Architecture Summer School 2026 – Student Applications

25 – 28 August 2026

Student applications are now open for the 2026 Drawing Matter Summer School. To apply please click here.

We are looking for people over the age of 16 (born before 25.08.2010) who are curious about the built environment and enthusiastic about the opportunity to develop their spatial thinking and drawing skills. Anyone that is considering studying architecture, whether as a first degree or as a career pivot is encouraged to apply. We do not accept applications from students already enrolled in architectural study at a University level.

Founded in 2017, our free Summer School aims to provide participants from all backgrounds with a taste of architecture, both as an academic subject and as a future career. Explore previous Summer Schools here.

Our thinking-led programme aims to nurture excitement and curiosity, providing a space for open conversations about architecture, space, and the built environment.

Over the course of four days students will engage in collective and individual drawing and making exercises, learning how to see the city and formulate critical social thinking. Tuition will be led by a team of young architecture tutors, experienced educators, and invited guests.

Here’s what some of last years students had to say about their experience:

• “I learnt that you don’t have to draw the most perfect drawings that look amazing and aesthetic, a simple illustration can just be just as effective. It’s all about the process and the thought behind it.”

• “What I enjoyed the most was finding out a new way of seeing space and the environment around me. Also meeting people with like minds, yet discovering everyone is unique in their own way.”

• “I joined the summer school because I was still figuring out whether I liked architecture or not. For me, it didn’t feel like the students were heavily into architecture, like super super obsessed about it, which gave me relief about whether or not I wanted to do architecture in a way.”

• “It was inspiring and motivating. I haven’t often worked with a group so focused on architecture, so it was a really special experience.”

• “I enjoyed all the tasks, the collaborative process, the unexpectedness in some cases and the whole experience as a whole.”

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PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• The Summer School runs daily from 10am to 4pm at the Zaha Hadid Foundation, Clerkenwell, from Tuesday 26^th August to Friday 28^th August 2026. Students are expected to attend for all sessions over the four days. 
• The Summer School is free of charge. Lunch, refreshments, and drawing materials are included. 
• The Summer School is not residential. If students do not live in London they will need to arrange their own accommodation.

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HOW TO APPLY

To apply for a student place on this year’s Summer School please click here.

As part of the application process we request you to upload one document that includes a short personal statement (max. 300 words) and a up to five A4 pages that represent your creative work. The work can be of any medium and does not have to be architectural in content, we just want to understand how you see the world.

The deadline for student applications is Sunday 14^th June 2026 at 11.59pm (London time). We will inform all applicants of the outcome of their application by Friday 3^rd July 2026.

If you have any questions about the application process, or specific access or learning provisions please get in touch at summerschool@drawingmatter.org.

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The Drawing Matter Trust supports architectural education through workshops, seminars, publications, and short courses.

The Architecture Summer School would not be possible without the support of our partners, the Zaha Hadid Foundation, Hauser & Wirth, Kingston University and of many architecture practices in the UK and abroad.

If you would like to Sponsor the Summer school please click here.