Course Overview
The Summer College Architecture course offers a unique experience that is based upon a fundamental, conceptual introduction to architecture. High school students in this summer STEM course are taught spatial definition, form, and spatial relationships, leading up to a final project that asks students to design a small pavilion in downtown Syracuse. To support these endeavors, Architecture faculty will teach physical model making, mechanical drafting, digital modeling in Rhino, digital illustration in Adobe Illustrator, and digital image editing in Adobe Photoshop.
This is one of Syracuse University’s most popular pre-college courses. High school students gain an understanding of the culture and practice of architecture through drawing and modeling exercises, design projects, lectures, virtual tours, and discussions on a variety of contemporary and historical topics. This program can help students decide whether to pursue a degree in architecture or a related field. If a student discovers that architecture is for them, they will have a head start!
The Summer College Architecture Program is taught by Syracuse University School of Architecture faculty and is structured to give students an opportunity to complete projects that can be included in an architecture program application portfolio.
Read about the Summer College Online 2020 Architecture course here.
All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University credit transcript.
Learning Objectives
- Develop fundamental skill sets of architectural design
- Learn a variety of drawing and physical modeling techniques
- Be introduced to practicing architects
- Explore digital design and representation software
- Develop projects for display in a portfolio
- Experience a rigorous college architecture course
Course Information
Course Prefix and Number: ARC 106
Format: Online
Eligibility: Students must be of rising junior or senior status or a 2025 high school graduate.
Credit: 3 credits
Grading: A-F
Cost: $3,165
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.
Program Information
Summer College – Online: Explore college life before stepping foot on campus! High school students can enroll in a college-level course, pursue their academic interests, and meet likeminded students in daily virtual events and activities.
“It allowed me to experience and take a deep dive into architecture in ways I did not know existed. It was exhilarating to discover the fundamentals of all architecture and how structures are broken down.”
— Henry F., Summer College – Online Architecture Student, 2020
Course Dates and Details
| Program | Course Dates | Synchronous Class Time (Eastern Time) | Credit/Noncredit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer College – Online | 3-Week Session II: Monday, July 21 – Thursday, Aug. 8, 2025 | MTWTh; Joint Session: 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. TA Sessions: 3 – 4:30 p.m. | 3 credits |
Course Requirements
Required Supplies and Technology
Supplies:
- More information on supply kits coming soon!
- Deadline for ordering: TBD
Technology:
- Laptop or desktop computer with a webcam and mouse
- Reliable internet access
- A space conducive to taking an online class (without distractions)
- A list of trial and free full versions of applicable software, including Rhino, V-Ray, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop will be shared and able to be downloaded prior to or at the beginning of the program.
If you have any questions about technology requirements, please email the Office of Pre-College Programs.
Typical Day
Tentative Schedule
Students must report to their virtual synchronous class via videoconferencing Monday through Thursday. Synchronous sessions will include drawing and model making demonstrations, lectures, digital design software tutorials, reading discussions, virtual office tours, virtual museum tour discussions, student presentations, and student design project evaluations with guest critics.
When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College virtual activities to meet and connect with other students across the world. Check out our Virtual Campus Experience page for more information!
Virtual End Event
The course will conclude with a virtual exhibition of student work and complementary conversation with invited critics.
Faculty Bios
Pablo Sequero Barrera
Pablo Sequero is an architect and designer, and one third of salazarxsequeroxmedina, an award-winning collaborative practice with ongoing projects in Peru, Spain and the US. Prior to joining Syracuse University, Sequero has been a Visiting Critic at Cornell AAP, and is currently a Visiting Scholar Instructor at Montana State University. He served as a guest critic at undergraduate and graduate reviews in various universities.
Sequero has been a collaborator at Rafael Moneo’s studio in Madrid, and most recently practiced with Barkow Leibinger in Berlin.
He holds a Master of Architecture degree from the ETSAM, Technical University of Madrid, 2015. His final thesis was awarded the third Asemas Prize nationally, 2017.
Laura Salazar
Laura Salazar-Altobelli (Lima, 1990) is a Peruvian-American architect, and one third of salazarxsequeroxmedina, an award-winning collaborative practice with ongoing projects in Peru, Spain and the US. Founded in 2020, their work has been recognized with awards in design competitions and has been exhibited internationally in venues such as the 2022 Oslo Architecture Triennale, or the streets of Sevilla, Spain.
Laura is currently a Visiting Scholar at Montana State University School of Architecture. She has taught at Syracuse University in the Spring and Fall of 2022. Previously, Laura worked as Project Architect at Barkow Leibinger in Berlin. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from Princeton University, 2017.