What does it mean to design and what makes for a “better” design? What can design teach us about how we experience and imagine the world around us? What can we learn about the past and the future through historical and new designs that we imagine for ourselves and others? How do we share and communicate our ideas about the built environment?

These are the kinds of interactive “design challenges” that students are encouraged to think about and experience at the MPD Junior Design Academy.

Why architecture + design? An architect is an example of a designer who conceptualizes, problem solves, and engages with the “why” behind the design of a physical environment that can be as small as a door knob or as large as an entire city. Much of what the students will experience in the academy will reflect the training that takes place in a design studio or architecture school, albeit tailored to our students’ age range.

The interactive, hands-on workshops are designed to help students:

• Learn basic principles of architectural and spatial representation (e.g., scale, plans, elevations, sections, perspectives, structure) and design processes (e.g., ideation, iteration, sketching, model making)

• Begin to appreciate histories of design. Every workshop session will include a history component

• Develop listening, observing, problem solving, and design thinking skills. Every workshop will involve a design challenge, “micro” lectures given by the instructor, and other design activities appropriate for this age group

• Express their concepts through both visual and written forms of communication. During each workshop, students will be encouraged to supplement their designs with written narratives and explanations

• Practice presentation skills through presenting in front of their peers

8 years old and up. Each session is tailored to an age group so please check the session you are registering for.

Every workshop is led by Dr. Melany Park, principal and founder of Melany Park Design (MPD). An educator, designer, and mom, Melany received her PhD in Architecture from Harvard University and a Masters in Design Studies from Harvard Graduate School of Design. She currently teaches at the Boston Architectural College (BAC) and has held teaching positions at Harvard Graduate School of Design and National University of Singapore.

In Winter 2025/26, each workshop will be capped to 10 students.

In Spring 2026, each workshop will be capped to 8 students.

Each workshop begins with “micro” lectures that provide histories and contexts behind what the students will be designing. This means that unlike other art classes that tend to be craft-based, do-it-yourself models, students will receive training on histories, spatial concepts, processes, and architectural representation through a bespoke curriculum. We also don’t rely on standardized kits as the primary mode of making - the goal is for students to be able to communicate their abstract ideas about form and scale with less restrictions, just like in architecture school.

Students will also be encouraged to use their presentation skills in narrating their ideas in front of guest reviewers akin to a “final crit” at an architecture school.

The experience ultimately emulates that of a college-level architecture program albeit tailored for our age group.

All materials required for the workshops are included in the tuition fee.

We are always open to suggestions for hosting the academy at additional venues and events. Please reach out with venue requests or suggestions at info@melanyparkdesign.com.