ARCH 448 – Survey and Drawing: Mapping the Architecture of Florence

The outcome of this course is twofold. First, have students gain deeper knowledge of Florence and its monuments. To demonstrate their comprehension of the local man-made environment, students will be expected to produce a series of drawings. In doing so, they will attain the second main objective of this course, that is, learn a method that will be of help for the rest of their lives, as they will be trained to observe, imitate, and expand on what they see.

The course is designed for students with an intense interest in history, art, and architecture, who want to use this passion not only from a strictly intellectual point of view but to broaden their general cultural perspective as well. In terms of academic requirements, the course is particularly recommended for students majoring in Art History, Architecture, Archaeology, and Photography.

• Increase the students’ knowledge of Florence and its monuments from the Roman times to the present.
• Be introduced to a variety of survey technologies.
• Improve their drawing skills and learn a method that can be applied to different fields and career pursuits.
• Develop critical thinking and analytical tools that complement skills of synthesis.
• Become familiar with and benefit from masterpieces of Florentine art.
• Experience the visual arts from within.