Find quote about what to expect….

While each workshop varies depending on project scope, duration, location and client, all workshops share universal design principles, key learning outcomes and core program elements. (RAW Workshops may be eligible for academic and/or IDP credit. Learn more in the FAQ.)

A (Typical) Day in the life of RAW

  • 6am
    Rise and shine yoga, a hike or personal reflection time

  • 7am
    Breakfast and team meeting

  • Morning
    Client meeting / Site based research / Materials education / Tools orientation

  • Noon
    Lunch and R&R

  • Afternoon
    Design session / Build session

  • 7pm
    Dinner

  • Evening
    Enjoy the local scene / Exercise / Relax
    Team meeting and group reflection

UNIVERSAL DESIGN PRINCIPLES

RAW is designed to complement – and transcend – passive and didactic educational methods while immersing you in a challenging, co-creative process.

RAW workshops embrace and promote several universal concepts of design that are transferable across historical, cultural and socio-economic boundaries. 

  • ​Economical – meeting needs simply, efficiently and flexibly

  • Illuminating – presenting life and nature artfully

  • Responsible – being mindful stewards of natural and material resources

Simply put, our students are challenged to create architecture that is efficient, creative and sustainable.

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PROGRAM ELEMENTS

Beginning with a rough schematic, students learn tectonics, detail and material properties through drawing, discussion and direct hands-on fabrication and construction. All workshops include:

  • Training in sustainable design and construction practices

  • Individual and group design sessions, presentations and reviews

  • One-on-one instruction from instructors

  • Guest presenters and field trips to explore local history and/or geology, culture and building techniques

  • Interaction with the project client

  • Opportunities to practice leadership and collaboration skills

  • Hard work and fun!

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LEARNING OUTCOMES

While at RAW you’ll learn a lot of things about yourself, your strengths and your role as an architect. During the workshop we’ll challenge you to deepen your understanding of:

  • Design innovation as it relates to the natural, social and cultural environment

  • Design intuition as informed by construction and material knowledge

  • Design process in a collaborative work environment