The mission of Architecture Explorations is to provide an architectural foundation for children and youth which imparts a knowledge and appreciation of the built environment, encourages creative expression and critical thought, and inspires civic responsibility.
Saturday Program our flagship program.
Through hands-on projects and three-dimensional representation, our Saturday Sequence classes encourage abstract thinking and exploration of conceptual ideas. Each age group concentrates on a different area within the field of architecture, and utilizes age-appropriate techniques. All classes have an overarching focus on the architectural design process and creative problem solving skills. Through this program, students broaden their understanding of architectural design and the profession of architecture. As our classes are small, our teachers are able to adjust projects for students with all levels of exposure to architecture; no prior experience is required.
Academic Workshops for school groups.
Architecture Explorations brings Academic Workshops to your school and provides all materials and supplies. Academic Workshops can be scheduled any day of the week, depending on instructor availablity, for 10 to 20 students. Academic Workshops address educational standards while engaging students in architectural design projects. Select one of our existing offerings or have a custom workshop created to integrate with your lessons and units.
About 2012-13 Academic Workshops [PDF]
Summer Camps with the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Architecture Explorations partners with the Carnegie Museum of Art to offer Summer Arts and Architecture Camps. This partnership provides our students with an opportunity to learn from original works of art and architecture. The Carnegie Museum's Heinz Architectural Center becomes classroom space for architecture camps and displays works from the permanent collection to inspire student projects. To register, please contact the Carnegie Museum of Art.
After School Program with the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.
Architecture Explorations is pleased to partner with the Children's Museum to offer exciting, hands-on-art and science-based workshops for your after school program all year round. Each 1 to 1 1/2 hour class meets once a week for four to eight weeks and is geared to your students' age-level needs.
Architecture Building Communities
High school students gain first-hand design experience as they propose a project for a vacant property in a Pittsburgh neighborhood. Students will tour the property, learn about the history of the neighborhood, and document site conditions. Then students will develop possible uses for the property and propose an architectural design solution. Professionals from the building industy, including architects, landscape architects, drafters, and carpenters, will be available for feedback as students develop their projects. The program culminates with a presentation of proposals to the community.
Workshops for Groups and Troops
Architecture Explorations offers one-hour workshops to help boy and girl scouts of all ages work towards try-its, merit badges, activity badges, and special interest projects.