Learn from professionals and build architecture skills in our free, twice monthly workshops. Open to students in grades 9-12, with the option to join single sessions or explore all offerings.
Teen Saturday Studios
Teen Saturday Studios offers free 3-hour workshops for high school students (grades 9-12) who are interested in exploring the worlds of architecture, construction, engineering and design. Themed sessions are supported by professionals, offering hands-on opportunities to build skills alongside experts in the field.
Locations and additional details are noted in the individual session descriptions below.
Schedule & Registration
Workshops take place on two Saturdays every month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
Registration for each session opens monthly. Participants enroll by individual session but are encouraged to return throughout the year.
Stained Glass
In this unique workshop, teens will explore the intersection of art, architecture and craftsmanship through the creation of stained glass designs.
Participants will learn about the history, materials and techniques involved in creating stained glass windows and how this medium has been used to express both beauty and meaning in architectural spaces. Teens will visit the Chicago Pedway to observe stained glass works of art and then get to create their own!
Details
- Date: Saturday, December 20
- Duration: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Location: Chicago Architecture Center 111 E Wacker Dr. Chicago IL, 60601
- Cost: FREE; advance registration required
Registration now open
Construction Management 101
Learn the basics of construction project management with an industry professional! This workshop will cover project lifecycle, budgeting, scheduling and the digital tools that help get the job done. Our expert will also lead simulations to develop leadership skills that teens can use both on and off the work site.
Details
- Date: Saturday, December 20
- Duration: 11a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Location: Dawson Technical Institute, 3901 S State St, Chicago, IL 60609
- Cost: FREE; advance registration required
Registration now open
Model Making
Explore the art and science of creating architectural models (small-scale structures) using various materials and techniques.
Whether you are interested in architecture, diorama building, or crafting your own imaginative worlds, this workshop will give you the tools and inspiration to bring your ideas to life.
Details
- Date: Saturday, January 31 (new date; originally scheduled for January 24)
- Duration: 11 AM - 2 PM
- Location: Harold Washington College 30 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601
- Cost: FREE; advance registration required
Registration closed
Maintenance & Repair
This interactive workshop introduces participants to the essential work of keeping buildings intact and habitable for years after they are built.
Participants will learn about the field of building maintenance, practice using spray paint, and develop useful repair skills by breaking, patching, and painting drywall with guidance from an experienced instructor.
Details
- Date: Saturday, February 14
- Duration: 11 AM - 2 PM
- Location: Pullman Tech Workshop, 11314 S Front Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
- Cost: FREE; Registration required
Register now
Architecture on Film
Join us for this year’s Architecture and Design Film Festival. Through an interactive workshop and discussions, participants will have a chance to view a film and gain insight into how storytelling in film can showcase the built environment.
This workshop will engage participants in interactive prompts that analyze how storytelling, visuals and narrative highlight the built environment, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmaker.
Details
- Date: Saturday, February 21
- Duration: 12 PM - 3 PM
- Location: Harold Washington College, 30 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601
- Cost: FREE; advance registration required
Register now
Digital Modeling
Learn about architecture visualization in this unique workshop for teens interested in architecture and digital design! Learn the basics of CGI to transform architectural concepts into stunning, lifelike images.
Throughout this workshop, participants will explore 3D modeling, texturing, lighting, and rendering techniques to bring their architecture ideas to life.
Details
- Date: Saturday, March 21
- Duration: 11 AM - 2 PM
- Location: Harold Washington College 30 E Lake St, Chicago, IL 60601
- Cost: FREE; registration required
Registrations open soon
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Preserving the Past
Discover the integral role skilled trades play in preserving history in this interactive workshop.
Participants will explore the meaning and importance of historic preservation, as well as the unique techniques and considerations that go into restoring old buildings.
Details
- Date: Saturday, March 28
- Duration: 11 AM - 2 PM
- Location: Pullman Tech Workshop, 11314 S Front Ave, Chicago, IL 60628
- Cost: FREE; registration required
Registrations open soon
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Sketching Lost Places
Join us for a last look at The Disappointed Tourist exhibition at the Chicago Architecture Center. Participants will have a chance to explore the exhibition by Ellen Harvey and explore how memory, preservation and places have been lost and recreated.
Participants will recreate their own visuals of lost places through drawing, reflection, and collaborative work.
Details
- Date: Saturday, April 18
- Duration: 11 AM - 2 PM
- Location: CAC (Design Studio), 111 E Wacker Drive, Chicago IL, 60601
- Cost: FREE; registration required
Registrations open soon
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Deconstruction & Demolition
Join us to discover how demolition paves the way for new buildings!
Participants will learn how demolition workers safely dismantle old buildings and apply what they’ve learned in a hands-on project guided by an experienced construction professional.
Details
- Date: Saturday, April 25
- Duration: 11 AM - 2 PM
- Location: Pullman Tech Workshop, 11314 S Front Ave., Chicago, IL 60628
- Cost: FREE; registration required
Registrations open soon
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Introduction to Carpentry
In this hands-on workshop, participants will receive a crash course in basic carpentry techniques including measuring, cutting, tool safety and blueprint reading from a skilled instructor and then complete a small take-home project.
If you’re interested in a career in construction or just enjoy working with your hands, this workshop is for you!
Details
- Date: TBD (originally scheduled for January 24)
Support
If you find our programs valuable, please consider donating to the CAC to help cover some or all of a program fee.
CAC's Teen Saturday Studio program is a part of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Youth Learning Programs.
Partners
