Design Discovery ||| Architecture Summer Camp

We really have to hand it to the Jarheads; these guys are a class act. Everyone had an excellent time, and I'm sure that it won't be soon forgotten. It was an absolute blast and I've got the pictures to prove it!

Day 7 ||| Thursday

Cardboard Lounge Table Device +

Film Series 3

To start the day off, the students are getting a crash course in perspective drawing. Groups have stationed themselves all over the building, and are in the process of sketching the various hallways and corridors.

After spending a couple of hours with that, they will move on to a Kit-of-Parts spatial study. Using a set of various shapes cut out of cardboard and chipboard, plus a few skewers, they will construct an abstract environment. These should have public and private spaces, though there is no strict requirement on what the finished construction should look like.

Today's pictures can be found here.

There was a review that took place last night of the Instant Environments that were constructed during the afternoon yesterday. Even though there were some storms, it was dry enough to get some amazing work out of the students. All of the structures are well made, and even during the building process they weathered any storms that passed. Final pictures of the Instant Environments can be found here.

Film Series 2

After a late night of designing their instant environments, the groups had a good idea of what they wanted to do. Of course, as things go, plans change, but having a clear vision of what you want to do is an integral part of this project. Unfortunately, it's raining right now, and if the skies don't let up before this afternoon, plans may have to change. There is a map and forecast for the area here. Note that the local radar is down for maintenance, but the regional radar works.

The construction hasn't begun yet, but updates will be provided later in the day, when there has been more accomplished.

This morning, the students participated in a drawing workshop with Bill Andrews. It had a slightly unusual take on sketching, including a few exercises where the students were drawing inside of a paper bag!

Pictures of the workshop, and of the construction can be found here.

Film Series 1

After having dinner and saying their goodbyes, the students were plunged headfirst into their first project: the Instant Environment. Provided only with bamboo, twine, and muslin cloth, the students will design and build a structure for their individual group. The sites are in various places around the building, and have unique characteristics that need to be accounted for.

With such restrictions as only being allowed to touch the ground in one place, this project should bring quite a bit of ingenuity and cunning out of all the students. The structures will need to survive for the duration of the camp, which may include a few storms if the forecast is correct, so it will require the utmost in precision and build quality.

The students have tonight to brainstorm, and plan out their design. The actual building process will occur tomorrow afternoon, over the course of 5 hours.

Tomorrow morning there will be a drawing workshop. This should help to introduce the basics of using sketches and plans to aid in the design process.

Pictures can be found here

Videos

Pre-Camp Information

Check-In Information
Posted: June 12, 2009

It's almost time! Just a few reminders about the check-in:

Time | 3-5 PM on Friday (June 12th)
Place | School of Architecture, Giles Hall (Map Link) -- It is on the top floor of the newer portion of the building; enter the green doors at the top of the brick stair up from the curved parking lot. (NOTE: This entrance to the building is on the opposite side of the football stadium.)
Dinner | @ 5:00 PM for students (and parents who have previously paid as per letter of acceptance).
Introductory Meeting | Will follow dinner @ +/- 5:30PM. Parents and guests are strongly encouraged to attend.

Hope to see you there!

About

Design Discovery (Architecture Summer Camp - Workshop)
Posted: July 03, 2009

Design Discovery Summer 2009 Workshop is scheduled for:

June 12 thru June 19

[Note: These dates are coordinated with Freshman Orientation dates as published by MSU]

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Design Discovery Workshop (and camp)
Cost: $595.00

Includes: room+board in dorms; supplies; films; lectures; hands-on instruction and workshops w/ senior architecture faculty and architecture students. Projects range from: small site installation/constructions to furniture to residential-scaled projects (using small models and drawings) while engaging in drawing/sketching/modeling exercises. No prior experience or knowledge is required.

Open to high school students 16 - 18 (older students are also welcome, call the office for additional information).

See previous workshop/camp website links for additional information and scope of curriculum:
http://www.caad.msstate.edu/about/87/236/Summer-Camps/

Related Files:

» DES_DISCO_09_Application_Brochure.pdf
» PARENTAL_CONSENT_FORMS_2009_1.pdf

Application + Information

Who should attend?
Posted: March 02, 2009

What is involved in the professions of Architecture and Interior Design? What do design students study while in college? How can a person best prepare for an education in these fields? Many people who think about architecture or interior design have these or similar questions that should be answered before they make a decision about their career. Although we are all affected daily by the built environment, design education and the professions of architecture and interior design are often not fully understood by prospective students.

The College of Architecture Art + Design (CAAD) at Mississippi State University is offering an eight-day summer workshop that is intended to answer many of the questions about architecture and interior design as a field of study and as a profession. The major goal of the workshop is to simulate the information, skill and the intensity required for a design education, while providing a clear insight into the practice. With this experience it will be possible for the participants to make an informed career decision about architecture and its related disciplines.

Admission into Design Discovery is open to high school age students (16 and above) and incoming college freshmen who are interested in the field of architecture and/or other related design fields. Older students are also encouraged to attend, but they must contact the College for specific instructions and arrangements before filling out the application. Neither school transcripts nor letters of recommendation are required. Prospective students, as well as those considering a career in architecture, have found Design Discovery helpful in confirming their choice of architecture as a profession and in making a smoother transition into the First-Year Design Studios. Also, the dedicated faculty members and high-caliber students who work as counselors and instructors during the week provide knowledge, experience, and friendships that will be valuable to entering freshmen in the college. The School of Architecture highly recommends that all those who have been accepted into First Year Design in the fall semester of 2009 consider participating in Design Discovery.

First come - first served (limited space): The Design Discovery brochure/application [in the related files below] must be physically mailed to the School of Architecture.

NOTE:  Please download and print the PDF file of the Application Brochure; see file below <<DES DISCO 09 Application Brochure.pdf>>

Please follow the instructions in the brochure and mail ASAP.

Related Files:

» DES_DISCO_09_Application_Brochure_1.pdf
» PARENTAL_CONSENT_FORMS_2009.pdf

Scholarships

Scholarships for students
Posted: March 10, 2009

The Mississippi State University College of Architecture Art and Design is now offering a limited number of scholarships for high school students to attend the 2009 session of Design Discovery.

Eligible students must be either:

- a high school student living in Leflore County, Mississippi
or
- a minority high school student (member of a class under-represented in higher education)

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of the architectural firm of Johnson-McAdams Firm, P.A., Greenwood, Mississippi. Each scholarship will pay for all costs (except for one meal) of the selected participant: which includes meals, lodging, and supplies. Eligible students should download the application file below and follow the instructions on the application. 

The application deadline is May 2, 2009.

Related Files:

» Scholarship_Application_09.pdf

Misc. Architecture References + Links

Misc. Architecture References + Links
Posted: June 12, 2009

Suggested Reading

We would like to recommend the following readings to help bring the world of architecture and design into your life.



Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design--Lee W. Waldrep

An Incomplete Manifesto for Growth (and Design)--Bruce Mau (PDF)

Sierra: Can Technology Save the Planet?--Reed McManus (PDF)

Student Organizations

American Institute of Architects


American Institute of Architecture Students

National Organization of Minority Architects (National Organization of Minority Architecture Students)

Tau Sigma Delta Honors Society

American Society of Interior Designers

Websites