VT Architecture Camp – Part 2: Learning, Creating, and Finding My People
As the week went on, I got more and more into it. Being in the Cowgill studio every day felt kind of like a dream, it was quiet but busy, and everyone was focused on bringing their ideas to life. It didn’t feel like school, it felt like something I actually wanted to be doing.
My group and I hit a few bumps while building our final pavilion. We really wanted to make something that looked good not just from the ground, but from above too, kind of like how you’d see it in a city skyline. At first, we all had different ideas, and it wasn’t coming together. So we decided to each build a version of what we thought it could look like, and after seeing everyone’s, we took the best parts and combined them into a new model. It actually turned out great, and the whole process made me realize how important collaboration is in design. You can’t just stick to your idea, you’ve got to be open.
One thing I learned that really stuck with me was the idea of a skyline, how buildings look together from far away, not just up close. I never thought about that before, but it totally shifted how I looked at our designs. It made me think more about how everything connects shapes, height, color, and even how shadows fall.
And honestly, what made the camp even better was the people. I got to work with other students who were just as passionate about architecture as I am. It was so helpful to hear their thoughts, see their styles, and get feedback from different perspectives. Plus, I made some amazing friends, especially my roommates. We got close super fast and stayed up talking every night. We’re still in touch even after the camp ended, which is crazy considering we only met a week ago.
Looking back, this camp confirmed something I kind of already knew that I really want to pursue architecture. I loved learning new things, sketching, building, and just being around people who love design too. It pushed me, but in a good way. I left feeling more motivated and more certain that this is what I want to do.
If you’re thinking about going to this camp, do it. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. You learn a lot without feeling overwhelmed, and you get to actually build stuff and make friends who are into the same things. The instructors were super encouraging, and the schedule had a good balance,not too intense but not boring either. I had fun, but I also walked away with real skills and a better understanding of what architecture is all about.
BELOW ARE THE STEPS TO MY FINAL PAVILION WITH MY GROUP!
