Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Discovering Architecture
A Summer Program for High School Juniors (July 12th - 25th, 2009)
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- About the program
- Learn It: For two intensive weeks, while living on campus at Drexel University, you'll experience what it's like to study architecture in college. You'll attend classes taught by Drexel Architecture faculty members in studios and computer labs used by Drexel architecture students. You'll go on field trips to significant architectural sites in Philadelphia, hear lectures by distinguished speakers, and, working closely with an instructor, you'll try your hand at architectural design.
- Try It: Our program will introduce you to this fascinating profession. During the summer, while Drexel architecture students are on vacation, we're opening their studio and other facilities to a group of high school students who want to experience what education and work are like in the field of architecture.
- Test It: You will visit several prominent architectural offices and meet architects on the job. You'll have a chance to see first-hand the types of projects architects work on, how they go about it, and the environment of an architectural office.
- Live It: With the historic city of Philadelphia at your doorstep, you'll be practically living in an architectural classroom. Almost every day you'll explore some part of the city. You'll discover magnificent buildings, squares, parks, museums, and theaters. And along the way you'll also see Philadelphia's traditional houses and neighborhoods, learn about its history, and tune into the rhythms of city life.
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- Program Format
- Studio: Design studio is at the heart of the program. Most afternoons will be spent in studio, developing design projects through drawings and models. It is expected that students will spend some evenings at work in the studio as well. We will take advantage of being in Philadelphia by focusing on a topic currently relevant to the city. The session will culminate in a formal presentation by the students to faculty and invited professionals.
- Computer: Students will be introduced to computer design. Using the latest technology, students will learn to model three-dimensional forms on computer and see the role of the computer in design.
- Lectures: Lecturers from Drexel's faculty and visiting professionals will speak about architecture and related topics. There will also be informal lectures related to studio work.
- Field Trips: We will visit an off-campus destination almost every day. Students will sketch important city buildings and sites, visit museums, architect's offices, and explore the urban environment. An all-day field trip outside of Philadelphia is planned for the weekend.
- Cultural Events: Philadelphia in the summer is alive with music and art. We have scheduled supervised trips to concerts, performances, and exhibits.
- Special Activities: It is July after all! There will be opportunities to cool off in the Drexel pool and play volleyball in the evenings. We'll picnic in the park and enjoy other social events as a group.
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- General Information
- Faculty: Students will be taught by Drexel faculty members. In the design studio a faculty member and teaching assistants will work closely with each student.
- Housing & Facilities: Students enrolled in the program will reside together in a Drexel residence hall (Separate facilities for males and females). We are located in University City, adjacent to Center City Philadelphia, the University of Pennsylvania, and many cultural and historic sites. Around-the-clock staff supervision will be provided. Most meals will be served in Drexel student dining facilities; some meals will be provided during field trips. Students will have access to the Drexel library and athletic facilities.
- About the Department of Architecture: Drexel offers an excellent and innovative program for students who wish to pursue a career in architecture. The Two + Four Option combines two years of full-time studies with a four year part-time program, allowing students to enter the work force early and gain a head start on their professional careers. The program leads to an accredited Bachelor of Architecture degree required by most states for licensure.
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- Tuition Registration
- Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years of age who have completed their junior year by July 2009 are welcome to apply. Enthusiasm and seriousness about work are the only prerequisites.
- Tuition: The tuition of $2,700.00 covers everything, including:
- Supervised accommodations in residence halls
- Three meals a day
- Classes, seminars, and architectural office visits
- Supplies and materials
- Field Trips
- Use of computer resources, library, and athletic facilities
- Recreational field trips and social events
- Cultural events and planned leisure activities
- The opportunity to interact with professional architects and architecture faculty
- The opportunity to meet other high school students interested in architecture
- Application, Registration, Payment: You may apply by submitting an application along with a copy of your official high school transcript, a 150-word statement describing your interest in the program, and a $200 deposit. Your deposit check will be returned if you are not offered a place in the program. Upon acceptance, your deposit is nonrefundable. Enrollment is limited to 34 students. Drexel University is an equal opportunity institution. For additional information, please call 215.895.2409 or contact Drexel Department of Architecture.