Architecture for 15 – 17 Year Olds

Pay the full fee

Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week

This summer course explores creative thinking and advanced technologies that are used by architects and architecture students today.

Course Description

The course will introduce you to contemporary approaches to design, with ingenious projects that will develop your awareness of how designers are shaping the modern world we live in.

During this course you will:

• investigate current building projects in the UK and around the world
• learn about the various stages of idea generation and design development that professionals must go through
• go on excursions to see local projects in progress, as well as talks from guest speakers about their work
• gain experience of new technologies such as scanning whole buildings and using virtual, augmented reality software, and learn how these tools are being used by design and heritage professionals.

In addition to talks and demonstrations you’ll be set projects that you’ll work on in groups, presenting your ideas in 2D as well as simple 3D models - to give you a taste of what it’s like to work in industry.

There’ll be short, quick projects to test your creativity, and a longer, more involved project to present (in teams or individually) on the final day that responds to a place in the city.

This main project will allow you to present using your preferred method, whether through drawing, model making, words, photographs, collage or other.

There’ll also be a session on what makes a good portfolio, should you be thinking of further architecture studies.

What will you gain?

This will be an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the built environment and create new work for your portfolio.

Level: Open to all

Entry requirement: You should have an enthusiasm for architecture and an interest in developing your creative and technical skills.

Where you'll learn: You will be based in the School of Architecture, Design and Built Environment on the City Campus.

You will find open-plan studios and well-equipped workshop spaces to develop your ideas and create exciting work.

You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.

Here's what our previous attendees said:

'This course has helped solidify my decision to attend an architecture degree program. I particularly enjoyed the model making aspect of the course and discovering different techniques. I want to say a big thank you to the course tutor Annie'.

'I enjoyed the content that the course consisted of and it has strengthened my desire to do architecture as a degree' TA

'I loved the model making, as well as learning about the different aspects of architecture' RO

'I really enjoyed the course, it was very fun and helpful, thank you'

'Overall it was a really good course taught by experienced professioanls and helped me gain a good insight into architecture'

'I really enjoyed this course, thank you'

'This course has allowed me to gain a better understanding of what an architecture degree includes'

Tutor Profile: Annie Duquemin has worked in the construction industry as an architect and builder since graduating from Nottingham University.

She ran her own medium sized architectural practice, Allan Joyce Architects, and in house building company in the city for 20 years, before taking on teaching posts at both Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University; this gave Annie a fantastic opportunity to “give back” to the profession and use their skills and experience from practice to shape the new generations of architects.

Her work in practice focussed largely on community architecture; Annie worked with groups of people of all religions and backgrounds, to create joyful, safe, life enriching spaces which all members of a local community can enjoy and feel proud to be part of.

Annie is an enthusiast about design and how good buildings can enrich all our lives. 

Need accommodation?

If you're aged 16 or 17 then you can stay unaccompanied with agreement from a parent/guardian.

To support safeguarding, all guests aged 16 and 17 will be accommodated together in the same halls of residence.

The reception and security team are available 24 hours, and there will be a dedicated supervisor(s) during the evenings and mornings, outside of class times.

Guests will be provided with a mobile number for the supervisor(s) during their stay.

If you're aged 15 then you can stay as long as you are accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Find out more at www.ntu.ac.uk/summeraccommodation

Doing your Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award?

This course can count as your Gold DofE Residential.

DofE participants must book both the course and accommodation on campus for this to count towards your Gold Award.

Looking to turn your one-week course into a two-week experience?

If you can match this with any second course, you’ll receive a 10% refund on your course fees.

You might be interested in:

Interior Design Portfolio for 15 – 17 Year Olds

Any questions?

Contact the short course team:

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813