Image courtesy of SCI-Arc

Summer is here. As high school students search for programs that spark their interests, architecture institutions like SCI-Arc provide opportunities to bring the basics of architectural thinking to teens interested in architecture, technology, and design. 

"DID's curriculum is built to articulate projects within three different formats and scales, from analog models to digital renderings, presenting scenarios in which students are challenged to think analytically, use different tools, and imagine nontraditional approaches to design," shares SCI-Arc. "Through projects emphasizing visual studies, design lab, and portfolio building, students are introduced to a range of skills essential to exploring, discovering, describing, and producing design work."

To learn more about SCI-Arc's popular Design Immersion Days (DID) summer high school program, Archinect spoke with its Program Coordinator, Mira Henry. Now in her fifth year as coordinator, Henry discusses what excites her about each incoming class, advice for students apprehensive about participating, and what makes DID different from other summer architecture programs. 

"It has been a wild ride," shares Henry. "I taught the program one year before I began coordinating. During that experience, I was blown away by the spirit of exploration, curiosity, and generosity that courses through the program." For three weeks, junior and senior high school students participate in an immersive program led by Henry and her team of summer instructors. In 2020, SCI-Arc quickly adjusted to an online format enabling students from the greater Los Angeles area and around the globe to participate in the program.

"Something magical happens during those weeks of the program and I wanted to be able to participate in shaping the future of what that could be," adds Henry. "Part of the special alchemy that is DID is that it's a program that provides a full scholarship to at least 50% of the students every summer. This means that we get to work with a truly diverse crew of students. That is everything for me." 

This summer's DID program has been shaped to introduce students to architecture as "a lively, social, and collaborative experience that captures the collective spirit of DID." Henry provided Archinect with a behind-the-scenes look at what's to come for this year's summer program and how it's changed since its conception eleven years ago. 

The program is really seen as a conduit, or space of exchange. Through our design project and lecture series, we bring certain content and techniques to the table for the students, and in turn, the students bring their own interests and experiences. - Mira Henry

Every year brings a new group of teens, what excites you most every year? Do students continue to surprise you with their work and perspectives?

Yes, the students surprise me every year without a doubt. The program is really seen as a conduit, or space of exchange. Through our design project and lecture series, we bring certain content and techniques to the table for the students, and in turn, the students bring their own interests and experiences. The curriculum is designed to allow for a sort of cross-pollination between tools and techniques of design and contemporary life and experienced by the youth that joins the program. 

It isn’t just about teaching the rules of the game – it is about giving students exposure to tools and letting them invent in wild ways.

There are several high school summer programs for students to explore architecture. What continues to make DID such a strong program?

There are many things that make the program as robust and vital as it is. One is the faith we have in creativity. It isn’t just about teaching the rules of the game – it is about giving students exposure to tools and letting them invent in wild ways. Another aspect is that we are deeply committed to a non-competitive space for exploration and learning. Students come as they are and we encourage each of them to push themselves and have fun. And of courses, it is the team of amazing teachers and teacher assistants that pour an incredible amount of joy, humor, and love for design into the program every year. It is all about the collective!

DID is entering its eleventh year. During your time as Coordinator, how has the program evolved? Is there anything you hope to see with this year’s group?

The look and feel of the program change every year but the basic tenets of a non-competitive, inclusive space for creativity have remained the same since. It began with Darin Johnstone 11 years ago. Don’t try and fix something that isn’t broken! I would say my contribution has been to continue to deepen the program’s commitment to connecting with the City of LA by situating our immediate context as the jumping-off point for all the projects. Over the years this has meant, LA dollar store culture, the halls of SCI-Arc, and the LA River. 

Last year was the first time DID was held virtually due to the pandemic. However, the beauty of this was that it opened doors to students from all over to join and participate. With last years’ experience, what does the program have planned for this year?

Last year was such a crazy experiment. I cannot say enough about the incredible commitment of the administration and the teaching team had to pull it off with such success. We shipped out laptops and material kits all over the country. With 64 students, we had the biggest cohort we have ever had. We just bought more laptops this year and are hoping for 70 students this year. We are ready!

Another aspect is that we are deeply committed to a non-competitive space for exploration and learning. Students come as they are and we encourage each of them to push themselves and have fun.

Some students may get intimidated by a program like DID. What would you tell a prospective student who is curious about architecture but is on the fence about participating?

Participating in DID means working with a team of caring and knowledgeable educators. We take each project step by step and assume that students will need a great deal of support throughout the process. 

Truthfully, there is also a "messiness" in the learning process, and we welcome that. We truly hope that any student that is curious and earnestly wants to learn about design through a contemporary lens will join us. 

Can you share what this year’s DID them is?

We will continue with the theme “In the Clouds.” To that, we are focusing even more on physical model making and craft and are excited about the material packet we are sending out. Sh… don’t tell… but, there will be some sewing and crocheting for those students that want to take a stab at some textile design along with all the other urban concepts we explore. 

To learn more about this year's Design Immersion Days program click here. The program runs remotely from June 21st thru July 10th, 2021. 

To learn more about scholarship opportunities click here.