Intro to Architecture

Introduction to Architecture is a summer program giving university credit with the purpose of familiarizing students of all skill levels with different aspects of design, history and theory and practice of architecture. This preprofessional program is for those who are interested in architecture and may be considering it as a career, and for those students who have prior educational experience in design and may wish to complete an additional studio to prepare for application to graduate school.

For some, the five-week intensive course may function as an introduction to design, for others as an introduction to the field, a new method of working, to Columbia University or New York. The program is structured to accommodate all students, from those without experience who have an interest in architecture and may be considering it as a career, to those students with significant prior experience or education who wish to develop additional studio design skills, perhaps in preparation for graduate school.

Students attend optional classes five days a week for five weeks. In the mornings, interested students are invited to participate in discussion groups; office tours, site visits and workshops organized and lead by teaching assistants. In addition, students may choose to attend the weekly afternoon or evening lectures sponsored by the school. In the afternoon or evening, students are required to attend the 3-credit design studio - an educational method unique to architecture - where they are given an intensive training in the skills and critical thinking involved in architectural design.

Students work in small groups directly with one studio instructor and one teaching assistant (a graduate student from the GSAPP) to develop their individual designs. Students then represent their work in periodic reviews and juries, a discussion forum that provides an opportunity for students to receive comments and criticism from invited architects, design professionals and professors. Together, the studio, workshops, and lectures present an introduction to many aspects of architecture as it is practiced today.

Orientation will take place on Monday, July 1st, 2019 in Avery Hall.

Orientation will include a lecture, an introduction to faculty and staff, as well as a presentation by TA’s of work done at Columbia. The orientation will conclude with a walking tour of campus to familiarize students with the school’s facilities and the Morningside Heights neighborhood.

After registration, students will be able to obtain a Columbia University student identification card. The Columbia University ID card will grant students access to the gym, libraries, various campus services and 24-hour access to Avery Hall where the studio is located.

Housing is available through Columbia University Resident Halls. Students interested in campus housing should complete the online application form on the Columbia University Summer Housing website. Housing applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all bed space is filled. When inquiring about housing availability, please be sure to state that you are applying for the second summer session.

Please note that students must be admitted to the program before applying for housing, so applying early is recommended.

For more detailed information regarding housing and the housing application process, please visit: www.columbia.edu/cu/reshalls

The cost of studying in New York City is chiefly affected by the individual student’s budget. The cost of living in New York City, in general, is higher than that of other major American Cities.

In the Columbia University Morningside Heights neighborhood there are ample banks including Chase Manhattan, Washington Mutual, Banco Popular and Citibank. Students may opt to open a new bank account or use the ATM facilities to link their banks. Most of the restaurants and businesses in the neighborhood do not accept personal checks.

Students will be advised as to where to eat, shop, etc. during orientation. There are many good (and cheap!) restaurants in the Columbia University neighborhood as well as on campus.