Center for Architecture Explorations

THE CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE EXPLORATIONS (CAE) supports architecture education for all ages. Building on the CMU SoA’s experience with youth education, university service learning projects, engagement with architectural practice and academic research, we create dynamic architectural education pedagogy with an emphasis on building equity and diversity within the design professions.

CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC The mission of the CAE is: 1) to facilitate links between architecture organizations, K–12 educators and K–12 students, particularly in underserved neighborhoods; 2) to provide scalable training courses, workshops, and mentorship opportunities for professionals and undergraduate/ graduate students to better prepare them to teach in K–12 and higher education contexts as well as better communicate with the communities they serve as designers; and 3) to conduct research into STEAM and design pedagogy to develop innovative educational materials and curricula.

The CAE oversees PITTSBURGH'S ARCHITECTURE LEARNING NETWORK (ALN), a collaboration among more than 15 non profits in the region, and is instrumental in regional initiatives towards equity in architecture and related professions.