Dezeen promotion: My Archischool provides an introduction to architectural education and digital design for those seeking knowledge and skills to aid their future career aspirations.
The Hong Kong-based organisation offers in-person and online courses to help young people develop 3D-modelling skills that can be applied to future careers in architecture and urban planning.
Geared towards children and teenagers between the ages of six and 18, the various stages of tuition start at a beginner level, and progress to cover a range of tools, interfaces, and outputs.
"My Archischool's methodology of teaching is rooted in the art of architecture," said the founders. "We teach children the methods and the sequences that practising architects use in their work.
"Once they have this basic knowledge, they are taught the necessary skills to create their own work using the various tools we can provide. These include drafting tables, materials to build physical models, and computers for 3D modelling using the latest technology."
One-off classes allow students to get a taste of the available courses and teaching styles. A variety of program packages are offered to those wishing to develop a wide range of skills over several sessions.
These include writing and portfolio development, while the most comprehensive package concludes with an exhibition of student work after eight months of study.
"Through a series of carefully planned modules and hands-on experience, the children learn about aspects of art, mathematics, science, geography and English as part of the process," the founders said.
One of the digital tools taught through the programme is the 3DExperience Platform developed by Dassault Systèmes, which allows students to build in and manipulate 3D digital models of cities like Hong Kong and Paris.
My Archischool was founded in 2016 by retired architect Alice Cheung and Grand Ming Group Holdings Limited chairman Chan H M, via the Chan Cheung Mun-Chung Charitable Fund.
Cheung's experience working on projects in Hong Kong ranged from the air traffic controls towers at Chek Lap Kok International Airport, to the facade of the International Commerce Centre – currently the city's tallest building.
She has since turned her focus to research and education, and gathered architects, scholars, builders and manufacturers to help shape the curriculum offered by My Archischool.
The organisation's intention is to foster and develop the unique skills related to architectural design and the built environment that are not typically available to younger students through a standard school curriculum.
"Most of the creative and gifted children and youngsters are good at graphical and three-dimensional thinking," said the founders.
"They do not have sufficient academic support under the current education formats, which are based on certain standards for general education purposes. As a result, the exam-based systems do not fully support those design talents."
To find out more about the courses offered by My Archischool, visit the organisation's website.
Partnership content
This article was written by Dezeen for My Archischool as part of a partnership. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.