Architecture: STYLE & DESIGN
One-Week Summer Architecture Program
Interested in the art and history behind architecture? Want to explore the design element of architecture? In this program, students will develop their own designs and create a portfolio that captures exemplars of architectural structures, styles, and building elements. They will create their portfolios both in the classroom and from sketches and photographs collected during outings in beautiful downtown Boston.
Boston is widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world–for a good reason. It is filled with diverse architectural masterpieces and a fascinating mix of 18th century federal-style and contemporary buildings. As an early US city now vibrant with modernity, Boston epitomizes the harmony of the new and the old. Students will take to the streets of Boston to admire, study, and discuss the city’s various architectural styles.
This new addition to our popular roster of architecture programs focuses on architectural style and design, urban planning, and structural projects such as bridges. It will prepare students for lucrative careers as industrial architects, commercial architects, urban planners, and more.
In Boston, the varied Federalist, Colonial, Romanesque, Greek Revival, International, and Brutalist architectural styles collide in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and art. Students will find that many of Boston’s architectural wonders are an easy walk from our coveted Back Bay location. They will delve into defining characteristics of Boston’s different architectural periods before taking walks to explore them head-on. They will master specific stylistic features and learn the extensive vocabulary of architecture: cantilevers, lintels, parapets, plinths, and spandrels will soon be well within the domain of the students’ knowledge.
Boston-area universities are famous worldwide not only for the quality of their education, but also for the world-class architecture found on their campuses. In our unit on university campus architecture and construction, students may walk to MIT to view their iconic Great Dome or venture a bit further to view Harvard’s hallowed buildings, some of which number among the first university buildings constructed in the US. Students will then try their hand at designing their own university campus or university building.
The unit on bridges, tunnels, and green space highlights the Zakim Bridge–a masterpiece of a cable-stayed bridge now widely used as a symbol of Boston itself–the miles of tunnels from the Big Dig, and Boston’s many parks and gardens. Students, inspired by their findings, will design their own structures, which may include bridges, tunnels, pavilions, gazebos, landscapes, and more.
Students will then turn to history, exploring Boston’s breathtaking historical churches, cathedrals, and significant architectural landmarks. They will not just learn about the history, but they will also design their own buildings based on historical styles.
The final unit will focus on the construction of skyscrapers and office buildings. Joining Boston’s Prudential Tower and the old John Hancock Tower are a dozen newcomers in the past fifteen years that have significantly transformed Boston’s skyline. There is no better place to study than in view of some of the most beautiful and cutting-edge buildings in Boston. Students will design office buildings, from exterior designs to interior layouts. Their designs will broaden to include city planning and study and design of urban neighborhoods.
Past Instructor: Michelle Segura
Michelle holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. She cross-registered classes at MIT while getting her Master’s degree in Design Engineering from Harvard University. Michelle has real-world experience being an architect and is looking forward to helping the new generation get started in their possible career in architecture!
Student Comments
‘I liked that the program was very independent for creativity. I liked how we could create on our own and were given the freedom to do what helps us work best. I like that our teacher helped us and taught us before letting us create on our own.’
‘I liked how much creative freedom we all had and how we got to go around the city and explore buildings.’
‘I liked how the program taught a variety of techniques in the class. There was hands-on work, drawing, exercises, and building. The teacher also gave a good amount of time to finish projects.’
‘The program was incredibly fun and hands-on, getting to explore techniques and practice exciting models ranging from small to large buildings. The teacher was helpful and gave us a lot of creative freedom.’
Note: This page represents our best expectations for the program. Activities and instructors are subject to change. In such cases, similar activities and a comparably qualified instructor will be sought.
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