The studio focuses on the studio teaching model of the MA programmes in the School of Architecture.

Participants will be led through a spatial design exercise. Workshops will focus on making or drawing as appropriate to the brief towards a visual output for portfolios.

You will:

• learn methods and techniques to develop a spatial project and produce a supporting narrative
• deepen conceptual and critical thinking skills
• acquire representation techniques in relation to a design proposal
• improve your verbal presentation skills
• develop and receive feedback on a portfolio.

Learning takes place in small groups.

You will:

• learn through individual and group tutorials, discussions, presentations and crits
• experience the RCA model of studio teaching and practice to develop design and presentation techniques while building a portfolio
• experience studio teaching supported by site visits, lectures and seminars
• work collaboratively with a diverse range of colleagues from varied backgrounds, honing teamwork and leadership skills
• engage with workshops in making or drawing skills, as appropriate to the brief
• work with leading design practitioners and educators to develop a critical, creative and insightful practice.

You will:

• develop a design proposal
• document and present the design proposal for portfolio
• improve your verbal presentation skills
• develop and receive feedback on a portfolio
• receive a certificate of achievement on completion.

The Summer School is open to anyone interested in preparing for Master’s-level studies in spatial design.

The course would benefit people with some experience of a design discipline (perhaps at undergraduate or recent graduate level).

The course will also be useful to participants joining programmes in the School of Architecture or those considering studying at the RCA in the future.

The course is also suitable for professional seeking to change their career path.

The course is delivered by staff from the School of Architecture across the MA Architecture, MA Interior Design and PhD programmes.

The course tutors for the 2023 programme include:

John Ng

The programme is convened by John Ng. John has taught ADS9 on the MA Architecture programme at the Royal College of Art since 2017. John practises architecture in London. He founded Elsewhere in 2011 with a focus on architectural competitions. Several of Elsewhere’s projects have been awarded honourable mentions and first prize in international competition. He has previously worked with PHASE3 Architecture and Design (2013–present), vPPR Architects (2011–13) and DSDHA (2005–9).

Dr Tania Lopez Winkler

Tania is First Year Leader for the Interior Design programme in the School of Architecture. She brings her wide range of art and design practice to contribute with a creative teaching of the Interior Design field. Tania holds architecture degrees from ITESM in Mexico, an MA in Housing and Urbanism from the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, where she also gained a PhD for her thesis The Detective of Modern Life.

Dyvik Kahlen

Dyvik Kahlen is a London/Porto/Oslo based office established in 2010 by Christopher Dyvik and Max Kahlen operating across various scales and sectors in the UK, Holland, Germany and Norway, collaborating with clients ranging from public institutions and developers to artists, curators and private individuals.

Underlying their work is a desire for objects and spaces that are comfortable and strangely familiar, as much as a fascination for rational and neutral form. Their aspiration is to create good spaces that improve the quality of life of those who inhabit them, be it through a piece of furniture, a building or an urban plan. Dyvik Kahlen taught ADS5 at the RCA for 6 years.

This course is not suitable for beginners.

Participants must:

• have an undergraduate degree in design or a demonstrably creative background
• have a good level of English language
• be 21 years or over.

The course takes place in-person at RCA Kensington campus, with visits to a variety of sites around London to enable the studio to use the city as its testing ground.

The course includes:

• pecha-kucha presentations
• briefings on studio assignments
• practitioner talks
• lectures
• group studio work & tutorials
• graduation ceremony: certificates of attendance and celebration drinks at RCA Terrace

The course is delivered during the Degree Shows which is a brilliant opportunity for delegates to experience the creative activities at the RCA.

Disclaimer: The information given is accurate at the time of publication, however, the RCA reserves the right to amend the described course as circumstances dictate.

This course will be delivered face to face at our campus in Kensington, London.

Covid-19

RCA Short Courses will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation in the period up to the course dates.

Our planning incorporates the latest UK Government guidance as well as consideration of how best to ensure a safe and inclusive learning space for participants and staff team.

Our participants health, wellbeing and quality of experience while attending our on-campus courses is paramount to us.

Full details of the Covid safe guidelines in place for the course will be provided to you in advance of your start date with your welcome information.

Disclaimer: Change to online delivery

It may be necessary due to Covid-19 restrictions to change the mode of delivery to live online or postpone to a later date.

We will endeavour to notify all participants in advance of any changes, no later than 2 weeks before the course start date.

Terms & conditions apply.