The Explorations in Architecture and Design program at the University of Miami is a pre-college course designed for students who intend to pursue an education and career in architecture and design.  Gifted students frequently dismiss their interest in the design disciplines, because they lack exposure to the professional context of designers or confidence in their media skills.  This program builds familiarity with design processes and the role of architects and designers in society.  Students enrolled in Explorations receive three (3) college credits.

By using the School of Architecture curriculum as a model, specially designed courses, including Design, Graphics and Theory, will concentrate on one particular theme.  Interrelated aspects of architecture including design, landscape architecture, historic preservation and urban planning, will assist the student in combining learned information with actual experience. 

In the studio, students will explore and gain working familiarity with the techniques and concerns of designers by drawing, model making, and proposing designs for several projects. Resources made available through the School of Architecture include drafting supplies and equipment, computer aided design programming and photographic equipment.  Studio courses will encourage intuitive action and rapid visual analysis.  At the close of the program, a school wide exhibition will display the students’ work.

The intensive three-week course couples "laboratory" experiences in the design studio with lectures by distinguished faculty and guest professionals.  These "laboratory" experiences will be elaborated on through excursions to the significant landmarks of architectural and urban design; the Miami area serves as a backdrop unique in comparison to any other urban setting in the United States.

Special guests who are experts in their particular area will guide these “urban classroom” tours. For example, an Art Deco historian will guide the students through the Miami Beach Art Deco District, a landscape architecture scholar will explain the Renaissance gardens of Vizcaya, and architects will conduct tours of their recent award-winning houses and high-rise buildings.

Student performance will be evaluated in a manner common to the design curriculum and professional practice.  In the studio/laboratory context, students will have ongoing feedback on an individual basis from the Instructors and Director as their work proceeds.  At the close of each short project, every student’s design solutions will be discussed in a presentation format with the group as a whole.  A final review, in which faculty will react informally to the student’s progress, will accompany the exhibition of student’s works at the close of the program.

Curriculum & Grading Policies:
The design course exposes students to a design methodology. Three weeks of intensive studio illustrate different ways of conceptualizing and approaching a design problem. The first week consists of an abstract problem that is translated into a three-dimensional project. The second week delves into computer-aided drafting; students design projects using the computer as a drafting tool.  Week three involves the creation of a structure on a specific local site such as an information pavilion on Lincoln Road in Miami Beach. The group visits the site and makes preliminary sketches that will be used throughout the week as part of the final project. The resulting drawings and models are presented during a final jury. The graphics course teaches students how to communicate ideas graphically through a variety of projects.

Theory, or architectural history, teaches students about architectural concepts on a variety of architectural styles extant. Class topics include Domestic Architecture, Urban Development and Spiritual Architecture.  In addition to completing assigned readings, students are expected to work on research projects that are structured to instruct students on research and critical thinking skills.

Students will receive one letter grade for the three-credit course. This grade will be averaged from the grades received in each course.  Quality of work, effort and participation will determine the final grade in each course. These credits may be applied toward an undergraduate degree at the University of Miami or generally at other colleges.  Acceptance of credit is solely at the discretion of each institution.  Admission to Explorations does not guarantee admission to the University of Miami as a degree-seeking candidate.

Faculty & Staff:
Instructors for this program include nationally recognized architects from the University of Miami School of Architecture faculty and from the Miami design community.  Each studio is taught by a faculty member and a teaching assistant to ensure personal attention in all courses. Teaching assistants and counselors are graduate and undergraduate students currently enrolled at the School of Architecture.
 
Housing & Meals:
Student participants reside in residential colleges at the University of Miami for three weeks.  All meals are served in the cafeteria. Cookouts, eat-in restaurants or delivered pizzas may be substituted for cafeteria meals on weekends.

Cost & Scholarships:
The total cost of the program is $4,980. This price includes tuition for 3 (three) credits plus room and board for 3 (three) weeks. Tuition costs include books, drafting tools, materials, field trips, and other class-related expenses.

An extremely limited amount of scholarships may be available for qualified students who require financial assistance. If you would like to be considered for a scholarship, please include a letter stating your interest with your application.

Eligilibilty:
The program is open to high school students entering 10th, 11th or 12th grades who are interested in a career in architecture and design. Candidates must have an outstanding record with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (B) and an SAT score of 1000, or the PSAT equivalent.

Deadline:
Enrollment is limited to twenty four students. Applications must be received no later than March 1. Intent to enroll in the program must be confirmed with a deposit by May 16th.

Download an application form for the 2008 EXPLORATIONS program (pdf)