - to be added to the waitlist, email k12education@centerforarchitecture.org.