Imagine Architecture
Imagine Architecture is a career exploratory studio for grade 10-12 students who are interested in design, architecture, and urbanism and would like to gain experience in creative design thinking and making.
The fun and intensive workshops are taught by instructors from Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism. They introduce students to the creative culture of design studio, which is at the core of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) curriculum.
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Dates for 2025
On-Campus
LAB 101 On-Campus: July 7-11 — $730 + HST
LAB 102 On-Campus: July 14-18 — $730 + HST
LAB 103 On-Campus: July 21-25 — $730 + HST
Three labs (with discount) = $2,040 + HST
Online
LAB 101 Online: July 28-August 1 — $600 + HST
Scroll down for more details about the LABs, testimonials, and FAQs.
How will this help my application portfolio?
The program aims to give students the tools they need to represent their ideas and develop their creative skill set.
These skills will help them develop a portfolio for any design program in Canada.
Students attend sessions on choosing content for portfolios, illustrated with examples from successful applications.
Discussion includes what admission committees look for, how to approach the written requirements of a good portfolio, and effective organization of graphics.
Imagine Architecture is more than a preparatory course for admissions. It aims to give participants insight to a university experience — what it’s like to be a student in a school of architecture.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING DESIGN SOFTWARE
Access to specific design software, such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign, will be required to participate in Imagine Architecture.
Licenses for this software will need to be obtained by the participant. Rates range from 7-day free trials to $118/month.
Instructions on when and how to purchase these programs will be communicated to participants before the first class.
Available prices and discounts mentioned are subject to change by Adobe.
Cancellation Policy
A refund (minus a $45 service charge) will be issued for cancellations up to 14 days before the start of the LAB for which you are registered. Unfortunately, there is no refund for cancellations made less than 14 days before the start of the LAB for which you are registered.
Imagine Architecture FAQ
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Imagine Architecture is a career exploratory studio for grade 10-12 students who are interested in design, architecture, and urbanism and would like to gain experience in creative design thinking and making.
The fun and intensive workshops are taught by instructors from Carleton University’s Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism. They introduce students to the creative culture of design studio, which is at the core of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) curriculum.
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Students who have completed grade 10 – 12. There is no application process. Receipt of your registration form and payment will guarantee your spot in the program.
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Each stand-alone LAB can be completed independently and requires no previous training. For those who want a more fulsome experience, LABs 101, 102, and 103 are designed as a sequence, that build successively on knowledge, confidence, and skills. You can register for any one or two of the LABs or you can register for all three to gain a thorough, fun design experience. There is a $150 discount for the three-lab option. See the LAB descriptions and decide based on interest and the dates that work best for you.
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The tuition fee for on-campus labs includes instruction, all materials, and a daily hot lunch. It does not include accommodation. The tuition fee for the online lab includes instruction.
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Registration and payment is done online. Click here to register.
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We accept registrations until all spots are taken. Space is limited. You are advised to register early to avoid disappointment.
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Registration and payment must be completed at the same time. Your spot is not reserved until we receive payment. If you enter your information but do not complete the payment process, you will have to redo the whole registration process again the next time you come back to pay.
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A refund (minus a $45 service charge) will be issued for cancellations up to 14 days before the start of the LAB for which you are registered. There is no refund for cancellations that take place less than 14 days before the start of the LAB for which you are registered.
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You will receive an auto-response with a copy of your registration and receipt. This is the the official confirmation of your registration and it guarantees your spot in the program.
Two weeks before the start of the program, you will receive a welcome package with all the logistical details.
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Imagine Architecture on-campus tuition includes a hot daily lunch and all materials, but it does not include accommodation. Out-of-town students arrange their own accommodation. A limited number of spots are available in the student residence on campus. Reservations will open in February 2025. Students under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult to stay in residence. Some families choose hotels or short-stay rentals. Other participants stay with relatives or friends in Ottawa. The following OC Transpo bus routes come to campus and stop near the Architecture Building: 7, 2, 111, and 10. Contact Maria Cook at mariacook3@cunet.carleton.ca for details about the on-campus residence option.
Do you know a high school student interested in architecture?
Testimonials from 2024 Participants
My experience with Imagine Architecture was very positive and I would highly recommend the program to other students, as it allowed me to further understand what an architecture career has to offer and the fundamentals of it. It was well-structured with how each day was laid out and the content was interesting. I also enjoyed getting a feel of the university. It was enjoyable to partake in different projects and meet new people. The instructors and people were very nice and helpful. Overall, it was a great experience and helped to gain a better grasp of what I want to pursue in the future.
Imagine Architecture made me view architecture as more than a degree. The exercises were helpful and I learned useful information about the application process and what daily life is like for an architecture student. This was a very informative course and the instructors did an outstanding job demonstrating the different aspects of architecture.
Knowing virtually nothing about architecture going into this week, I’m very thankful I took this camp. It introduced me to several key aspects of the field, and I realized architecture was absolutely nothing at all like I thought it would be. My preconceptions and assumptions were completely wrong and I’m glad we got to complete a wide variety of projects so I really got an idea of what students and professionals in this field work on from day to day.
The portfolio session was invaluable in getting a better idea of what kinds of works we should submit. The instructors gave some very thoughtful insights that I would never have thought of and I appreciated the opportunity to see examples. mething I wish to pursue.
These two weeks have been the best part of my summer. I appreciate all the information, guidance, questions answered and conversations we have had, it really showed to me that studio culture and architecture as a whole is something I wish to pursue. Thank you for giving me this amazing experience, for giving challenges, and pushing me to keep going and exploring. I really hope that in a year I’ll see you all on campus as I start my first year in university.
I enjoyed all three weeks I attended and would definitely recommend it to other students.
About the LABs
LAB 101
Emphasis on human scale, multi-media drawing techniques, architectural conventions, and some physical modeling
This week-long workshop will include thought-provoking lectures and hands-on design thinking and making activities. You will be immersed in a culture of creativity, inspired motivation, and related skills-building techniques, methods, and projects.
Each day will be dedicated to a specific theme that will culminate in a final exhibition of your projects. There will also be an opportunity to learn about Carleton University’s application process and a workshop on portfolio preparation.
| 2025 Dates | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| July 7-12 (On-Campus) | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | $730 + HST (On-Campus) |
| July 28-August 1 (Online) | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm | $600 + HST (Online) |
Pencil Drawing/Sketching
Architecture Photography
Architecture Drawing Sets
Materiality in Architecture
Model Making
Creative Writing
Observing One’s Environment
Curation (Exhibition)
LAB 102
Emphasis on emerging technology: 3D modeling and visualization techniques. Workshop on how to lay out a strong design portfolio.
LAB 102 offers a series of unique, engaging workshops that introduce essential, abstract, and creative skills, linked to new technologies used in contemporary practice. Like LAB 101, this workshop includes inspiring lectures and new ways of design thinking and making. In LAB 102, you will build models using Rhino 3D and visualize your work through the Adobe Creative Cloud. These skills connect to advanced fabrication and physical model-making, turning conceptual ideas into real objects.
| 2025 Date | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| July 14-18 (On-Campus) | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | $730 + HST (On-Campus) |
Form Finding
The Role of the Digital
Rendering
Digital Composition
3D Modeling
LAB 103
Emphasis on diagrams and abstract architectural thinking, urban space, and portfolio preparation workshops
LAB 103 is a week-long immersive multi-media workshop, introducing participants to techniques of drawing, small model-building, and architectural representation. A series of choreographed exercises focus on drawing by hand, three-dimensional thinking, and abstract visualization. Topics include concepts of line drawing, plan, and section, perspective, cut-and-fold, and composition.
Particularly appropriate for those who want to study architecture at university, LAB 103 places emphasis on abstract and conceptual thinking as well as understanding the kinds of graphic representations suitable for a portfolio.
| 2025 Date | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| July 21-25 (On-Campus) | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm | $730 + HST (On-Campus) |
Drawing Techniques
Abstract Spatial Thinking
Studio Culture
Mixed Media
Portfolio Graphics
How We Deliver Imagine Architecture Online
The online program provides participants with tools and support for portfolio-worthy graphic results, as well as an interactive design studio experience.
Instructors use accessible digital platforms to create a virtual studio space in which students can interact, share their work, and receive one-on-one instruction.
Students receive a list of supplies to purchase or scavenge throughout the house.
In 2025, we are offering LAB 101 online as an alternative to attending the program in person. We look forward to welcoming participants from across Canada and the world.
Imagine Architecture Academic Team
The 2025 Imagine Architecture Academic Team will be announced in the new year!
Jerry Hacker, Faculty Advisor
Assistant Professor Jerry Hacker teaches at the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism. He is a registered architect and founder of hACT, an ideas-based practice employing research through design to investigate, situate, and construct architecture as infrastructure. Previously, Jerry spent 13 years as a senior associate and design leader with the critically acclaimed firm MBAC. During his time with MBAC, the practice was recognized with over 30 national and international peer-reviewed awards for design excellence. His experience in weaving together design intention, building construction, and practice motivates his teaching philosophy in courses such as design studio, advanced-building systems, and structures.
Artistic, technical, and socially embedded within complex networks, architecture as a career is equal parts demanding and rewarding! Imagine Architecture strives to open doors into the creative problem-solving process and working methodologies of the design professional through a hands-on, intensive, and fun workshop-based learning environment. By challenging preconceptions and asking important questions about the built environment that surrounds us, the workshops will enrich your critical thinking skills and allow you to begin building a portfolio of spatially imaginative investigations — an essential part of the future application process to architecture schools worldwide!
How to Register
Registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. Registration will remain open until all spots are taken. If the registration link is still active, then there are still spots left in the program. Register early as space is limited.
Your spot is not guaranteed until payment has been received. Payment by Visa or MasterCard only.
For more information email Maria Cook (mariacook3@cunet.carleton.ca).
