Contact: Maridith Geuder
June 9 is the registration deadline for a June 18-25 residential camp at Mississippi State that provides a hands-on introduction to the study of architecture.
Sponsored by the university's College of Architecture, Design Discovery 2004 "invites high school students 16 years and older, as well as incoming college freshmen, to get an in-depth introduction to the profession," said professor Michael A. Berk, camp director.
"Through a variety of activities, projects and interaction with faculty and upper level architecture student counselors, the program answers questions about the study of architecture and the professional practice of architecture," Berk added.
This year's camp follows MSU's June 17-18 freshman orientation session and precedes the June 26-27 session.
Berk said the college "strongly recommends" that incoming freshmen architecture majors attend both Design Discovery and an MSU orientation session.
During the eight-day camp, students will balance lectures, projects and design studios with various leisure activities. Traditional field work and sketching will accompany, among other activities, furniture design, an urban analysis and a major residential design project.
Katie Lightsey of Jackson, a second-year architecture major, said Design Discovery provided a realistic preview of her college courses.
"I learned what the college is like, what kinds of projects would be required and the teaching methods of the faculty members here," the 2002 St. Andrews Episcopal School graduate said. "It's hard work, but very rewarding."
A limited number of scholarships is available, specifically for Leflore County students and minority high school students in general.
For more information about costs and requirements, contact the college at (662) 325-2202 or kminor@coa.msstate.edu, or visit http://www.coa.msstate.edu/designdiscovery.