Free architecture workshops for high school students in the Chicagoland area.

On select Saturdays during fall and winter, the Chicago Architecture Foundation offers skill-building workshops for high school students. Professional architects and designers teach each course. Advance registration is required.

COST Lunch, snacks and all workshop materials included in the registration cost
Free for students in the Chicago Public Schools
$10 per workshop for students in private and suburban schools

October 13
Architectural Photography
CAF in Lecture Hall | 224 S. Michigan Avenue | 10am–2:30pm
A photographer from Hedrich Blessing, the most prestigious architectural photography firm in Chicago, will lead this workshop. The class will start with some basic studio fundamentals including; light sources and composition. Students will then head outside in teams, headed by an architect, to shoot real buildings. A critique of student work will follow lunch. Digital cameras will be available for student use.

October 27
Free-Hand Sketching
CAF in Lecture Hall | 224 S. Michigan Avenue | 10am–2:30pm
Schools of architecture and design are constantly stressing the need for students to be able to free-hand sketch. In this workshop, we will discuss the importance of looking for solutions with a pen and paper. We will cover topics such as shade, shadow, lighting, contour drawing, symmetry, etc. Learn how to express your design ideas with pen and paper.

November 3
Model-Making
IIT Crown Hall | 3360 S. State Street | 10am–2:30pm
At tables set inside Crown Hall, a National Historic Landmark, architects will instruct students in the basics of model-making. Using a variety of media, students will learn how to express design ideas in three dimensions. You will also have a chance to see the award-winning new buildings on campus by Rem Koolhaas and Helmut Jahn.

November 10
Intro to Planning and the City
University of Illinois - Chicago | 845 W. Harrison | 10am–2:30pm
We will use the city of Chicago to explore basic concepts in urban planning. Learn the basic tools for understanding the ever-evolving city and documenting change. The workshop will include both hands-on activities and a walking exploration. Admissions officials from UIC will lead a discussion about college admissions.

November 17
Landscape Architecture
IIT Crown Hall | 3360 S. State Street | 10am–2:30pm
NEW THIS FALL: Learn how nature, architecture and science come together in the design of landscapes. Students will get an introduction to careers in landscape architecture and learn techniques that professionals use to design the world outside of our buildings.

December 8
Architectural Drawing
CAF in Lecture Hall | 224 S. Michigan Avenue | 10am–2:30pm
This workshop will explore techniques for technically executing your design ideas. To turn design ideas into reality, designers need to communicate their vision to the people who will make it. Learn the basics of how to technically draw your design so that others could understand and build it.

December 15
Portfolio Design
CAF in Lecture Hall | 224 S. Michigan Avenue | 10am–2:30pm
Many colleges of art, architecture and design are now asking for student portfolios as part of the application process. This workshop will cover the basics of page set-up, information display and selecting a theme. Basic introduction to editing software such as Pagemaker and Photoshop. Learn from design professionals how to communicate your architectural ideas.

January 12
Revit Architecture
Harold Washington College | 30 E. Lake St | 10am–2:30pm
This course will introduce students to Revit Architecture, a building information modeling system. By using Revit, you can build your designs as an entire 3D model, rather than working in the two dimensions of AutoCAD.