TeenLife 2024 Guide to Summer Programs

By CONNOR NORRIS
Boston Architectual College
Summer Programs
Why did you choose to participate in this
program?
I found a profound fascination with Architecture as
a prospective career path. Selecting The Boston
Architectural College's Pre-College Summer
Academy program was a thoughtful decision for me,
primarily driven by my acknowledgment of my limited
experience in the field of architecture.
How did you decide which program was right
for you?
The Summer Academy program presented itself as
an ideal platform to immerse myself in the world of
architecture without the extensive commitments of
a full-fledged academic program. It provided a condensed
yet comprehensive introduction to the key
concepts, methodologies, and practical aspects of
architecture. This structure allowed me to test the
waters, so to speak, enabling me to gauge my interest
and aptitude for the discipline before making a
more substantial commitment.
What was a typical day in your program?
A typical day in the program was a dynamic mix of
instruction, application, collaboration, and feedback.
The mornings often commenced with engaging
sessions where seasoned instructors would adeptly
demonstrate various design techniques. These demonstrations
spanned a spectrum of tools, encompassing
both software-based applications and traditional
drawing and modeling methods. This comprehensive
approach ensured that participants gained proficiency
in a diverse set of skills, reflecting the multi-faceted
nature of contemporary architectural practice.
Following these insightful demonstrations, the program
encouraged active participation and practical application.
Students, armed with newfound knowledge, were given
the opportunity to implement the demonstrated design
techniques. Whether it was navigating sophisticated
design software or wielding traditional drafting tools,
each participant had the chance to experiment and
apply the principles they had just learned.
What was the most memorable moment of your
program?
The hands-on projects, such as constructing a brick archway
and designing stick bridges, were a standout feature
of The Boston Architectural College's Pre-College Summer
Academy program. These physical modeling exercises
brought architectural concepts to life, offering a tangible
understanding of structural principles and the collaborative
nature of architecture. Crafting a brick archway allowed me
to grasp the complexities of design and weight distribution,
while designing stick bridges integrated engineering principles
into creative problem-solving. Beyond technical skills,
these projects fostered creativity, resilience, and a collaborative
spirit among participants, enhancing the overall
learning experience.
What advice do you have for teens looking
at programs?
Embrace the advice to "have as much fun as you can" at
Summer Academy—make the most of your experience by
relishing your challenges as opportunities for problemsolving,
and nurturing a curiosity that drives deeper exploration.
I encourage students to identify specific interests
within design and architecture that resonate with your
passion and strengths. Determining what interests and motivates
you during your time at Summer Academy will serve
as a compass for your educational journey.
2024 TEENLIFE GUIDE TO SUMMER PROGRAMS | 43