Example of Past Student Work
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Hear from Past Students
“The opportunity to work with and learn from Philip in Barcelona is what truly makes this program the experience of a lifetime. His expertise in the city, culture, and urban design are unmatched and he goes above and beyond with each student to make the trip academically and personally enriching.”
- Colin Keiner, MArch II Portland, 2026
"My journey in architecture thus far would be incomplete without engaging with the Urban Design in Barcelona Program; from the city's rich urbanistic history to the hyperlocal, focused design feedback from the professors, the program gave me a new perspective on how to design for place and culture whilst using modern technological methods."
- David Yoskovich, MArch II Eugene, 2026
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“My experience studying abroad in the Barcelona Urban Design Program was nothing short of incredible. Through the perspectives and insights of local instructors, as well as Professor Speranza’s unique approach to data-informed design, I was able to grow immensely as a young designer. The support I received throughout the program gave me the opportunity to explore new topics and methodologies that I will continue to implement in my design process. The program taught me to view architecture and urban design as interconnected disciplines and highlighted the importance of designing with a larger context in mind. Overall, the experience challenged me to think more critically, expanded my understanding of urban design, and provided me with valuable perspectives that I will carry forward into my academic and professional career.”
- Madison Young BArch, 2024
“Barcelona is an incredibly important city for architecture- to be there designing on the cutting edge of social housing and mass timber, under someone so connected to and knowledgeable about the city, is not an opportunity to be missed.”
-Niklas Sjogren, MArch I, 2025
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“Barcelona’s history, food, culture, innovative architecture, and world class transit systems are reason enough for any aspiring architect or urbanist to visit, but it is the care and attention that planners give to the city’s people that makes it such a valuable place to learn about what it takes to design and build healthy, vibrant communities. In addition to experiencing the warmth and energy of Barcelona first hand, opportunities to work with city planners, thought leaders, architects and landscape architects has solidified my understanding of how a successful city can operate, and has inspired my design work ever since.”
- Ashley Carr, MArch, 2024
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"Living and learning in Barcelona for three months is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The urbanism focus of the program, combined with local experts and your daily experiences, helped me to better define my interests and figure out where I want to take design. It was greatly impactful both professionally and personally. "
- Mollie McNally, MArch II Portoand, 2026