Image courtesy of NuVu Studio.

In July, about 10 students, ages 14 to 18, will gather at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to explore the possibilities of computer-controlled furniture. They will be researching, conceptualizing, innovating, designing and making things like self-sorting bookshelves and alarm clocks that force you out of bed. Titled “Robotic Living”, the two-week course is one of nine studio classes on offer this summer through NuVu, an innovation school geared towards middle and high school students.

Like NuVu, an increasing number of summer camps and programs are popping up across the United States that offer introductory and specialized insights into the field of architecture. For Michael Ford, who started the Hip Hop Architecture Camp to introduce underrepresented youth to architecture, urban planning and design, the aim of such ventures is to help provide that initial spark for young people to become architects and start work in their communities. But, architecture camps can also be a great way for kids to pick up general skills like creative problem-solving, teach them how to collaborate, and give them new ways of exploring their cities. 

Below, we have a list of summer camps from around the country that will keep young builders engaged during the summer months. For even more options, check out our architecture summer camp round up from last year!

Open Air Studios in Venice, CA:

Open Air Studio's summer Architecture Camp gives young architects the chance to create their own model home using a range of materials such as foam core, wood, and fabric. Available for kids ages 6 to 13, the art studio in Venice holds week-long sessions throughout the summer. 

Celsius and Beyond in San Francisco, CA:

Celsius and Beyond offers experiential science camps that teach kids how to think objectively, distinguish between facts and theories and question common beliefs. One of their classes on offer for Summer 2019, is "Forest to Frame", which will teach kids (grades 4 to 6) about  sustainability principles and building.

NuVu at MIT Design Studio in Cambridge, MA:

Open to students ages 14-18, NuVu: The Innovation School is partnering with MIT to offer two-week studios that bridge design, engineering, robotics, computation, art and science. Classes on offer this summer explore topics such as pre-disaster preparedness, the use of adaptive technologies and climate-controlled food production.

Summer 2019 Bioinfinity in Cambridge, MA:

Also put on by NuVu: The Innovation School, the Summer 2019 Bioinfinity program is catered towards middle school students. This year, students will explore the resilience of nature and many the ways we can live and learn from the natural world.

Building Story Through Design in Chicago, IL:

Building Story Through Design is a weeklong summer camp held at Frank Lloyd Wright's Oak Park Studio that explores ideas of narrative and storytelling through architecture, design, and photography. This particular design camp caters to students grades 3-5 and 6-8, but, the Frank Lloyd Wright Trust offers additional summer programing for High School students as well.

Hip Hop Architecture Camp in Washington DC and other locations:

Started by Michael Ford, the Hip Hop Architecture Camp uses hip hop culture as a catalyst to introduce underrepresented youth to architecture, urban planning and design. The one week intensive experience, hosted in cities across the US, will give students the chance to create physical and digital models, digital models alongside music and video tracks that summarize their designs.

DACkids Summer Camp in Washington DC:

Hosted by the AIA DC Chapter, DACkids encourages creative thinking through art and design skills. This summer, the 5-day summer camp will be focused on the design and design strategies of renowned architect, Frank Lloyd Wright.

By Design at Wonderworks in Houston, TX:

Every summer for five weeks in June and July, Wonderworks offers programs for talented, intellectually curious high school students. Their introductory architecture studio, held at the University of Houston's Architecture building, hosts lectures and field trips that give students a broader, deeper understanding of the subject and also the opportunity to develop a portfolio.

SFNOMA Architecture Summer Camp in San Francisco, CA:

SFNOMA's annual architecture camp for youth ages 12-14 is part of the NOMA Project Pipeline Initiative, which encourages underrepresented students' pursuit of architecture through hands-on experience and exposure to the field. For Summer 2019, middle school students will be introduces to the professions of architecture, planning and design through a fun and engaging curriculum.

Project Pipeline Architecture Summer Camp in Chicago, IL:

Also part of the NOMA Project Pipeline Initiative, this summer camp in Chicago empowers young people to affect change in their community through design. Students grades 6th through 8th will be guided through all stages of design using provoking and fun exercises. Students will investigate through drawing and model building, analyze through diagramming and engage through site visits.

Check out our architecture summer camp round up from last year, for more great options!