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.

This is a competitive admission program. All eligible applicants will be reviewed after the posted deadline. The faculty director may conduct interviews prior to an acceptance decision being made. Early applications are encouraged.

Program ScholarshipApplicants to this program have the option to apply for a program-specific scholarship. Award recipients are chosen based on academic merit, financial need, and overall quality of their essay. Individual awards range from $500 - $1,000. To be considered, the Scholarship Essay must be completed by February 15th. Please refer to the Scholarship Essay instructions in the program application or speak with your GEO advisor for more details.

Dates and Deadlines
Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Summer 2024 2/29/2024 6/20/2024 8/18/2024

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $400 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

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

This is a competitive admission program. All eligible applicants will be reviewed after the posted deadline. The faculty director may conduct interviews prior to an acceptance decision being made. 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

Associate Professor Stephen Duff's principal interests in architecture concern how buildings are made, particularly how structure, construction assemblies, and materials relate to the spatial and aesthetic qualities of buildings. He teaches courses in architectural design, structural behavior and structural design, and a theory seminar called The Craft of Design. He is also a member of the UO Center for Housing Innovation.

Duff's specific research interests include the nature of design processes that support the integration of structure and space in architectural design, including the active use of finite-element and other digital technologies in the process of form generation and spatial differentiation; studies in methods and models for engineering and structures education; and the structure and construction of historical and modern buildings. He has a technical focus on wood structures, particularly their connections, and has conducted experimental research in heavy timber connections for architectural and seismic applications. For his work on energy-dissipating connections for timber structures, funded by the USDA's National Research Initiative Competitive Grant Program, he received the ARCC Best Paper Award at the ACSA-CIB-ARCC-SBSE International Science and Technology Conference in 1999. He is currently working on a book with the working title The Structural Order of Architecture.

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.