Architecture Program for High School Students

June and July of 2023 were transformative months for me. As a rising high school senior, I was given the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in the world of architectural design at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture at the University of Houston.

The Foundations of Architecture

The program, curated for ambitious high school students, delved deep into the foundations of architecture. More than just buildings and structures, we delved into the heart of what makes design meaningful and influential. The curriculum wasn't just a glance at the subject; it was an intensive, demanding crash course that mirrored the challenges and rewards of a collegiate experience.

Team Dynamics and Design Development

One of the many highlights of the program was the collaborative spirit embedded within. Architecture, at its core, isn't just about individual vision, but about the harmonious blend of different perspectives to create a cohesive design. The team projects allowed us to experience this firsthand. Working on ideation, design development, and final presentations with my peers was both enlightening and challenging, pushing all of us out of our comfort zones to achieve a shared vision.

The Marriage of Art and Science

What stood out in this program was its seamless blend of artistic creativity with scientific principles. Architecture is, after all, an art of balance - the balance between form and function, aesthetics and ergonomics. This duality was a central theme in our project-based learning approach, which constantly pushed us to think beyond just the visual appeal of our designs.

Mastering the Digital Tools of Design and Learning from the Best

The future of architectural design is deeply intertwined with technology. The program introduced us to critical architectural design software, such as AutoCAD and Rhino. Mastering these tools not only enhanced our technical skill set but also broadened the horizons of what we could imagine and create.

A defining feature of my time at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture was the vibrant studio culture. Being in close proximity to peers and faculty meant that learning was a continuous process. Feedback was instant, discussions were deep, and the iterative process of design became a way of life.

Field Visits: Observing Design in Action

Our trysts with learning were not confined to the four walls of the studio. Field visits to local architectural marvels gave us invaluable insights into the impact of design in real, urban settings.

Observing and understanding the nuances of these structures in their full glory was an education in itself.

Walking away from the program, I was armed with more than just knowledge. I had a newfound respect for the field of architecture, a bolstered skill set, and the validation of consistent positive feedback on my creativity, problem-solving abilities, and technical skills.