Architecture in Florence
| Location: | Florence, Italy |
|---|---|
| Term: | May Term |
| Eligible Students: | U of M Students, Non U of M Students |
| Open to: | Sophomores, Juniors, Seniors, Graduate Students |
| Housing: | Apartment |
| Language Prerequisite: | No language prerequisite |
| Credit Type: | Resident Credit |
| Program Sponsor: | CDes |
Description
Through active learning and exploration, this three-week program abroad will examine the architecture, landscape architecture and urban space in Florence, Italy through multiple methods of documentation, representation and analysis. The course is structured around a series of topics that will provide a framework to examine how the city has been created, developed, and represented over time. The projects have been designed to engage students in a critical analysis of Florence through techniques of representation that will be applicable in analyzing other sites, situations and contexts beyond the city of Florence.
While the class will focus mainly on the architecture and urban morphology of Florence and its surroundings, the program will travel to other urban sites and rural environments throughout central Italy (such as Rome, Orvieto, Siena, Bologna, etc.). Led by University of Minnesota School of Architecture Assistant Professor John Comazzi.
Dates
May 23–June 21, 2013.
Curriculum
Students will develop and use a variety of representational techniques such as photography, drawing, collage, and freehand sketching as tools for analyzing and representing the city in order to gain a greater awareness and understanding beyond the casual observations of a tourist. These techniques will be used to reveal the city's multiple layers through a rigorous documentation of its urban morphology, architecture, landscapes, and materials assemblies.
On-site drawing and photography will be a significant part of this course and each project will match specific learning objectives with particular methods of representation best suited to engage with the subject matter under study. Students will be required to maintain a sketchbook during the course of the term that will be used for class notes, reading reflections, studies for projects, general observations, and on-site drawing/documentation.
Eligibility
This program is open to all College of Design students, as well as those students in the visual arts.
Estimated Cost
$4,400
Includes: Student group housing in downtown apartments with kitchens. Day trip excursions to Siena and Orvieto. Museum pass to major museums in Florence. Cultural activities (cooking classes, etc.). Airport pick-up for those students who fly into Florence. A 30 euro fund at a local copy shop.
Does not include: Most meals. Airfare. Personal expenses. Passport fees or immigration expenses. Cell phone rental.
Housing
Centrally-located group apartments with shared bedrooms, kitchens, and laundry facilities.
Contact
For further information please contact Professor John Comazzi or the School of Architecture at 612.624.7866.
