The Venice Architecture Studies program offers students an introduction to architecture where studio work will incorporate drawing and modeling techniques. Students also take Italian and an additional art or art history course, in one of the most artistic cities in the world. Courses are taught either at the Boston University Academic Center or at the Venice Academy of Fine Arts. In addition to regular class meetings, students have access to studios during the building hours.
Requirements & Considerations
- All students must enroll according to, and remain in compliance with, the Boston University Study Abroad Course Load Policy.
- Admission requirements for all programs
Curriculum
Required Courses
Students must enroll in introductory Italian, and the following studio course.
Required Language Course:
- CAS LI 111 First-Semester Italian (4 credits)
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- Individual in Community
- Required for students without prior Italian language study.
- Students with prior Italian language experience may select a third elective course.
- Grammar, conversation practice, written exercises, and compositions.
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
Studio Course:
- CFA AR 428/528 Architectural Site Design (4)
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- Digital/Multimedia Expression
- Oral and/or Signed Communication
- Creativity/Innovation
- Introduction to architecture with a focus upon context and environment. Students will learn to analyze and design sited architecture in relation to various factors (e.g., climate, landscape, urbanism, and/or region). Work will incorporate drawing and modeling techniques, and will be advanced primarily through independent studio exploration guided by critical discussions and presentations with the instructor, guest critics, and the studio at large.
- AR 428 and AR 528 meet together, however students taking AR 528 are given more advanced assignments.
- Syllabus
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
Elective Courses
Students choose two courses from this list. Electives are open to all students.
- CAS AH 354 Image and Word in Venetian Renaissance Art (4 credits)
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- Aesthetic Exploration
- Writing Intensive course
- Students explore in-class and on-site XIV to XVI century Venetian Renaissance art, the relation between Renaissance art and Venice, the political structure of the Serenissima and the architectural program of Palazzo Ducale, trades routes and the artistic production in Venice.
- Syllabus
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- CFA AR 501 Drawing in Venice (4)
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- Aesthetic Exploration
- Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy
- Creativity/Innovation
- Students learn how to translate the experience of living in Venice into a drawing language, go beyond the stereotyped images of Venice, what elements of the past and present of the city can enrich their personal drawing style. Students will expand their technical skills by both drawing in class and on-site, through targeted exercises and creative and innovative projects. On-site practice, discussions and critiques allow students to make experience and instinctively reinterpret Venice in a set time, immersed in historical places, museums and art galleries, artist studios and artisan workshops.
- Syllabus
- This course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas:
- CFA AR 447/448 Printmaking (Intaglio and lithography) (4)
- available only to students who have studied Italian and who have room for an elective course
Housing & Student Services
- Double occupancy rooms with beds, desk, kitchenette, private bathroom, and air conditioning.
- Kitchenette includes a sink, small microwave, refrigerator, electric cook top, and basic utensils.
- Bed and bath linens changed weekly, plus weekly room cleaning.
- Board is not included in this program. A café/restaurant is available onsite (additional charges apply), in addition to kitchenette facilities.
- Common areas include study spaces, a courtyard, laundry facilities (additional charges apply), and a fitness room.
- Wireless is available throughout. 24-hour reception.
- Limited single rooms may be available, if for medical needs, for an additional charge.
Program Dates
- Fall Semester: early September to early December
- Spring Semester: late January to early May
Application Timeline
Fall Semester
- Applications Open December 15
- Applications Deadline March 15
Spring Semester
- Applications Open June 1*
- Applications Deadline October 1
This program is rolling admissions; applications are reviewed once all application materials are received, prior to all deadlines. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all required materials are received by the BU Study Abroad office. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible as some programs and internship tracks have limited space and may fill up before the deadline. Submitting a complete application prior to the application deadline, does not guarantee acceptance. Students will be emailed an admissions decision within three weeks of a completed application.
Information for BU Students Awaiting an Admissions Decision and exceptions to the standard admission calendar for all students can be found here.
Cost & Financial Considerations
- 2024/2025 Tuition & Fees: $39,834
Cost includes tuition, housing, program related activities, administrative fee, overseas medical insurance, and emergency evacuation coverage. - Budget sheet, including cost of living expenses.
- Grants and Scholarships available
