From The Ground Up
THE GERALD D. HINES COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON and WONDERWORKS present the 28TH ANNUAL SUMMER DISCOVERY PROGRAM IN ARCHITECTURE, a multi-faceted introduction to architecture with hands-on studio, field trips, and portfolio workshop.
17 June - 19 July 2024 | 9AM - 4PM, M-F | University of Houston
Architecture is an art for all to learn, because all are concerned with it.
John Ruskin Edinburgh Lectures, 1853
Architecture combines practical considerations of function and sustainability with a poetics of form and meaning. Although architecture may take years to master, those who study it in college have usually harbored an intense curiosity since at least their early teens. Daily slide-illustrated lectures on architectural history from the ancient to modern and an introductory studio, with accompanying field trips, will give you a broader, deeper understanding of the subject and also the opportunity to develop a portfolio for use in applying to schools of architecture should you eventually wish to do so.
From the Ground Up presupposes no prior knowledge of architecture, simply a visual awareness and willingness to learn. You’ll travel back in time to some of the most interesting buildings ever and also make the acquaintance of some of the most accomplished architects of all time as well as today. You’ll visit extraordinary buildings and places in Texas, while also developing an appreciation for the architecture of the everyday landscape. Best of all, whether you decide to pursue architecture in college or not, you’ll gain a lifelong appreciation of the built world around you.
The morning session typically begins with a lecture on some aspect of architectural practice, history or theory or a case study of a building, presented by architectural historians and architects. The rest of the day is devoted to the design of small buildings such as a food stand, studio house, pre-kindergarten learning center, café, bookstore, aviary, gallery and other buildings of similar scale. Students work through two such projects of several weeks duration using a variety of techniques – especially study models. No computer-aided drafting or modeling skills are expected or required. The program also includes one in-town field trip to buildings of special interest during regular program hours as well as three longer out-of-town trips (Dallas/Fort Worth/Waxahachie, San Antonio, Austin) which depart early in the morning and return late at night.
From The Ground Up is open to high school students of special promise and ability who will be entering grades 10, 11, or 12 next fall or who will have just graduated from high school this spring. Admission is competitive – Wonderworks requires at least a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average plus a high level of achievement in relevant core subjects and commensurate scores on relevant sections of the PSAT/SAT or ACT.
Tuition and fees (including supplies and field trips but not parking) are $1500. Scholarships are available in the form of full-tuition waivers, but only for students demonstrating true financial need. Admissions are determined on a need-blind basis. No student will be prevented from participating in the program because of inability to pay tuition.
The program is held at the University of Houston Central Campus, Monday – Friday, except 19 June and 4-5 July. From The Ground Up is meant to be enjoyable, but is also challenging and requires focused effort and commitment.
Please apply online starting 1 January. To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 1 June. Early applications are encouraged and will receive early decisions. Late applications will be considered only if space remains available.
If you have questions or need additional information, please e-mail info@wonderworkshouston.org or call 713.594.9561.