Architecture Summer School 2024

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR FULLY FUNDED PLACES ON OUR ARCHITECTURE SUMMER SCHOOL

19 – 23 August 2024

The following information is for Summer School applicants. Our call for tutors can be found here. If you are interested in sponsoring student places on the Summer School, please click here for more information.

[Download as a PDF here]

We are now accepting applications for our annual Architecture Summer School. The school, which was set up by the Drawing Matter Trust in 2017, offers fully-funded places for students from all backgrounds to get a taste of architecture, both as an academic subject and as a future career. Explore previous Summer Schools here.

This year the school has a new venue and format, taking place across five days at Drawing Room in Bermondsey, London SE1. 

Applications are welcomed from anyone over the age of 15 who is curious about studying architecture—or perhaps never had the opportunity to explore the subject. 

During the five-day course students will take part in activities such as collective and individual drawing and making exercises, learning how to see and observe the city like an architect, and learning how to develop design skills together with formulating critical social thinking. The school includes a workshop exploring Drawing Matter’s Collection of architectural drawings, dating from the sixteenth century to the present day; and a visit to the Zaha Hadid Foundation.

All tuition is led by Andrew Clancy, Professor of Architecture at Kingston University, supported by a team of young architects and tutors. 

The course has been designed to bridge the gap between school and university, and to present an opportunity to some others who may have pursued other degrees or professional careers—it is a platform to explore what architectural education entails and to encourage more students from diverse backgrounds into architecture. At the end of the course, you will create a network of contacts with other participants, tutors, and architects.

The 2024 Architecture Summer School is based at Drawing Room, Bermondsey, London. Courtesy of Drawing Room.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

  • The Summer School is completely free of charge and runs daily from 10am to 6pm at Drawing Room, Bermondsey, from Monday 19 to Friday 23 August 2024. Students will need to attend for the full five days. 
  • Lunch and refreshments are included. 
  • Please note that this year the Summer School is not residential; students will need to arrange their own accommodation.
  • All materials are included.
  • Parents and family are invited to join us on the afternoon of Friday 23 August, the Summer School Exhibition.

HOW TO APPLY

The deadline for applications has been extended to Monday 29 July 2024 and offers of places will be made by Sunday 4 August 2024. We receive a considerable number of applications each year and recommend that applications are made as early as possible. 

Applications can be made directly by students or on their behalf by teachers who nominate them. 

Applications should include the following:

  • A brief (200 words maximum) statement from you listing the things you are most curious about in the design of buildings or landscapes. This is not a trick question; the most honest answers are the best. Every page of the document needs to include your full name. The file should be a single word or pdf format, with the file name ‘DM SUMMER SCHOOL_STUDENT APPLICATION_PERSONAL STATEMENT_SURNAME_FIRST NAME’ 
  • A maximum of six A4 size sheets demonstrating your work. This can be sketches, drawings, models, paintings, etc. These can be originals or reproductions as you see fit. It should be noted, however, that these entries cannot be returned. Every page of the document needs to include your full name. The file should be a single pdf format, with the file name ‘DM SUMMER SCHOOL_STUDENT APPLICATION_PORTFOLIO_SURNAME_FIRST NAME’ Maximum file size is 2MB. 
  • A completed copy of the Cover Sheet for Entries. [Download here]. 

There will likely be considerable competition for the forty-five places available, so this supporting material will be a key part of the selection process. 

Applications should be submitted to sakiko@drawingmatter.org with the subject:
DM SUMMER SCHOOL_STUDENTAPPLICATION_SURNAME_FIRST NAME’ (emails without this exact subject will be missed). 

If you have trouble applying online, send your personal statement, six A4 size sheets, and coversheet [Download here] by post to: Prof Andrew Clancy, Kingston School of Art, Park Campus, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2QJ. 

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.