Global Architecture and Design Classes and Coursework
Authored By:
By: Masani Salazar
As an architecture student, I had many options when finding a school abroad. The main reason why I chose the Institute of Advanced Architecture in Catalonia (IAAC). Proximity to significant architectural structures such as Barcelona Pavillion, and Sagrada Familia. I was also interested in learning about computation and digital design programs. The courses I am taking are a studio, seminar, technology, and Spanish class. This course load for my semester abroad equals 15 credits. This is a full semester of credits that count toward my degree back at my home university.
Starting off with my most time-consuming class with the most credits is the Future Cities Design Studio. This class is 6 credits and uses all the concepts and information from my other 3 credit classes. But instead of regurgitating it back our studio class is there for us to be more free and creative when designing a building. Depending on which site and set of constraints are given to us by the teacher pushes us to go forward with designing. Our workload is divided up by 5 people which results in us being responsible for finding time outside of class to meet for group decisions. We use Rhino a computer-aided design program, Adobe design products, and Google Drive. Since we are always working with each other we have to adapt to using programs for collaboration. It is important for this class to stay on top of the assignments given and communicate with the group so everyone is on the same page.
Next, is the Future Cities Seminar class where the most reading and writing happens. Before each class, my group and I were assigned to read an excerpt related to the concepts of urbanization. Our homework is to annotate and rewrite the excerpts. Now that we are in a world with other AI programs it is important for us to adapt and become more mindful of this phenomenon. To understand it we use this technology to help us critically propose questions that will show us general evidence taken from the internet. This exercise is supposed to push us on how to shape our main statement. From our group's edit, we transferred our prompt iterations and rewritten, condensed statements into the class InDesign template. This workload process takes a varied amount of time depending on how long the readings are. I would say this class takes the second longest time because there is a specific process to do and we also are in a group where we have to communicate meeting times. Also, the class is aimed to help you think critically and write better when learning about urbanization concepts that reside in architecture.
Later in the week, we have our Science: Engineering and Technology class that teaches us a new parametric computer-aided program. Grasshopper is our main focus where we are introduced to how to use it. This effective tool is an extension of the Rhino CAD program. This class consists of us following the teacher and then applying it to our own investigation of parametric design. This class is the least time-consuming of my workload but only because we work in groups where we often collaborate to get our stuff done during that meeting time.
For my elective, I chose a Spanish course since I'll be staying in the country Spanish originated from. I decided to do this elective option instead of an architecture-related class because I really wanted to add to my existing Spanish skills. See myself learning and growing more with my conversation and grammar skills. In this class, we are given grammar writing homework or conjugation assignments in our activity book. This class is not that time-consuming because the assignments are not super detailed or long. We sometimes are also able to go on class field trips for example we went to Gracia neighborhood to do a tour. In this class, we answered questions about the area through the given packet. I really enjoy being in this pre-intermediate spanish course since it is so different from my other classes. Assists me in feeling more comfortable being in a foreign country with a different language from mine. Makes me feel like I'm closer to my Spanish ancestors as well.
When I need a quiet study work space I like to search for nearby libraries in Barcelona. One of my favorite libraries to study at is the Gabriel Garcia Marquez Biblioteca. This architectural piece is famously known for its sculptural exterior and interior design. It has won multiple awards for being a prestigious library, and in 2022 it was awarded the Barcelona Architecture Prize. If I don't want to go to a library I usually search on Google Maps, cafes with wifi which is really convenient since there are so many here. My favorite cafes are Indigo Cafe, 365, Viviari, and Ombu etc. Overall the workload when abroad is less time-consuming and intense compared to my home university. It is feasible to go on weekend trips to other places in Europe if you plan ahead or do it ahead of time.