That’s a Wrap.  Students Gain Understanding and Inspiration for Industry During Week-Long Camp Experience.

The 2023 Architecture + Planning Camp, hosted June 19-23, brought together 31 aspiring architects, design professionals and planners from high schools across the state.  This week-long initiative, led by StudioAXIS and Ball State University,  provided a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to learn from and work with industry professionals.  Students were tasked with designing how the White River State Park Amphitheater’s concessionaire building could be utilized outside of the facility’s concert season. 

“The students who participated in this year’s camp appreciated the intensity and challenge of the camp project,” said Kristen Stout, StudioAXIS Associate and 2023 camp instructor. “We were able to watch these students bring their ideas to life in their presentations and that’s a very rewarding experience.” 

Architecture + Planning Camp not only inspired participating students to better understand the industry, it introduced real-life applications like Sketch-Up and processes used to approach projects.  “As a camp instructor/mentor, our role was to provide guidance to drive their ideation,” said Mitchell Geis, StudioAXIS Associate and 2023 camp instructor. “From the site tours to collaboration with StudioAXIS and the extended camp team, these students were receiving feedback they can carry with them past the camp experience.” 

Photos courtesy of: Ball State CAP, Ball State University Marketing and Communications.

A Look Inside The Architecture + Planning Camp Experience

Day 1:   The Art in Architecture

Student introductions, project description and a presentation on massing models versus final models. The day ends with peer critiques: small group discussions on the project, ideas, and concept. 

Day 2:   Designing Outside the Box

Project site visit and site analysis diagramming, walking tour back to CAP Indy.  Introduction to the modeling software, Sketch-Up, to develop student projects. The day concludes with studio time and a peer critique.

Day 3:   Sustainability

Students hear from two local architects on passive design strategies and how to incorporate into their designs. Afternoon ends with an architecture firm tour.  

Day 4:   Develop, Refine, Review

Presentation on graphics and communicating one’s design ideas – preparing for final presentations on Friday. Majority of the day is dedicated to studio time, giving students time to work on his/her projects and ask questions. Day wraps with a second architecture firm tour and peer critiques.

Day 5:   Polish, Present and Impress

Students put the finishing touches on their projects in preparation for final presentations. The final presentations are attended by family and friends, allowing each student to present his/her work from the week and walk through his/her design process. The final presentation, sponsored by Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning (CAP), includes a short presentation about available programs of study.

About StudioAxis

STUDIOAXIS is a U.S., Thailand and India based group of architects, designers, urbanists, interior designers, and researchers. Founded in 1995 in Indianapolis, Indiana USA, its core purpose is to elevate design through collaboration and innovation.  STUDIOAXIS work has been recognized with the profession’s top accolades earning international recognition from distinguished institutions nationally and internationally winning over 130+ design awards across the globe.