Architectural Design Program

Architectural Design (MS II, III, IV)

Led by a registered architect certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards who is an Associate/Project Architect with Michael Graves & Associates, the Cambridge School's Architecture Program is intended to introduce young students to the fascinating and all encompassing world of architecture. The primary purpose of the program is to stimulate and develop students’ intellectual curiosity through real world application of architectural practices. This pioneer program aims to accomplish three interconnected agendas: Architectural Design, Architecture’s Application to Society & Leadership Interaction.

The design component focuses on introducing young students to all of the significant aspects of the architectural design process. The goal is to help the students “see” through the lens of an architect; first through learning from the strategies utilized by historically significant architects and their works, and then by incorporating design concepts into both individual and group assignments and projects. Students will utilize abstract design methodologies while practicing hand drawing and sketching techniques, model building, montage and collage processes, as well as digital photography methods and applications.

The Architecture Program will aid in building upon and developing the framework of knowledge learned in major subjects including math, science, social studies (history), fine arts, and computer technologies. Students will learn to apply what is typically thought of as isolated concepts through architecture. Simply stated, the objective is to bring the course topics to “life”. Mathematics and geometry truly become genuine and functional, no longer a discrete set of numbers and equations on paper; History takes actual physical form, and scientific principals become connected and integrated with everyday activities.

The Leadership Interaction component aims at building and reinforcing confidence in young students with regards to scholastic learning and social interaction. Skills and attributes of a “leader” will be defined. Students will further develop their communication and speaking skills by creating opportunities for student presentation and cooperative group interaction. Students will practice communicating ideas and concepts through group design projects along with individual design critiques and presentations.