Organizer
UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design
2027 Summer Camps / Camp directory / UC Berkeley embARC Summer Design Academy
Berkeley, California
UC Berkeley embARC Summer Design Academy
Use architecture, urban observation and sustainable design to address a real community need.
Offered by UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design, embARC connects architecture studio, materials, digital design and urban planning through placemaking. Students complete design assignments, individual reviews and a community design/build project while developing a portfolio.
University summer program
CAMP-CA-022
Program organizer & learning outcomes
University / venue relationship
A distinct design academy run by Berkeley’s environmental-design college, separate from Pre-College Scholars course enrollment.
Credit / certificate
Successful completion provides a program certificate and UC Berkeley transcript; credit units depend on enrollment.
Courses & activities
Architecture and urban-design studio
Translate spatial ideas into 2D and 3D designs through sketching, drafting, models and digital representation.
Materials and tiny-house design
Analyze building assemblies from foundations to finishes, then design a tiny house.
Sustainable city planning
Use site observation and research to develop an authentic planning question and consider stakeholders.
Community design/build
Apply studio methods to a community improvement project with a local nonprofit partner.
Digital design and professional dialogue
Learn digital representation tools and join discussions with designers and professors.
Camp features & life
Portfolio and iterative reviews
Document design thinking through assignments and individual critiques, building a portfolio.
University design-studio pace
Morning studio and afternoon workshops may be followed by extended studio time; full participation is expected.
Connect society and environment
The community project connects public issues with design and making.
Who might enjoy this camp?
- Students considering architecture, urban or environmental design
- Students willing to revise work through critique
- Students seeking community engagement through design
Current minimum GPA is 3.0, with no prior design experience required. Residential places are for ages 16–17; 18-year-olds may only commute. Contact an advisor for 2027 cutoffs and requirements.
2027 dates & tuition
2027 dates & tuition
Contact an advisor
4 weeks
Contact an advisor
2027 fees, additional charges and cancellation terms: contact an advisor.
Travel & participation
International students needing an I-20/student visa must meet English requirements and register for 5 units for full-time status; separate international deadlines apply.
Nonlocal students needing visa or accommodation support must request designated housing, charged separately with meals. Approved commuters must stay with responsible adult relatives; non-family homestays and co-ops are prohibited.
The four-week course requires full attendance. Cancellation requires following both program and Summer Sessions withdrawal procedures; nonpayment or absence does not automatically remove charges.
Campus, venue & activity photos
Enquiries & Applications
Discuss this camp and participation arrangements with an ASCWORLD education adviser.
Enquiries & Applications