New architecture course expands career paths for city students | Architecturally Speaking

“An educated workforce is the foundation of every community and the future of every economy.” – Brad Henry

Much has been said of the importance of education in building a strong and vibrant community.

There is a general recognition that our urban students face unique challenges and limitations. Our community of design professionals are constantly looking for new ways to help this critical shortfall. “Design Thinking” may provide one such avenue.

While there are several successful after-school programs in our suburban school districts that allow students to explore the potential of a career in design, it is rare to find these opportunities in Rochester’s urban schools.

In response to this “gap” The Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF) has undertaken a groundbreaking educational initiative that gives urban students an inside look at the world of architecture and opening doors to designing and building our planned environment. It is unique in its inclusion as a part of the in-school curriculum, as opposed to after school.

Created and sponsored by The Rochester Architecture Foundation (RAF), this investment in our urban youth is being supported by a number of community foundations and local design firms. The program was established at one of the City’s most successful charter schools.

Rochester Prep’s “Introduction to Architecture” is halfway through its second full year and has received substantial funding support from the ESL Foundation, M&T Bank, AIA Rochester, local design firms, and community-minded professionals.

The full year in-school course is designed to introduce students to architectural principles, design thinking, and the diverse career pathways within the field. The program aims to inspire the next generation of architects, planners, and designers, especially among students who may not have previously considered architecture as a viable career.

“This initiative is about exposure and opportunity,” said course instructor Christina Fluman, AIA..

“Many students in our urban schools have a natural talent for design and problem-solving but lack access to architectural education and mentorship. This course bridges that gap by providing hands-on learning and real-world insights.”

The curriculum includes an introduction to architectural history, basic drafting and design techniques, and sustainable urban planning. Students will also have the chance to engage with industry professionals through guest lectures, site visits, and design projects. By the end of the program, participants will have built a foundational portfolio, setting them on a path toward further education and careers in architecture, engineering, and construction.

Local architects and firms are backing the initiative, recognizing the need to cultivate a more diverse and inclusive pipeline of future professionals. “Rochester is a city with a rich architectural history, and we want to empower young people to shape its future,” said RAF Board Member Allen Rossignol. “This course gives students the tools to envision and create spaces that serve their communities.”

The first cohort of students began the program last year, and early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. It is hoped that this initiative will not only inspire individual career growth but also contribute to a more inclusive and representative architectural profession.

The field of architecture is unique in that it combines virtually all disciplines — art, science, and math — with creativity. A career in design can spring from an initial introduction to the field of architecture. Architecture can offer young people both the opportunity for a rewarding professional career and to have a beneficial impact on their community. In addition to the career of a licensed architect, the field also offers opportunities in engineering, construction, real-estate development, computer design, and other professional and civic leadership positions. The program developed and launched by RAF will help young people develop a sense of vocation that could lead them either to professional careers as architects or to careers in one of these related fields.

Architecture is a growing field. In 2022 there was a 9 percent increase in the number of people taking the architecture licensing examination or gaining experience toward taking the exam. Nonetheless, architectural firms currently face a lack of qualified new people, making this a propitious time for traditionally underrepresented people to enter the profession.

As we know, City of Rochester students experience unique challenges. This program is a new way to address an intransigent problem. By opening broader pathways for our region’s “urban scholars” we, at the Rochester Architecture Foundation, hope this program will inspire expansion to other city schools locally, and across our region.

AIA Rochester contributes a quarterly column entitled “Architecturally Speaking,” which features articles from its member architects. Jim Durfee is President of the Rochester Architecture Foundation. For more information about the program and how to support it, visit rocarchfoundation.org.