August 24, 2010

The Drexel’s Discovering Architecture and Discovering Interior Design summer programs, now in their 14th and 10th year respectively, inspire and introduce high school seniors to the fields of architecture and interior design.

While living on the Drexel campus for two weeks, participants experienced what it's like to study architecture and interior design in a college setting. 46 students took design studio classes, drawing, computer modeling, and attended lectures on architectural history and sustainable design. Courses were tought by the Drexel Architecture and Interior Design faculty, teaching assistants and distinguished guest speakers. The session culminated in a formal presentation of final design projects to faculty and invited professionals.

Outside of the studio, students took sketch trips to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Pearlman Gallery, the Water Works, Christ Church and Reading Terminal. Students also participated in construction site visits, field studies and tours to significant architectural sites including the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts. They discovered historic Philadelphia’s magnificent buildings, squares, parks and museums, as well as traditional houses and neighborhoods.  Additionally, they visited architecture and interior design firm Kling Stubbins and Friday architects, where they met architects and interior designers to see what they were working on, how they go about their daily routine and the environment of a design office.

There was also some fun integrated into these two weeks. Participants attended a show at the Walnut Street Theatre and spent a relaxing day on the beach in Wildwood.  The students also participated in a challenging Sunday afternoon Charrette where teams of students designed and built a life size portable shelter that could be carried around on their bodies and opened up for sleeping, eating and protection when needed. For more information about the programs please click here.