pritzker prize-winning lecturers & internships await YACademy postgraduates

YACademy returns for its fifth edition with in-person and online courses focused on different specialities of architecture and even communications. The school, funded by YAC – Young Architects Competitions – through collaborations with prestigious partners in contemporary architecture, nurtures next-gen talent in the architectural field. From Pritzker Prize-winning lecturers to hands-on workshops and even internship opportunities, it offers a unique experience to young designers that are looking for postgraduate international training.

With 30 merit-based scholarships available, follow your architectural aspirations with YACademy – here.

All images courtesy of Young Architects Competitions

7 Pritzker Prize-winning lecturers at yacademy

The interwoven relationship between students and international practices is a key component for YACademy. Young creatives have the opportunity to connect, learn and receive critic from professional voices who are shaping contemporary architecture. In 2022, the school’s lecturer panel includes seven Pritzker Prize winners: Yvonne Farrell, Shelley McNamara, Anne Lacaton, Jean-Philippe Vassal, Kazuyo Sejima, Eduardo Souto De Moura, and Toyo Ito. Further talks are set to be held by partners at Herzog & De Meuron, Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster and Partners, and numerous others.

High-standing workshops

The design of an exhibition in collaboration with Fondazione Prada (Architecture for Exhibition), the recovery of an abandoned abbey in the Irish countryside (Architecture for Heritage), the design of a pop-up store for 10 Corso Como (Architecture for Fashion), or the design of a paediatric hospital in Senegal (Architecture for Humanity): YACademy offers several workshops for subject courses in collaboration with high-standing partners. As part of such workshops, students are able to develop hands-on projects related to the topics of the chosen course, under the tutorship of internationally-renowned architectural firms such as David Chipperfield Architects, Bjarke Ingels Group, and SANAA.

360º training experience: visits, inspections, and one-day workshops

YACademy’s training offers a wide range, 360º experiences. As part of the courses, students have the opportunity to visit new architectural sites and firms that are relevant to their topics. Similarly, both in class and outside the classroom, teachers will carry out exercises and inspections to best convey the contents of their modules: ‘Architecture for Heritage’ students have the chance to fly drones for the survey of historical architecture, ‘Architecture for Fashion’ pupils will be able to visit private brand locations that are inaccessible to the public, for example some of Milan’s most prestigious fashion sites.

from workshop to construction

Brand new for 2022, YACademy adds a unique new phase within its educational courses: the construction of the projects designed during the workshops. As a rare opportunity for students, YACademy help its pupils gain practical experience on construction sites and, above all, the opportunity to build projects for clients. It is set to be a true turning point in the career paths for these aspiring designers.

One of the most excellent placement services on the market

At the end of the classes, YACademy students are offered a networking and job orientation service, which, to this date, has allowed alumni to carry out internships or collaborations with studios such as Herzog & De Meuron, SANAA, David Chipperfield Architects, and many other renowned names. The school’s foundation as a close creative community where students, lecturers and teaches can freely discourse, enables pupils to network for future opportunities. Every year hundreds of young designers take advantage of this to further their careers.