tom1030

Anyone been to one of these programs?
I plan on attending one in Boston next summer, as I am interested in switching to architecture. I'm currently an Industrial Engineer, so I have no previous experience with design, but I am really interested in getting involved. My friends have told me that this program is partly designed for people with no previous experience in the field and want a 'taste' of an architect's life.

For any of you out there that has already tried this, how was it? Did you find it helpful at all? Did it help make your decision in wanting to become an architect? And how hard is it to get into the program?

Thanks.

so_ein_quatsch

I participated in Harvard's CDisco (architecture)a few years ago, and it was a fantastic experience; this program actually made me switch my undergrad. major from pre-vet to architectural studies.

I wouldn't say that the program provided people a taste of an architect's life, but rather a taste of what an M.Arch program will be like (which is a rather integral part to becoming an licensed architect). But yes, it is designed for people from all walks of life. My particular studio had several post-grads, but also an English professor, a HR manager, and a chemist. Of the 10-odd studio-mates, 8 of them went on to arch. graduate school (most to the GSD)

What I found most useful is that the program is really designed to force you to develop the mindset of an architect - to think of design critically, to go through multiple iterations of a module, to take criticism constructively. In the 6 weeks, 3 projects are presented (and hopefully you'll have some fantastic drawings). This program is a great springboard into the field of architecture, as I've landed paid internships with just the drawings done at CDisco in my portfolio.

To my knowledge, it isn't that hard to get into the program, though they don't exactly publish admiss. stats.

red-elephant

Do any undergrads participate? Do you need to submit a portfolio?
Will it give an edge when applying to M.Arch programs?

momrath

My son attended the career discovery at Columbia in the summer between his junior and senior years in undergraduate school. He felt that the program helped affirm his interest in getting an M.Arch, which he is now in fact doing.

Aside from the advantage of being in Manhattan he didn't particularly like the Columbia program. He felt it was disorganized and the instructors weren't all that into it.

On the plus side, the class offered several architectural "field trips" in New York and visited the offices of Daniel Libeskind.

A summer program also provides an opportunity to build the architecture elements of your portfolio -- something that my son probably didn't take enough advantage of. This is especially helpful if you aren't coming from an architecture background.

I don't have insider's information here, but my guess is that these programs are not especially selective. Columbia didn't require a portfolio.

I would doubt that attending the program helps in admissions to a specific school, but it does help demonstrate interest and as I mentioned in building your portfolio.

soozievt

My daughter did Career Discovery at HGD the summer after her freshman year in college. She was one of the youngest participants. People came from all stages of their education and careers and from various fields. She loved the program and it is a taste of an MArch degree program. There are three studio projects that are completed. It did help solidify her interest in pursuing an MArch and also she had many things from that summer that landed in her portfolio for grad school admissions and for various summer architecture internships. It was quite worthwhile and I am sure she'd recommend it. Many who attended, including my daughter, did go onto MArch programs.

red-elephant

Are there any programs that are similar to and less expensive than the Harvard program?
I'm a college freshman, so the high school ones won't work

Thanks!

red-elephant

bump
10char

Psi

UTexas-Austin School of Architecture has a 5 week summer program for anyone from high school students to undergrads to working professionals thinking about a career change. Tuition last year was $1200 plus about $400 in supplies, plus an extra $1100 if you want to live in the dorm w. a meal plan.