Editor's note: Each workshop is hosted at a different architectural office. Please check for the specific location on the website.
Our youth workshops encourage students to tackle social, environmental, and engineering challenges. With an extended emphasis on more conceptual issues and demanding architectural concepts, these workshops are perfect for older students. Hosted at Seattle-area architectural offices, SAF staff and volunteer architects support participants as they plan, build, and present solutions to imaginative and thought-provoking design challenges.
(Youth ages 10-16, no chaperone necessary)
Please note: All workshops will require masks for all youth, adults, and staff (no matter vaccination status) for the entirety of the event. All those who are eligible for vaccination are required to be vaccinated to attend and provide vaccination proof. Limited capacity from years past.
We offer need-based scholarships for all SAF Youth Programs. For details about scholarships, email Program Director, Marina Szende at Marina@seattlearchitecture.org
- Forest Forts · 01.15.2022 (Hosted at Integrus Architecture): The evergreen forests of Washington State inspire adventure and wonder but they are also in danger. How do we create spaces that emphasize the beauty of the forest while also providing shelter and safety sustainably? In this workshop, we will look at the architectural opportunities of sustainable buildings in the forest. Will you build a treehouse? Will you bring a tent? Can you find a cave or build a lean-to? Bring your love for the outdoors, imagination, creativity, trail mix and prepare to have your own adventure in your very own Forest Fort.
- Bridges: Structure as Art · 02.19.2022 (Hosted at VIA Architecture): Girders, trusses, cable stays, oh my! In this workshop, we will explore the basics of different spanning structural types. Students will gain an understanding of how different span structures work, how they can be used, and ways to play with structure to make expressive designs. They will use these lessons to design and build their own bridge model.
- Forces of Nature · 03.19.2022 (Hosted at Bassetti Architects): Nature Centers help educate people about our environment by surrounding themselves in the landscape and providing interactive displays. As our environment continues to evolve and drastically change, how do we continue to set aside protected land that can educate? Try your hand at exploring a part of nature that people should learn about and what that center looks like!
- Wearable Architecture · 04.16.2022 (Hosted at SRG Partnership): Architecture can extend to sculptural fashion. Join SAF in designing wearable designs blending the boundaries between clothing and architecture. Play with various shapes, sizes, themes, and 3D dimensional forms to create something unique.
- Modular Mashup · 05.21.2022 (Hosted at Center for Architecture and Design): Students will learn about the design and construction of modular buildings, and together will get to work on a modular project of their own. Each student will design and build a model of their own studio apartment. The size and shape of the apartment will be the same for everyone, but how they layout the interior spaces, detail the exterior walls, add windows, balconies, doors, and canopies will be up to each student. At the end of the workshop, we’ll combine each model into one big modularly built apartment building showcasing everyone’s individual models!
