Architecture Camp & Digital Creativity: Inspiring for youth and student leaders

Avery Jordan, Ka Lee Jian and Rachel Kim, three TMU Architectural Science students, played pivotal roles in overseeing the immersive Architecture Camp and Digital Creativity Camp this summer, as part of TMU’s Discovery Camp program for children. As mentors, Avery, Ka Lee and Rachel guided campers through creative architectural projects, such as laser-cut houses and CNC-routed chairs, while rekindling their own passion for architecture. The experience was deeply rewarding, as they engaged with a diverse group of children from various backgrounds, making a meaningful impact on the community. 

The following reflections of the camp leaders describe how the camp was not only an opportunity to teach but also a reminder of what spurred them to study architecture in the first place.

Inspiration from others is an essential aspect of creative design, especially in the initial stages of a project. In our studio, we often investigate precedents which allow us to visualize what has already been done and what is possible. Throughout this camp, I constantly witnessed campers taking inspiration from others. They were motivated to produce their best work and explore their creativity to the fullest when they saw the work of their peers. The inclusive and positive environment of camp allowed children with all levels of design experience to learn from one another, and share interests and tips that influenced the projects and passion for design that they took home from camp.

The programming for this camp is very unique. We are lucky to have access to complex software and technology that make many of our activities possible i.e. the CNC-routed chairs and laser-cut houses. This technology is what allows our camp program to be geared specifically toward stem-based activities. The children were able to learn about digital fabrication tools that they had never seen or heard of before. As a child, I was a very visual learner, I liked to create in a hands-on way, similar to many of our campers. I know that I would have enjoyed an environment like that of our camp where I could  learn about the processes of designing and how projects are implemented in real life. I am grateful that I was able to help provide this opportunity to others.

Talking with the kids about their interests and their future reminded me about how similar I was at their age. Those excited to learn more about studying architecture had interests in drawing, building in Minecraft, playing with legos, and being curious about everything. We bonded over similar interests, which got them comfortable to ask me questions about how I got into the field of studying architecture.

The activities, such as the CNC chair and the cardboard bridge, allowed me to give examples on why these are part of the architecture camp. The kids would ask why we had to plan and draw things out, I would tell them examples of when I had to do the very same for my studio projects at TMU. The kids would tend to ask more questions within the field of architecture and I would get reminded why I decided to study architecture.

Working at the summer camp was a rewarding experience, especially when I saw the work the campers created from the activities we planned out. It was fulfilling to see their progress to the final product of their work, applying the skills we teach throughout the week. Their experience was not only about encouraging them to approach these projects creatively, but it was also about equipping the campers with real, technical skills that are used in architecture. They learned techniques such as sketching, using trace paper, drawing elevations, and model-making, which are some of the many skills of architectural practice. Introducing them to these different techniques not only demystifies the field of architecture but also sparks their curiosity and encourages further exploration. 

It also wasn’t just a learning experience for the campers, but it also allowed us to have an opportunity for designing the interactive wall. It gave us an opportunity to work on a hands-on project, gaining experience working with software and workshop tools like Grasshopper and the CNC machine.