Summer Design Exploration Program

Mission

The University of Florida Design Exploration Program (DEP) offers valuable insight and first-hand studio experience to prospective architecture students. The program introduces core aspects of the School of Architecture’s curriculum and important design principles. Students are immersed in the experience of being an architecture student at UF, from living in the dormitories to studio projects, group discussions, presentations, lectures, and field trips. Please see the Design Exploration Program Brochure for additional information.

2025 Summer DEP dates:  Sunday, June 15th, 2025 – Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

Program

Design Studio
An intensive design studio directed by UF Architecture faculty is the heart of the DEP experience. A low instructor / student ratio ensures personal attention and individualized learning. Participants develop multiple projects involving various phases of architectural design development and presentation. Design exercises such as hand drawing, model building, digital rendering, and investigations of architectural concepts are taught through the studio projects.

Seminars
The seminars will cover various aspects of design and building also form an important part of the schedule. Presented as lectures and group discussions, they are led by faculty and guests throughout the program. Issues such as design processes and methods, architectural history and theory, model making techniques, photography, drawing, and the role of computer / digital technology are covered.

Field Trips
Field trips provide participants with exposure to important works of architecture and urbanism from Florida’s past and present. Through visits to architectural offices, significant buildings, historic cities, and natural landscapes, participants learn about design, making, relationships to the environment, and the architectural profession.

PAYMENT

Program Fees
The $3000 program fee for the Design Exploration Program covers the program’s (3) three weeks of instruction, studio supplies and materials, on-campus housing and all travel expenses.

Financial Aid
Scholarships for participants in need of financial aid are available on a limited basis. Those with a genuine need for financial aid must include a separate letter in their application packets explaining their request and indicating how much of the fee they can afford to pay. UF Architecture DEP faculty will evaluate applicants requesting financial aid to determine if a scholarship will be offered. Financial aid decisions will be determined on the basis of the overall strength of the materials in the individual’s application packet.

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