Architecture & Interior Design

Semester Architecture Design Studio Program

The Institute runs a number of semester and summer program tracks in architecture, design, landscape architecture, structural engineering and more. Thanks to the high caliber of its faculty, who are practicing professionals, and the Institute’s partnership with the Università degli Studi di Firenze, the programs offer a unique opportunity to work on in-progress architectural projects in the city of Florence and nearby towns in Tuscany in diverse and stimulating historic urban contexts. All courses are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

Qualified Applicants
The programs are open to architecture students who have completed at least two years of study in the discipline.

Curriculum
The semester  program consists of a requires design studio course and one or more approved architectural electives, Italian language (all levels available) and free electives from the Institutes offerings. Participants are required to enroll in the following curriculum:

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  • Design Studio or Interior Design Studio Course (5-6 credits)
  • Architecture Elective: Architecture in Context or Survey and Drawing (3 credits)
  • Italian Language: The Florence Experience (4 credits)
  • Free Elective (3 credits)

 

Our Unique Immersive Experience
The studio and elective courses, all taught by practicing architects and academics, are designed to integrate in-class teaching with visits to construction sites and field trips to other relevant destinations. Students sketch on-site and evaluate ideas for a team project—the culmination of the advanced design studio course. The program also encourages mastery and skillful integration of the complex set of variables—artistic, technical, and philosophical—that underlie the successful design of any constructed environment. Students end the program with a team project drawing from their unique experiences both in the classroom and across the “citywide campus” of Florence.

Studio Facilities and Academic Resources
The program offers students spacious and bright design studios in the historic center of Florence, equipped with review and seminar rooms, design computing laboratory, architecture library, modelling studio, and exhibition gallery. Annually updated software packages in the design computing laboratory include the complete Autodesk Suite (AutoCAD, Revit, Maya, 3D Studio Max), Adobe Design Premium Creative Suite (Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Flash, Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop, Form Z), and large format color printers and plotters. The Architecture Design Studio is entirely networked for student laptop wireless access. All participants are provided with their own individual drafting tables and workspace; these facilities are available until midnight seven days a week.

Strategic Partnerships
ISI Florence’s partners include Roger Williams University, School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation, Marywood University School of Architecture, Università degli Studi di Firenze Facoltà di Architettura, and others.

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Affilates University of Maryland University Virgina University Melbourne
  • Università La Sapienza di Roma, Facoltà di Architettura
  • The University of Melbourne, Faculty of Architecture, Building and Planning
  • Fondazione Bruno Zevi, Rome
  • University of Virginia, School of Architecture
  • University of Hartford, School of Architecture
  • Comune di Firenze
  • Comune di Castiglione della Pescaia (GR)
  • Comune di Cerreto Guidi (FI)

Your journey begins here

All students are required to submit a completed application and submit current transcripts and meet all prerequisite requirements. Admission is selective.
Apply now to begin the application and review process and discuss the program with an admissions specialist.

Still have Questions? Would you like to Speak to Admissions Specialist?