Design Directions is a series of free design-education programs for New York City high-school students, developed to introduce them to collegiate and career opportunities in design. Programs include design studios with professional designers, college visits, studio visits, and portfolio workshops.

Upcoming Youth Programs

Teen Design Fridays

FREE with advance registration

High school students are invited to learn about design through interactive gallery tours and fun design activities. A new topic and activity will be explored each session through close study of our Fashioning Felt and Design for a Living World exhibits. Come to one or all four sessions!

*Seventh and eighth grade students are welcome to participate!

Friday, July 10, 3–5pm: Felt Jewelry Workshop

Friday, July 17, 3–5pm: Dimensional Felt Workshop

Friday, July 24, 3–5pm: Green Design Challenge

Friday, July 31, 3–5pm: Needle Felting Workshop

Click here to download registration form

Registration Limit: 16

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FREE SUMMER PROGRAMS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Design Directions is offering two ten-session workshops this summer for students committed to exploring design in depth. Workshops are free but an application is required. Hurry! Application deadline is June 1, 2009.

Architecture Studio: A New City for a New Generation
4:00–6:30 p.m.
Free with advance registration
10 sessions: Tuesdays and Thursdays, July 7–August 6, 2009

What will our future cities look like? We will go back in time to the styles of architecture found in cities of the past and create a dialogue for a new generation of inhabitants. Imagination and creativity will be key in the thinking process as we work together to identify the challenges that face our future cities and propose sustainable solutions. Your vision of the city of the future will come alive through drawings and model-making. This workshop includes studio visits and culminates in a final presentation of student works. In partnership with Centre Pompidou.

Instructor: Monica Valente
Enrollment Limit: 16

Textiles/Fashion Studio: The Fabric of Fashion
4:00–6:30 p.m.
Free with advance registration
10 sessions: Mondays and Wednesdays, July 6–August 7, 2009

How do we design for the body? How does a garment become a vehicle for personal and cultural expression? We will explore how different cultures use materials to create a variety of garments ranging from protective to ceremonial. We will learn traditional and experimental techniques to sculpt different materials into your own unique designsÐdeveloped from concept to garment. This workshop includes fieldtrips and culminates on a final presentation of student works.

Instructor: Rachel Miller
Enrollment Limit:16

 

Design Directions is made possible through the generous support of the Altman Foundation, Deutsche Bank, the Richard & Jean Coyne Family Foundation, and the Milton & Sally Avery Arts Foundation.

Education programs at Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum are made possible in part by The Edith and Frances Mulhall Achilles Memorial Fund, the Jean and Louis Dreyfus Foundation, and the Alan and Katherine Stroock Fund.