Architecture Summer School 2025 – Student Applications

The following information is for Summer School student applicants. We are also accepting applications for tutors; for more information, click here.

“There is no right or wrong way to this course just as long as you’re passionate.”
Architecture Summer School Student 2024

We are now accepting student 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 will be based at the Zaha Hadid Foundation in Clerkenwell, London. Tuition will be led by the teams at Drawing Matter and the Zaha Hadid Foundation, alongside a team of young architecture tutors.

During the four-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. By the end of the course, you will have created a network of contacts with other participants, tutors, and architects.

Applications are welcomed from anyone over the age of 16 who is curious about studying architecture—or perhaps never had the opportunity to explore the subject. We are looking for intelligent and communicative young people with a keen interest in the visual environment, an inquisitive attitude, and a positive approach to learning.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• The Summer School is completely free of charge and runs daily from 10am to 6pm at the Zaha Hadid Foundation, Clerkenwell, from Wednesday 27 August to Saturday 30 August 2025. Students are expected to attend for all sessions over the four days.
• Parents and family are invited to join us on the afternoon of Saturday 30 August, for the Summer School Exhibition.
• Lunch, refreshments, and drawing materials are included.
• Please note that this year the Summer School is not residential; students will need to arrange their own accommodation.
• We have a small support fund and hope to be able to cover student travel costs. Please email info@drawingmatter.org for more information.
• If you have any questions about specific access or learning provisions, please get in touch at info@drawingmatter.org.

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HOW TO APPLY

The deadline for student applications is Sunday 6 July 2025 at 11.59pm (GMT). Due to high demand, we encourage early applications.

Applications should be submitted to info@drawingmatter.org with the subject:
“Drawing Matter Summer School – Student Application” (emails without this subject line will be missed). They can be made directly by students or by teachers on their behalf.

Please include the following in your application:

1. Personal Statement (max. 200 words written; or a 1-minute video submitted as a compressed .mp4):
   • This should answer the question: What are the things you are most curious about in the design of buildings or landscapes?
   • It is not a trick question! the most honest answers are the best.
2. Mini-portfolio (Up to six A4 pages) to demonstrate your work. These can be sketches, drawings, models, paintings, etc.
   • These can be originals or reproductions. It should be noted, however, that (if submitted physically) these entries cannot be returned.
   • Every page of the document needs to include your full name.
3. A completed copy of the Cover Sheet for Entries. [Download here].

There will likely be considerable competition for places, as we have had to limit the cohort size for this year’s summer school. This supporting material will therefore form a key part of the selection process. We cannot provide feedback on any application material.

If you have trouble applying online, send your statement, six A4 size sheets, and cover sheet [Download here] by post to: Drawing Matter Summer School, 8 Smart’s Place, London, WC2B 5LW.

If you have any questions about the summer school or the application process, please send an email to: info@drawingmatter.org.

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 many architecture practices in the UK and abroad.