Design and Context in EuropeEuropean Cities and Landscapes

Mediterranean Cities and Landscapes

Design Drawing and Discovery Italy, France, and Spain

Design Drawing and Discovery
Italy, France, and Spain

May 24 -June 10, 2017
Application Deadline: March 1, 2017

Throughout the Mediterranean countries of Italy, France, and Spain, we will focus on the development of “critical seeing” skills, revealing relationships between culture (urban form, architecture, art) and the landscape over a wide span of history. Through a variety of methods of visual note-taking (sketching, diagramming, annotation, writing), students will enhance their observation skills; deepen their understanding of landscape, culture, history, and design; and enrich their experience of place, leaving students with lasting skills that will transform their approach to design and the experience of place throughout their career and life beyond college.

The program will take a dual approach consisting of faculty-directed drawing/sketching workshops, and self-led drawing and discovery. The program is open to all skill levels. You do not need to be an “artist” to be successful in this program. We approach drawing as an activity of exploration; not an activity concerned with pretty pictures.

Florence, Italy (4 nights)
In Florence, considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, students will explore design through history, from the Middle Ages, to the Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque periods, and identify elements prevalent in design, including formal gardens, piazzas, and cathedrals. We will visit the Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi and Accademia galleries, Ponte Vecchio, and Boboli Gardens, and will travel on day trips to Siena, San Gimignano, and villas near Florence.

Cinque Terre (3 nights)
The five cliffside villages of Cinque Terre (meaning five lands) are a juxtaposition of a rugged and beautiful landscape with the colorful villages built into the cliffs, demonstrating humans’ relationship and adaptation to a severe landscape. It is part of Cinque Terre National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The villages are connected by boat, train, and footpath only; they are not accessible by automobile. We will hike and rail between the villages, taking in the majestic coast of the Italian Riviera, while experiencing Italian village life.

Nice, France (1 night)
With a brief stop in Nice, along the French Riviera, students will see how the sea and landscape have influenced art, architecture and gardens, with visits to the Place Massena (central plaza) and a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.

Avignon, France (3 nights)
A visit to the walled city of Avignon will include the Papal Palace, the Pont d’Avignon, Avignon Cathedral, St. Pierre Cathedral; and public spaces of the city; along with the Palace Square and the shaded Place Pie with its mature Plane trees. Retrace the steps of Van Gogh and Gauguin with a visit to nearby Arles, to view public spaces such as the Place Repubique-town plaza; the Roman Arena and ancient Roman theatre ruins. Optional side trips may include Viviers, on the bank of the Rhone River, and Isle-sur-la-Sorgue on the Sorgue River.

Barcelona, Spain (4 nights)
We will explore the remarkable capital of Catalonia and experience its history from the Medieval to Modern times. We will ‘get lost’ in the medieval Barrio Gothic, experience the public spaces along the Ramblas, commonly referred to as the ‘Best Street in the World,” and visit Antoni Gaudi’s Parc Guell and Sagrada Familia, and Mies van der Rohes’ modernist Barcelona Pavilion.

Granada, Spain (2 nights)
The Moorish architecture in our final city, Granada includes the study and sketching of the 8th Century monuments of the Alhambra and Generalife, and the Carmen of the Martyrs, with emphasis on the Moors’ use and delight of water in an arid landscape. An optional side trip to the city of Cordoba will round out the exploration of southern Spain with its medieval Moorish Mesquita (built in 786) and the Open Center for Citizens Activities (built in 2010); a study in differing ideas of space and adaptation to a hot and arid environment.

Eligibility

• All Design School and HIDA graduate students and undergrads (sophomore year completed)
• Program open to all related disciplines
• Non-ASU students are eligible
• Min 2.5 GPA

Academic Program
The program will consist of faculty-led sketching workshops, seminars, field trips, and self-led drawing and discovery. Students are expected to keep a sketchbook to be used as a repository for all drawings, notes, and written work. 

LAP485 (6 credits) – undergraduate
LAP598 (6 credits) – graduate

Cost: TBD
Included in program cost: ASU tuition and fees, all transportation and lodging through the duration of the program, including day trips and entrance fees to parks, gardens, cathedrals, and museums. Daily breakfast, and a welcome and farewell dinner are also included. Not included: Airfare to and from arrival/departure cities (closest major cities are Rome and Madrid), transportation to and from arrival/departure cities, optional side trips and excursions, meals and personal expenses.

More info:
Study Abroad Office
Email: Allyce Hargrove Allyce.Hargrove@asu.edu