The class will use a studio format to explore existing planning and design work in Valencia, Barcelona and the landscapes of other Spanish cities for five weeks. The class will build on daily field visits to study the plazas, gardens, neighborhoods, buildings and art of the region. We will observe, sketch, measure, photograph and write about these spaces to deepen our understanding of how they function. Whether it is Cerda’s masterplan for the city or the sculptural work of American Beverly Pepper, almost every design we study will be something that works in a uniquely Catalan way. The class will also tour Central Spain to see other cities and sites that provide important cultural and historical context for Spanish design and lifestyles.

During the early portion of the class we will use sketch design problems to test how students’ understanding of this unique landscape works within existing site constraints. For the last three weeks of the semester we will tackle two larger design projects, one in Barcelona and one in Valencia. The development of site-specific design interventions will give students the opportunity to apply the lessons learned throughout the class while honing their design and representation skills.

A substantial portion of the instruction will occur in field settings. Much of the design work will be completed individually (on laptops or drawn informally) and additional small group meetings may be held in public meetings spaces at the hotel or apartments.

In Landscape Architecture, the Summer Studio Abroad fulfills the Senior year requirement for a Praxis Studio which creates an opportunity for some students to graduate a semester early. Students will learn about Spain's historic precedents and modern contributions to landscape architecture. Students will also learn through the act of design for multiple projects across scales.