Day 0

Online onboarding session via zoom with the RCA course team

• Introduction to the timetable
• Practical information
• Pre-course preparation
• Recommendations for places to visit in London

Day 1

Morning

• Welcome and programme overview
• Course Leaders practitioner talk and Q&A
• Ice-breaker: Pecha-Kucha student presentations (3 mins each)
• Site visit, guide by course leaders
• Picnic lunch in the park

Afternoon

• Studio session
• Academic talk and Q&A: studying spatial practices at the RCA
• Optional: RCA ArtBar for socialising and networking (on campus student bar)

Day 2

Morning

• Site visit, guide by course leaders

Afternoon

• Guest speaker talk and Q&A
• Studio session
• Feedback and reflections from day 2

Day 3

Morning

• Site visit, guide by course leaders

Afternoon

• Guest speaker talk and Q&A
• Studio session
• Feedback and reflections from day 3

Day 4

Morning

• Portfolio Making and developing projects for final presentation on Day 5
• Tutorials

Afternoon

• Photo Studio and Model making
• RCA graduate talks and Q&A
• Late working in the studio expected to prepare for final project presentations Friday

Day 5

Morning

• Finalising projects
• Tutorials

Afternoon

• Presentation of final projects, with feedback from course leaders
• Feedback and reflections
• Certificates and celebration drinks in the studio
• Close

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.

Participants will be led through spatial design exercises, exploring drawings, spatial translations and notations to construct their own visual outputs for portfolios (such as (drawings, physical models and photography).

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.

Teaching is supported by site visits, lectures and design experimentations. You will:

• learn through individual and group tutorials, discussions and presentations
• experience the RCA model of studio teaching and practice to develop design and presentation techniques while building a portfolio
• work collaboratively with a diverse range of colleagues from varied backgrounds, honing teamwork and leadership skills
• work with leading design practitioners and educators to develop a critical, creative and insightful practice.

Learning will take place in a small class size setting, with rich interaction between students and academics, enhanced peer-to-peer networking and a certificate of achievement upon completion.

• Experience the environment and methodologies of the MA programmes in the School of Architecture at the RCA.
• Learn to research, observe and investigate.
• Develop design proposals through a range of media (drawings, physical models and photography).
• Experimental drawing and fieldwork techniques.
• Document and present the design proposal for a portfolio.
• Improve your verbal presentation skills.
• Develop and receive feedback on a portfolio.
• Certificate of attendance on completion.

The course is suitable for participants:

• with some experience of a design discipline at undergraduate or recent graduate level, and is not suitable for beginners
• interested in Master’s-level studies in spatial design at the RCA, whether you are joining a course or seeking to apply in the future
• seeking to change their career path; in previous years we have welcomed professionals from a variety of backgrounds including product design, film making, interior architecture, urbanism and spatial planning, anthropology and fine arts

You must be open to experiment with new mediums and methodologies and exchange ideas with the support of academic and professional experts.

• Good command of English language with a minimum score of IELTS (Academic Test) 6.5 overall (with no less than 6.0 in any element) or equivalent
• An undergraduate degree in a related art or design field, or a demonstrably creative background
• 21 years or over

Note: the short course is pre-MA level and is not suitable for beginners.

Applications for 2025 are now open

How do I apply?

To apply, you must complete the online application form.

The online form requires you to submit:

• Up to 300 words statement of interest outlining your relevant experience or practice and why you would like to join the course.
• Your current CV

Application notes

• Please title the CV file before uploading using the following naming convention: Full Name_CV_2025 RCA Architecture Summer School Application
• Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make changes.
• Only applications submitted via the online form will be accepted.
• Applications that are not complete or exceed the maximum file size will not be considered.

If your application is accepted, you will be emailed with a booking link. The email will provide a deadline for accepting and paying for your place. Your place will be held until this deadline. If you do not make payment by this date, your place will be released and offered to another participant.

Application deadlines 2025

• Participants are advised to apply early to avoid disappointment as places are strictly limited.
• We will start accepting applications from December 2024.
• First round of applications will be assessed from mid-January 2025.
• Applications will be assessed by the RCA course team every two weeks from mid January 2025 until early July 2025 or until the course is fully booked.
• We will inform all applicants by email within two weeks after they submit an application about whether or not they have been successful.
• Unfortunately we do not provide further feedback information.
• If the course is fully booked and your application is successful, we will add your name to a waiting list.

How will I know that my place is confirmed?

The offer of a place will only be secured and confirmed when the RCA receives 100 per cent of the course fee payment. Places are secured on a first-come basis on receipt of appropriate payment.

How can I pay for the course?

The course must be paid in full in one instalment and via the online payment system using a debit or credit card. Once you are offered a place on the course, you will receive a secure online booking link. Please complete the registration and booking process to make the booking. Please ensure that you are using the most up-to-date version of your internet browser. We regret that it is not possible to pay the course fee by instalments.

The course is delivered by staff from the School of Architecture from the MA Architecture programme.

The 2025 programme will be announced soon.

The course tutors for the 2024 programme included:

Sabrina Morreale and Lorenzo Perri are architects, educators, and founders of Lemonot – a duo for spatial and relational practices, architecture, and performative arts.

They aim to re-invent the relationship between the urban fabric and human rituals through a wide range of media: pavilions, exhibitions, short films, and designed performances. Currently, they lead ADS7 at the Royal College of Art, London. They have experience running short courses and workshops globally in the UK, Mexico, South America and Thailand.

They collaborate with several cultural institutions - including Arquine, La Biennale di Venezia, DPR Barcelona, LINA European Architecture Platform, S AM Basel, Architecture at the Edge (West Ireland) - and their projects have been exhibited and awarded internationally: among others, at the Young Talent Architecture Award 2016, at the ATT19 Gallery in Bangkok, at the RIBA, at Vienna Design Week, at Bangkok Design Week, at Milan Design Week, at Mextropoli 2021 in Mexico City, at FAR-Architecture Festival of Rome 2022 and CAFx Copenhagen Architecture Film Festival 2023. This year, Lemonot was one of the 9 selected architectural practices for the Padiglione Italia of the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023.

Invited expert guests on the 2024 programme included:

• Michela Falcone (Senior Lecturer - FHEA - Course Leader in Interior and Spatial Design at Buckinghamshire New University)
• Stefano Pujatti (Founder, Elasticospa)
• Chat Architects – Bangkok-based architectural firm founded by Chatpong Chuenrudeemol
• Elena Palacio Carral (Founding Director, Forms of Living; Visiting Lecturer, RCA)
• Dr Lidia Gasperoni (Philosopher and Architectural Theorist; Research and Teaching Associate, Department of Architectural Theory of the TU Berlin)
• Francesca Perani (Architect and Creative Director, RebelArchitette)

Plus a studio visit with Stefano dal Piva (Director, ACME Architects)

Disclaimer: The list of contributors is subject to change depending on availability.

Located in Kensington, the School of Architecture provides a stimulating and vibrant cultural context for study in one of the world’s leading cities. Realise live projects and work alongside leading designers and artists in a postgraduate-only environment.

This context allows students to push their material, conceptual and technical skills beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries – expanding the potential of future practice while forming friendships.

The studio-based learning environment is supported by historical, theoretical, media and technical seminars where students are introduced to a wide range of design research methods and approaches. Within each Programme, opportunities for live projects and fieldwork are provided in line with the pedagogical ambitions of studio leaders.

Practice mentor schemes across all programmes pair students with practices and help expand professional networks.

Courses offered within the School include: Architecture MA; Architecture MPhil/PhD; Architecture Pathway MRes RCA; City Design MA; Environmental Architecture MA; Interior Design MA.

The Kensington campus is next to the Royal Albert Hall and houses programmes in the Schools of Architecture, Design, and Arts & Humanities. It was opened 60 years ago and designed by H T Cadbury Brown. At its heart is the Grade II-listed Modernist Darwin Building, named for post-war Rector Robin Darwin (grandson of Charles Darwin).

It is also home to the RCA's extensive Library, including Special Collections and the Colour Reference Library, extensive Technical Services resources, Student Support and facilities such as cafes and the ArtBar.

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 and 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 two weeks before the course start date.

Terms & conditions apply.