Carnegie Mellon Summer: Pre-College Architecture

Pre-College Architecture: An intensive program that engages inquisitive high school students in the creative energy and speculative culture of the study of architecture.

In these changing times, the Architecture program responds to challenges regarding practice, communication, and our relationship with the built environment by utilizing a diverse set of tools and techniques, guided by the leadership of the School of Architecture Faculty.  

Pre-College Architecture introduces design practice, creative problem solving, and critical thinking to young designers through a matrix of programming, celebrating curiosity and providing a strong foundation for architectural education. Students will navigate complex design problems, encouraging growth through the development of skills, which will prepare them for future undergraduate studies. 

Curriculum Overview:

The Pre-College Architecture Program is an intensive summer experience for students with a keen interest in architecture.  

Over the course of six weeks, students will experience the interdisciplinary field of architecture through the lens of Carnegie Mellon’s School of Architecture (SOA) as well as contemporary practices. Students will experience the dynamic of architectural education within the studio, supported by integrated coursework in analog drawing, digital media, seminars, and workshops. This approach will allow for broader exploration of design issues related to the environment, technology as well as the future of our cities.  

During the last two weeks of the program, specialized workshops on design portfolio development will be conducted as an introduction to techniques for layout design and content composition. Portfolio reviews with faculty and members of the SoA admissions committee will give students an opportunity to curate their work for college submissions.