High School Program Exploration of Architecture
Exploration of Architecture is an immersive 4-week program that engages high school students with architecture thinking and the design process. This program will challenge you to connect more deeply with the built world by providing opportunities to experience and create meaningful places through dynamic learning methods. You will imagine and draw, as well as discover, examine, and analyze architecturally impactful places and buildings. You will gain insights into the profession through talks, conversations, and interviews with leading architects. The goal of the program is to stimulate you to pursue further education as architects, designers, and scholars who are leaders in your community and beyond.
This dynamic program is conducted on campus and taught in-person by USC Architecture faculty members. It offers 3-units of college course credit.
RELATED RESOURCES: USC Summer Programs: Exploration of Architecture
Highlights
o Conversations with leading architects
o Visits to architecturally and culturally significant places in Los Angeles
o Close interaction with USC School of Architecture faculty members, practicing architects, and current USC students
o Specific guidance to create a compelling portfolio advantageous to the college admissions process
o Instruction to develop valuable drawing and modeling skills, both analog and digital
o 3-units of college credit, applicable to USC and other universities nationwide
Topic of Study
Core architectural skills:
o Heightened three-dimensional spatial awareness and understanding
o Fundamentals of design and composition
o Improved vocabulary of basic ordering principles
o Fundamental sketching, drawing, modeling, software, and photography skills
o Broadened understanding of design methods and tools
PROGRAM DATES
JUNE 16 – JULY 13, 2024
Four-Week Credit Program
PROGRAM APPLICATION DEADLINES
Domestic Student Application
Friday, May 3, 2024, 4:00 PM PT
International Student Application
Friday, March 29, 2024, 4:00PM PT
Additional
Information
- EDUCATIONAL INTENT
The USC Exploration of Architecture program provides high school students from across the country and the world with an intensive and in-depth introduction to the world of architecture and the experience of an architectural education. The goal of the program is to help students make an educated decision regarding their own career direction while at the same time providing them with a wide exposure to architects and designers.
The Exploration of Architecture summer high school program has been conducted at the USC School of Architecture since 1982. This highly successful and popular program has grown and developed into one of the most comprehensive and rewarding programs of its kind in the country. We are excited to continue to offer this essential summer program in Summer 2024!
- CAREER CHOICE
The summer student leaves the Exploration of Architecture Program with an understanding of what it is like to be a college-level student. Students learn about the architectural profession and gain an appreciation for what life as an architecture student in college is like.
The program is targeted toward high school students who are on the verge of making decisions regarding colleges, careers and life-goals. The program is designed to help that student with their decision, and to show by experience and discussion the joys and hardships of the profession. Students receive counseling on many levels from students currently enrolled in the USC School of Architecture and the faculty members. The students will also be advised on how to create a compelling portfolio of creative work for admission to college-level design programs. Students must have completed ninth grade by the first day of the program.
- PROGRAM GROWTH
The Exploration of Architecture program has grown in the last 40 years, from a two-week program with 20 students to an internationally oriented program spanning four weeks and accommodating more than 100 students.
- FOUR WEEKS OF STUDY
The Exploration of Architecture program endeavors to show students what it is like to be an architecture student, becoming more in-depth and detailed as the program progresses. Each week of the program focuses on different issues, and requires ever-increasing levels of commitment and expertise. Upon successful completion of the four-week program, students will earn an official USC transcript and three (3) elective credits. This credit can be counted as elective credit towards a USC bachelor’s degree or transferred to most other four-year colleges.
Four-Week
Credit Program
JUNE 16 – JULY 13, 2024
The four weeks of study provide an in-depth, 2D and 3D exposure to specific architectural design issues through the intense exploration of several projects. Students will learn to Identify and implement spatial and formal organizational strategies, and incorporate human dimensions through continued model making and drawing. Architectural concepts of order, proportion, and context will be investigated for their impact on a building’s form and function. Problems of site, place, and space, as well as social implications of architecture, will be analyzed and discussed.
Eligibility: High school students who have completed at least the ninth grade by June 17, 2024. Applicants are required to attend all class meetings beginning Monday, June 17, 2024. Late arrivals/attendance cannot be accommodated.
Below is the cost of attendance for the 2024 USC Summer Program.
COURSE MATERIALS: A kit of architectural materials will be provided to each student. These costs are not included in the program tuition.
DAILY SCHEDULE, MONDAY-FRIDAY
9:00AM – 12:00PM Class in session
12:00PM - 1:30PM Lunch
1:30PM - 4:00PM Class in session