Portfolio Preparation for Architecture for 16 to 18 Year Olds Short Course
Course description
Course overview
If you've always been curious about architecture and are considering applying to study it, this beginner course is the perfect place to start. You'll gain insight into the practical and conceptual skills architects need, while exploring whether this creative and technical field is right for you.
While you may not complete a full portfolio in just one week, this course will equip you with the tools and understanding to begin building one. You'll receive clear guidance on what makes strong portfolio work, and plenty of hands-on practice to help you take those first steps with confidence.
This course is available on campus or online.
Who this course is for
- Students aged 16 to 18 with a passion for architecture, including beginners
- Students who would like to try something new, fun and learn in an inspiring environment
Key information
Topics covered
- Development of an architectural project suitable for inclusion in a portfolio for architecture or foundation course applications
- Introduction to spatial exploration through sketching, architectural drawing, and modelmaking
- Review and discussion of successful architecture portfolios, with guidance on key 'dos' and 'don'ts' for applications
Learning outcomes
- Kick-start your architecture portfolio
- Develop an understanding of the practical and conceptual elements of architecture
- Learn how to explore space through drawing and modelmaking
- Gain valuable insights and tips on making a good portfolio
- Receive a digital badge and certificate of attendance
- Develop an open-minded approach to art and design
- Experience art school teaching
For practical information about our kids and teens courses, take a look at our kids and teens information hub. This includes details of our policies on safeguarding, food allergies, learning requirements and online study.
Materials
On campus
Optional materials you may want to bring:
- Second hand magazines to cut up for collage
- Different types of cards and paper of various weights for model making (e.g. old cereal boxes, shoe boxes, grease-proof paper etc. -- they don't need to be white)
If possible, please bring a camera or camera phone to record the process of making the work, and the outcomes.
Everything else needed to complete the course is provided, but please feel free to bring any current sketchbooks or materials you enjoy using.
Online
Please see our Guide to taking online short courses.
Tutor
Sarah Harkins
Sarah has over 20 years working in industry, developing professional and creative skills that she utilizes in the educational arena.
Having graduated from The Royal College of Art in 1996 with an MA in Interior Design and Architecture, Sarah has worked for both large and small practices, across the retail, leisure and office sectors.
Sarah taught at Regent’s University London, School of Fashion and Design on the Interior Design BA from summer 2012 and on the integrated Foundation Course since 2015.
Since 2019, Sarah has taught on the 3DDA Architectural Spatial Design specialism at CSM Foundation Course, CLASP and Creative Practice programs in 2019/20 and 2020/21 and on the FAD Plus course in Summer 2021.
As an educator, Sarah focuses on the theoretical approach and building students’ understanding of materiality, making and embedding narrative exploration in architecture and spatial concepts. She combines this with working as a practitioner and running her own company, Another Designer, ensuring she is aware of current trends and innovations within design and architecture.
Charlotte Grace
Dr Charlotte Grace teaches on the MA City Design and MA Architecture programmes at the Royal College of Art. Having studied in Oxford, Rotterdam, Ahmedebad and Venice, she has worked for Muf Architecture/Art, Cooking Sections, Novara Media. She recently completed a PhD on the spatial dimensions of the Rojava revolution.
Book a course
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