The Center for Architecture Explorations cultivates lifelong learning at the intersection of arts and technology.
The Center for Architecture Explorations (CAE) supports architecture education for all ages. Building on the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture’s experience with youth education, university service learning projects, engagement with architectural practice, and academic research, we create dynamic architectural education pedagogy with an emphasis on building equity and diversity within the design professions.
About the Center
The mission of the Center for Architecture Explorations (CAE) is: 1) to facilitate links between architecture organizations, K-12 educators, and K-12 students, particularly in underserved neighborhoods; 2) to provide scalable training courses, workshops, and mentorship opportunities for professionals and undergraduate/graduate students to better prepare them to teach in K-12 and higher education contexts as well as better communicate with the communities they serve as designers; and 3) to conduct research into STEM and design pedagogy to develop innovative educational materials and curricula.
The CAE oversees Pittsburgh's Architecture Learning Network (ALN), a collaboration among more than 10 non-profits in the region, and is advised by an Education Committee comprised of architects, architecture students, parents, faculty, and educators.
Programs, Courses & Workshops
K-12 Youth Programs
CAE youth programs are a collection of architecture-based extracurricular and academic enrichment programs for students in kindergarten through high school. Through our programs we aim to foster knowledge of and appreciation for the built environmental, encourage creative expression and critical thought, and inspire civic responsibility. The CAE is an APOST Quality Campaign Member and all youth programs are part of the Architecture Learning Network. For further information, e-mail us at soa-cae@andrew.cmu.edu.
Saturday Sequence
The K-12 Saturday Sequence emphasizes the problem-solving skills central to the architectural design process and guides students through an architectural project. The multi-week program is held Saturday mornings on the CMU campus during the fall and spring semesters.
Tours and Workshops
Register for a CAE Tour or Workshop and join us on CMU’s campus to learn more about our programs, an architecture career, or a specific-interest topic. Past tours have explored architecture and technology, green roofs, and sustainability.
Summer Camps
During the summer, the CAE partners with fellow arts organizations to offer a variety of summer day camps. Join us at the Carnegie Museum of Art, where the museum becomes a classroom and work from the museum’s permanent collection inspires architectural projects; at Assemble, to engage with art and technology through making; on the CMU campus for a variety of special-topic courses; and at one of the many ALN Partners throughout the region.
soa service learning Projects & courses
The School of Architecture (SoA) offers undergraduate and graduate students opportunities to work on projects that impact our communities. SoA also works with CMU's Gelfand Center for Service Learning and Outreach to offer courses that support outreach, education, and non-profit work after graduation. We have highlighted several programs below. Please e-mail us at soa-cae@andrew.cmu.edu for more information about all of our service learning courses.
Professional Development Workshops
The Center for Architectural Explorations offers professional development workshops for university students and building industry professionals. The workshops were developed and are implemented in partnership with CMU's Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence & Educational Innovation, Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST), and Pittsburgh's chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The workshops have two goals: 1) provide architects with knowledge and skills to teach, and 2) provide knowledge and skills in emerging architectural technologies. Refer to the School of Architecture calendar and/or Architecture Learning Network calendar for a list of dates and links to register.
Act 153 Clearances & Classroom Management
Learning Styles & Active Learning
Collaboration & Conflict Resolution
Emerging Technologies: Drones & Point Cloud Scanning
Emerging Technologies: AR/VR
Emerging Technologies: Internet of Things
Architectural Education Research
The Center for Architecture Explorations’ research interests include equity and diversity in architecture education and related professions, systems thinking and spatial intelligence, and design thinking and assessment.
Current Work
EQUITY & DIVERSITY
Professor Dr. Erica Cochran Hameen and CAE staff are currently pursuing funding to learn more about the attitudinal effects of matched/same gender or race building industry professional mentors on middle school students in STEM classes.
SPATIAL INTELLIGENCE
CAE staff are looking at ways to improve elementary students' spatial skills through a game about vertical estimation. How can making predications and thinking critically about heights of trees, buildings, and other objects help students have better judgement when designing spaces?
DESIGN THINKING & ASSESSMENT
With the surge of "makerspaces" in the United States, how are students connecting their learning experiences, documenting their work, and receiving feedback? The CAE is exploring ways to support portfolio making and the documentation and assessment process.
CAE Partners
CAE Sponsors:
CAE is supported in kind through partnership with CMU's UDream program, and its Benefactor Sponsor, Perkins Eastman.
