2027 Required Assignments
Applicants do not need prior formal training in architecture to apply to the Architecture and Environmental Design (AED) Program. Students currently enrolled in grades 8 through 12 are eligible to apply.
Applicants must submit a completed online application, provide the contact information for two teacher recommenders, and upload the following required assignments. If you don’t include the required assignments by the application deadline, your application will be incomplete and will not be reviewed.
Assignments
Assignments must be uploaded to submit the application. Save your assignments with your first initial and last name followed by the appropriate letter for each of the submissions. For example, John Smith would save his work as follows:
jsmith_A
jsmith_B
jsmith_C
jsmith_D
Assignments
A. Create a hand-drawn architectural case study of an existing building that interests you. Your drawing should be created on paper measuring 18 × 24 inches or larger and should include a carefully observed plan drawing and section drawing of the building. You may also include elevations, details, diagrams, annotations, or other drawings that help communicate your understanding of the building.
Before beginning your drawing, conduct some research about the building, its architect or designer, its location, its materials, and the ideas behind its design. Your submission should demonstrate your ability to observe, research, and communicate architectural ideas through drawing. You may use pencil, pen, colored pencil, marker, watercolor, or other traditional drawing materials.
Upload one image of your entire drawing (required) and up to two additional detail images (optional).
B. Write a one-paragraph description of your case study and upload it as a separate document. Your statement should identify the building you selected and explain why you chose it. Describe the building’s main ideas, organization, materials, relationship to its environment, and any other aspects that you found interesting or important. You may also explain what you learned through your research and drawing process.
C. Submit a portfolio of your own creative work (optional). If you already have a portfolio, upload it as a single document or file. If you do not have a portfolio, photograph and upload up to three examples of your best drawings, sculptures, or other creative media. These examples should represent your interests, abilities, and creative process. You are not expected to create a new portfolio specifically for this application if you don’t have one already.
D. Submit a one- to two-minute video introducing yourself and discussing your interest in architecture, environmental design, or related creative fields. In the video, explain why you would like to participate in the CSSSA Architecture + Environmental Design Program and what you hope to learn or explore during the program. You may also briefly discuss the building you selected for Assignment A and what interested you about it.
For Returning Students:
E. Returning Students only: If you have attended CSSSA before (not including Bridge), in addition to the assignments above, submit a brief statement of your specific learning objectives and reasons for wanting to return this summer.
For All Applicants:
Your case study, drawings, portfolio, written statement, and video should be original and reflect your own experience, research, observation, imagination, and creative process. Your work should be reflective of you and your approach to understanding the built environment.