Architecture in Rome
Architecture in Rome
Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or Above
Location: Europe, Italy
GPA: 2.5
Program Overview
Experience layers of history and space surrounded by a vibrant design culture through the architecture, interior architecture, and urban design of Rome. Walk through the ancient forums, sketch masterpieces of art and architecture from Ancient to Renaissance and Modern eras and learn from local and international experts about the design process and rivalries between the patrons, artists, and architects who shaped the city. See how buildings, interiors, streets, and plazas continue to sustain lively interaction in one of the world's most dynamic and eternal cities.
Architecture and interior architecture students will focus on how architecture and micro-urbanism have contributed to resiliency and sustainability of the city. Using drawing, watercolor, and multi-media approach to space analysis and documentation they will study how spatial form, light, details, materials, and colors affect micro-climates, spatial comfort, and human experience in the historic fabric of the city. Then, in studio, they will design a transformative institute that provides continuing education and inspiration for future generations of designers and migrants to learn from the past in their quest to concur climate change and provide environmental justice.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
Scholarships
There are specific scholarships available for this program. To be eligible, students must meet the eligibility criteria for the program, and submit a completed program application as well as the scholarship questionnaire within the application by the final application deadline listed below. The scholarship application for this program is a questionnaire located within the GEO application for this program (the questionnaire is a part of the online application). Awards range from $500-$1,500. Students will be notified of the outcome of their scholarship application after the final application deadline and after scholarship essays have been reviewed. Review of scholarship essays and program applications generally takes up to two weeks after the deadline, but in some cases can take longer.
Dates and Deadlines
| Term | Year | Priority Deadline | Deadline | Arrival Date | Departure Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | 2023 | 1/15/2023 | 2/15/2023 | 6/24/23 | 8/19/23 |
Academic Details
Courses will satisfy requirements in Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Product Design. ARH 4/507: City of Rome satisfies Architectural History. For Interior Architecture majors this course satisfies Western Architecture History or Subject Area Elective.
Course Equivalencies
UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.
Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.
Additional requirements
This program is suitable for Architecture majors. For all other College of Design majors, please consult with your academic advisor before applying for this program.
- Students need to be eligible for the 400-level studio sequence
Graduate Students:
- 3.0 GPA or above
Application process
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Early applications are encouraged.
This program is less than 90 days. Students with a US passport will be traveling to Italy under the Schengen Visa waiver program and do not require a travel visa for this program, and GEO is unable to assist U.S. citizens in obtaining a visa. If you are not a U.S. Citizen: Notify your GEO Advisor. Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact the Italian consulate in their country of residence about visa requirements, no matter the duration of the program of study.
Faculty and Staff
Esther Hagenlocher, Associate Professor with a joined position in the Department of Interior Architecture and the Department of Architecture, will lead the 2023 Rome program. Her interest lies at this intersection and speaks to the use of space, typically associated with issues of scale and generally understood as a matter of the building fabric, material, and detail investigations. The methods Hagenlocher teaches, and selected topics come from her professional experience and orient her teaching toward a practical understanding.
Hagenlocher's research focuses on spatial performance and perception. She has won competitions, lectured, and conducted workshops nationally and internationally on color-material studies for a more humanistic architecture. Her interest is how changing society will fundamentally change our dwellings, spaces, and cities. Architecture is a comparatively slow profession. At its best, its formal qualities reflect not only aesthetic convictions that endure. How buildings, spaces, and rooms are put together and how parts are connected to form a whole reflects the historical development of societies. Technology and the understanding of technology in its relationship to society and the economy are interwoven in this. It forms valuable knowledge that has matured over centuries and is in danger of being forgotten. This comparative juxtaposition produces a future "archaeology of knowledge." How does this play out in reality?
Prof. Hagenlocher taught previously taught the Rome program, held an award-visiting position at the Dresden Technical University, and visited study abroad programs over the past two decades.
Hagenlocher, a German-born cabinet maker and architect, has worked internationally and is an experienced traveler for professional practice, research, and teaching, often collaborating with students to experience architecture and design firsthand.
Housing Description
You will live in student housing with other program participants, within easy walking distance of the studio and class building. Each room houses 2-4 students, with a kitchenette (sink, cupboard, fridge, toaster oven, two stovetop burners), and an en suite bathroom. There is a large common area for studying/relaxing, and common cooking spaces in the complex. The complex is walled, with a 24/7 doorman, making it very secure. The housing manager in on-site in the housing office each weekday.
The complex is located in the Trastevere neighborhood, along the Tiber River. The neighborhood is young and lively, with plenty of markets, neighborhood stores, pizzerias and restaurants.
Travel Advisories
GEO programs are under continuous review during this period of global uncertainty and limited travel. All program details outlined on this page, including program cost, are subject to change if global or location-specific conditions require modifications to program structure.
To learn more about COVID regulations while studying abroad, visit our FAQ page.