The AA

Visiting School

One – three weeks

The Visiting School encompasses diverse learning programmes, workshops and site-based agendas shaped by participants working intensively in small groups over varying periods of time from one to two weeks. Central to each programme is the idea that experimental, new and provocative forms of architecture are best learned by doing. These programmes take place all over the world, including Bedford Square in London and Hooke Park in Dorset. The Visiting School welcomes applicants in any moment of their studies and careers, from within and outside of the architectural realm. The AA Summer School Programme, also part of the Visiting School, is equally open and takes place for three weeks during the summer period.

DTA Students’ education and architectural practices post AA

Incubators

Join one of our Visiting School short courses happening around the world.

Location

Course Title

Dates

Programme Heads

Full Moon Theatre

28 February 2026 - 4 March 2026

Limbo Architecture Lab

7 March 2026 - 15 March 2026

Unreal Worlds

23 March to 4 April 2026

Reimagining the Space.Body

Summer 2026

AA Summer School Latin America

Summer 2026

Latent Space Avenida Paulista

Page:

AA Summer School Shanghai

Programmes

AA Visiting School

AA Summer School Shanghai

Dates

Summer 2026

Brief

AA Summer School. Shanghai 2025

The Summer School 2025 explored architectural, urban, artistic and design exceptions that challenge or contradict the norms and redefine the canon of architectural education.

From unconventional buildings and unique typologies to urban irregularities and design approaches that subvert traditional frameworks, our studios will explore the concept of architectural exceptions to inspire new ways to design and live.

Taking place in three vibrant cities – Shanghai, London and Mexico City – the 2025 Summer School offered a unique opportunity to experiment with your immediate surroundings while engaging in a dynamic, transcontinental dialogue.

Join us at the AA Summer School in collaboration with hosting entity, the Shanghai Institute of Visual Art in China, or in our Summer School in London and Mexico City. The AA 2025 Summer School also included one online-only unit, which will meet on Zoom alongside the on-site programme in Shanghai. The online unit will run parallel to the on-site units, and participating students will have digital access to all Public Programme events. Please note that the time zone for the online unit is CST (China Standard Time), UTC/GMT +8 hours.

Shanghai Unit Brief:

USELESSNESS - Heidegger once defined the essence of architecture as “letting dwelling take place.” However, modernism has reduced dwelling to the mere functional provision of a physical container, transforming space into a technological apparatus that isolates nature and disciplines the body.

In interaction and digital media, interface and interaction design remain fixated on optimizing algorithms and predicting user behaviour. In contrast, “uselessness” challenges this approach by radically deconstructing the cognitive dominance of digital capitalism.

Caught between efficiency and poetry, USELESSNESS questions the fundamental rules of design: when space allows free movement and interaction resists data exploitation, must design still conform to pre-set value systems? Or can rebellion itself become a framework for reimagining design methodologies?

We will explore these ideas through three stages:

Stage 1: Useless Reflection
Stage 2: Design Betrayal
Stage 3: Questioning Machines

Together, we will take on an experimental cognitive challenge, redefining the meaning of USELESSNESS in design.

Fees

Fees do not include flights or accommodation, but accommodation options can be advised.

Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and and drawing tools.

Accommodation:

The Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts has an official partner hotel on campus that applicants can book:

Name: Shanghai Visual Gaoduan Hotel (Songjiang University Town Branch)
Phone Number: (021) 67626782
Address: Building 10-2, No. 2200 Wenxiang Road, Songjiang University Town, Shanghai

In addition, applicants can choose from a variety of affordable hotels near the Shanghai Institute of Visual Arts. Reservations can be made through Chinese travel apps such as Ctrip and Qunar.

Applications

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS PROGRAMME WILL OPEN SOON

By submitting an application to the programme, participants confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to the AA Visiting School Terms and Conditions.

A small number of places are available for this programme, we advise you to secure your place as soon as possible by completing the online application and making a full payment of the fees. Please note that a deposit payment holds your place onto the course but does not confirm it.

1. Standard Application:

Click on "Apply" to log in or create an account on the Applicant’s portal.
Submit your details, select the Summer School location (Shanghai, Online-only, or London) and payment of the deposit fee - The deposit reserves your place in the programme but does not confirm you are fully registered.
Log in to the Applicant’s portal to pay the remaining fee, upload documents, monitor the status of your application and more.

2. AA Students and Melbourne University Students:

Click on "Apply" to log in or create an account with your AA Student or Melbourne University email address on the Applicant’s portal.
Submit your details and payment of the deposit fee - The deposit reserves your place in the programme but does not confirm you are fully registered.
Log in to the Applicant’s portal to pay the remaining fee, upload documents, monitor the status of your application and more.

3. Scholarship application: Bursaries applications for the Sumer School in London are now closed.

Note: Check the step-by step guide to navigate the AA Applicant's portal.

Applications deadline: Until capacity is reached.

London, UK See details on the AA Summer School: EXCEPTIONS in London tab.
Mexico City, Mexico: See details on the AA Summer School in Latin America tab.

Eligibility

Applicants must be aged 18 or over.

The course is aimed at creative minds: prospective architectural students; current architectural students who would like to experience the learning environment at the AA; those who are considering a change of school; those who have just completed school; individuals considering a change of career; and newcomers to architecture are all welcome to explore and innovate at the AA Summer School.

Visas

If you are traveling to Shanghai, China from abroad, it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold the right documents to enter the country.

All applicants entering China are required to contact the Chinese Embassy in their country of residency.

Insurance

All participants are responsible for securing their own travel and health insurance. Please ensure that your travel insurance also covers your personal belongings i.e. laptop, equipment, tools, passport etc. The AA takes no responsibility for lost/ stolen property.