Summer School FAQ's
We recently held an open information session, for people curious about, or thinking of applying for, our Summer School - Summer Assembly: Earth Station.
You can read more about the ethos of the school here, and apply via the form here. To read some of the questions that were asked at the event, read on below!
FAQ’s
Q. What is the difference between the early bird tickets and standard tickets?
There were 16 tickets allocated on a first-come first-served basis. These have now been allocated (and people will be informed of this after the deadline on the 24th May). Standard tickets are ones where we will look at the applications people have made and allocate them on the basis of creating a mixed group of participants, using the information provided, that match the available spaces in the relevant workshops, trying to allocate people to the groups they have expressed preference for.
Q. What criteria is there for supported places?
There is no specific criteria for the supported spaces; we want to encourage all to apply, and they will be allocated on the basis of trying to best support those who would otherwise face barriers to participation in terms of cost or accessibility. There is a part of the application form that relates to this where you can provide information on your economic or social circumstances that will help us with these decisions. We are unfortunately unlikely to be able to offer these spaces to everyone who applies for them.
Q. What happens if you don't get a supported place?
If you’ve indicated that you would also be open to a non-supported place on the summer school, you may be offered that as an alternative option.
Q. What’s included in the price?
This includes accommodation and food for the week, along with a week of programmed activities, guided facilitation and associated materials. This does not include travel, therefore you will need to factor in getting to and from Hospitalfield, at the start and end of the week. Should you choose the camping option, you will need to bring your own tent and camping gear. Indoor and outdoor showers, bathrooms and washing facilities will be available to all. A detailed inventory of things to bring, along with a more detailed overview of the week timetable will be sent to participants in the run-up to the week of the school.
Q. What food is provided?
The amazing catering team at Hospitalfield will be providing a vegetarian menu for the week, however please state any serious allergies or intolerances in your application and we will make the kitchen staff aware. Breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with snacks and drinks, will be provided throughout the day, so for those camping, cooking equipment is not necessarily required, however you can bring this should you wish to do so.
Q. What travel options are there to Hospitalfield?
We would promote the use of public transport, where possible. However, we do appreciate this is not always achievable;
By Train: Hospitalfield is in Arbroath, on the North East coast of Scotland. Arbroath has a train station which is a 30 min walk / 5 minute taxi ride to Hospitalfield House. You can get direct trains from both Glasgow Queen Street Station, Edinburgh Waverley / Haymarket and London Euston / Kings Cross train stations (via Aberdeen routes) Those travelling from Inverness and the Highlands, would have to change at Aberdeen.
By Bus: Ember carry out routes from Glasgow Buchanan Bus Station and Edinburgh Bus station to Dundee Bus station, where you can change to the 73A to Arbroath (stop Hospitalfield Road, opposite the entrance to Hospitalfield House)
By Air: You can go via Glasgow, Edinburgh or Inverness Airports, and use one of the options above to get to Hospitalfield House itself. Dundee does have a smaller airport, with flights to/ from London Heathrow and Sumburgh, Shetland.
By car: Where possible, we would encourage a car pool to minimise the use of car travel to reduce carbon emissions. If you do intend on using a car, please do let us know so we can liaise with the team at Hospitalfield.
Any loss or damage to cars whilst on site is at the owners risk; Architecture Fringe and Hospitalfield cannot accept any liability for this.
Q. I have access to a campervan - can I use this?
There is the option of limited campervan spaces, which could be covered under the £475 ‘camping’ fee. If this is what you choose to do, then please do let us know.
Any loss or damage to camping equipment whilst on site is at the owners risk; Architecture Fringe and Hospitalfield cannot accept any liability for this.
Q. Is there parking available?
As mentioned above, there is parking available, however numbers are limited - if you are intending to drive to Hospitalfield, please do let us know so we can liaise with the team there.
Q.Is there required/expected outputs from the workshops?
Not specifically - all the workshops are process-led. We aspire for the learning and process to determine what outputs may arrive through the week although we do expect to physically make lots of stuff!
Q. I’ve already applied but want to add more information to my application prior to the deadline - is this possible?
Yes. Contact us via architecturefringe@gmail.com if you feel you have submitted an error. We will not accept amendments after the deadline or on late applications.
Q. I’ve submitted an application, but have not heard back yet. Has it been received or when will I hear back?
On Google Forms, it should confirm on the last page if you have submitted correctly. All applications will receive a confirmation email after the deadline has passed to confirm receipt of your submission and what to expect next. All applicants will be informed of the outcome by 31st May. Unfortunately we will have more applicants than places so there will be some people who aren’t able to join the school on this occasion, but we hope to find other ways of expanding this programme in the future.
Q. When is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is Sunday 24 May 2026 at 23:59 BST
Q. I missed the deadline, can I still submit?
Sadly not. Due to the limited spaces and application process, we will not be able to accept any late submissions.
Q. Will I receive any feedback on my application?
Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide feedback to applicants who aren’t successful in their application. This also applies to those not successful in obtaining a supported space.
Q. Who is the School open to?
The school is open to anyone (over the age of 18), from anywhere! We are hoping to welcome a mixed group of people from a range of different backgrounds, experiences and locations, and have an international mix of participants. You do not need to be studying architecture or design to apply, and we value a diversity of prior experiences!
Summer School Information Session Presentation Slides