ArchForKids & SEO Scholars NYC, July/August 2024
During the fifth week of the summer academy, ArchForKids partnered with SEO Scholars NYC for the second consecutive year to deliver a unique, immersive experience in architecture to rising 10th graders. The program was a resounding success last year, which led to an invitation to return with an expanded class size—doubling the number of participants. As part of SEO’s “Career Exploration Week,” this one-week program aimed to provide scholars with a hands-on introduction to architecture, helping them explore whether a future in this field could be the right path for them.
Initial Impressions: What Does Architecture Mean?
The program began with a simple yet profound question: “What does architecture mean to you?” The scholars’ responses were wide-ranging, capturing the essence of what architecture represents both as an art form and a technical discipline. Words like “beauty,” “creativity,” “structure,” “history,” and “applied mathematics” filled the board, showcasing the multifaceted nature of architecture and setting the stage for a week of deep exploration. For some, architecture evoked images of video games like “Minecraft” and “The Sims,” while others connected it to concepts like “elegance” and “expressing yourself.” This exercise not only introduced the topic but also helped students see how their existing interests could align with the world of architecture.
Program Overview: Learning by Doing
The curriculum for the week was designed to balance theory with practice, ensuring that students were not only introduced to key architectural concepts but also given the opportunity to apply them in a real-world context. The first day included educator-led presentations on topics such as the design process, architectural styles, and the role of proportion and scale. These lessons were complemented by hands-on activities that allowed scholars to engage directly with the material.
For example, on Day 1, students were challenged to understand and apply the concept of scale in architectural drawings—a task that many found difficult but ultimately rewarding. Using a 1-foot = 1/4 inch scale, the scholars learned how to convert real-world measurements into a manageable, scaled-down version for their models. This foundational skill set the stage for the rest of the week, enabling students to focus on the creative aspects of their designs while ensuring accuracy and proportion.
Following the first day the program was focused on the main design project with the classroom transformed into a studio inspired by College Architecture programs. Scholars were invited to move desks and tables around to find a comfortable working space, to get up and move between groups when they hit a block in their creativity or needed new insight while working on their designs.
The Main Project: Designing a Residential Structure
The heart of the week-long program was the main project: designing a residential structure to meet a specific client brief. Scholars were divided into groups, each of which selected one of four client briefs that offered diverse challenges:
- Brief 1: Design a peaceful, free-standing house for a professional couple in their 40s, located in Astoria, Queens.
- Brief 2: Create a unique, artistic townhouse for an artist that will stand out from the rest of the block in Harlem.
- Brief 3: Design an expansive, luxurious beachfront vacation house for a large extended family on Long Island’s North Shore.
- Brief 4: Design a suburban house for a family of four that will make their daily lives easier in Staten Island.
The majority of groups chose to work on Brief 3, though every brief was represented in the final projects. The scholars approached the task with enthusiasm and creativity, carefully considering every detail, from the placement of windows to the inclusion of special features like elevators, outdoor spaces, and even the direction the house would face. Their designs reflected a deep understanding of the client’s needs, as well as a thoughtful approach to blending the house into its surrounding environment or making it stand out, depending on the brief.
Guest Speakers: Insight from Industry Professionals
One of the highlights of the week was a Q&A panel featuring professionals from the field of architecture. Jeremiah F. Reilly, a practicing designer, joined a panel that included speakers from the ArchForKids team which included an interior designer, a current architecture student, and a recent graduate in architecture and urbanism. This session offered students a chance to ask questions about the industry, college programs, the various specializations within architecture, and what it takes to succeed in the field.
Jeremiah Reilly’s involvement went beyond the Q&A, as he stayed on to work with the scholars during their studio time, offering personalized feedback and helping them refine their floor plans. This hands-on interaction with a professional added a layer of authenticity to the experience, showing students what it’s like to work in the field and the types of considerations professionals take into account when working to translate a client’s brief into a feasible design.
The ArchForKids Team
This program was brought to life by a dedicated and talented team of educators who ensured that every student received a comprehensive and engaging experience. Leading the charge was Janny Gedeon, President of ArchForKids, who not only helped design and oversee the curriculum but also led insightful discussions and lectures on Day 1, providing students with a strong foundation in architecture. She also provided critical support to scholars throughout the design process from challenging them on their initial sketches and floor plans to helping advise on best ways to create their 3D model and more! Zoe McWhirter, ArchForKids’ Communications Director, played a pivotal role in curriculum design and the creation of enrichment materials. She also liaised with the SEO team and provided hands-on support to students across both classes, ensuring that the program ran smoothly. Jillene Lopez served as the primary educator for Class 1, guiding her students through each stage of the design process, with valuable assistance from David Kim, another skilled ArchForKids educator. Stephan Antonov and Aryanna Williams, both seasoned educators who worked on the SEO program in Summer 2023 as well, were at the helm of Class 2, providing consistent mentorship and support throughout the five-day program. Together, this dedicated team created a dynamic learning environment that empowered students to complete the design process with confidence and creativity.
Reflections and Challenges: Learning Through Experience
Throughout the week, scholars were encouraged to reflect on their experiences, both the challenges and the rewards. On Day 4, they wrote down their biggest frustrations and favorite parts of the process on sticky notes. Common frustrations included “measuring and calculating scale,” “not having enough time to be as detailed in the model,” and “determining if the model’s scale/proportion makes sense in real life.” These challenges were balanced by their favorite parts, such as “cutting out the walls,” “model making,” “seeing designs come to life,” and “working in a group.”
This exercise highlighted the dual nature of the design process: it is both difficult and deeply satisfying. The scholars were not only learning about architecture but also about perseverance, collaboration, and the importance of iterative work—valuable lessons that extend far beyond this one-week program.
Culminating Event: Presenting and Defending Their Designs
The week concluded with a final presentation where scholars showcased their models to their peers and guest professionals. This was not just an opportunity to display their hard work but also a chance to practice defending their design decisions—a key skill in the field of architecture. Four of the scholars worked as a group to present their experience to the entire SEO Scholars cohort of over 200 students, an experience that was both nerve-wracking, exhilarating and a great way for them to practice their public speaking skills.
Feedback from the scholars and the SEO team was overwhelmingly positive. Many students expressed how much they enjoyed the hands-on, project-based learning approach, which kept them engaged and excited throughout the week. The only common complaint was that they wished they had more time to work on their models—a testament to how invested they had become in their projects. As Janny Gedeon, the president of ArchForKids, often reminds students, “Design is never finished.” This phrase resonated with the scholars as they realized that, like in the professional world, deadlines are an integral part of the design process, pushing them to present their best work within the given time frame.
Impact and Future Implications
The impact of the program extended beyond just one week. The scholars left with a newfound appreciation for the field of architecture, and many are now seriously considering it as a potential career path. One student from last year’s program even reached out to ArchForKids recently to share how the experience had been pivotal in her decision to pursue architecture. This year, several students echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the program’s effectiveness in opening up new possibilities for their futures.
Given the success of this year’s program and the positive feedback received, there are strong indications that the partnership between ArchForKids and SEO Scholars will continue to grow. The doubled class size this year is a testament to the program’s value, and future iterations may see further expansion and refinement to meet the needs of even more students interested in exploring architecture and design.
A Transformative Experience in Project-Based Learning
The week-long architecture program with ArchForKids and SEO Scholars NYC was much more than just an introduction to architecture—it was a transformative experience in project-based learning. Through a combination of theory, hands-on activities, professional insights, and reflective practice, the scholars gained a deep understanding of what it means to be an architect. They learned not only the technical skills necessary to design and build but also the soft skills of collaboration, communication, and critical thinking.
As the scholars continue on their educational journeys, the lessons learned during this week will undoubtedly stay with them, whether they choose to pursue architecture or another field. The program exemplifies how high school curriculum enrichment can be both challenging and deeply rewarding, offering students a glimpse into the world of architecture while also equipping them with skills that will serve them well in any career they choose to pursue.
To check out more photos from the program, visit the Flickr Album.
Special Thanks to SEO Scholars NYC for inviting us to participate in the Summer Academy for the second year in a row. This partnership is always an enjoyable one for both our team and the scholars and we look forward to continuing in the future!