"Kinship: A Summer Connection to Non-Western Architecture"


For two consecutive years, The School has presented "Kinship: A Summer Connection to Non-Western Architecture." The Kinship experience stimulated a connection to non-western cultures through an introduction of Asian and West African architecture. During an intensive two-week residential program, outstanding minority high school students explored graphic techniques, history, design, and computers as tools to study non-western architecture. Enrichment activities included afternoon visits to professional offices, construction sites, local museums and historic sites, guest lecturers, architecture videos and weekend field trips. Full summer scholarships (dormitory housing, meal plan expenses, tuition, and studio supplies) were available. The supervised living experience provided a sample of college life and an opportunity to meet others from throughout the State with similar interests. The participating students were from Tallahassee, Pensacola, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano, Davie, and Miami, Florida.

An appreciation of non-western cultures was developed as students learned about making architecture. The objectives were for the students to develop:

  1. an awareness of the diversity of opportunities available in the profession,
  2. an appreciation of the architectural contributions of non-western people, and
  3. a first-hand knowledge of the making of architecture.

The Kinship program was limited to 12 students who had completed grades 9-11. The applications requested the available SAT/PSAT scores and/or GPA (3.0 minimum), a statement of interest, and three references. The letter of intent described his/her past accomplishments and how the program would benefit the student. The student's financial condition and their level of art, drafting or architecture classes did not have a bearing on the selection process.

Sponsors:
Florida Department of Education, Governor's Summer Program
Florida A&M University Title III Programs Office

Florida A&M University School of Architecture

Principal Investigator:
Andrew Chin

Co-Investigators:
Dr. Richard K. Dozier
David Brown

Duration:
July '94 - July '95

External Funding Level:
$20,000