Barcelona is city renowned for its art and architecture. Cities around the world (including Charlotte) hope to capture elements of the human experience elicited by the physical design of Barcelona. Students will explore how political and artistic motives cause urban design decisions and the impacts of such choices on the people who live there. Using Barcelona as a learning laboratory, students will start to understand how abstract principles of design are translated into actual concrete spaces and structures.

At the conclusion of the spring semester, students will travel to Barcelona to engage the architecture and design of the city. Visits to the Barri Gotic and La Ribera neighborhoods, Gaudi’s famous Park Guell, Sagrada Familia and a hiking expedition in Montserrat are planned. Students will also practice perspective drawing and observational art-making around the city and hear from local experts about the impact of Barcelona’s urban design on its residents.

This course is most appropriate for students interested in art, design, architecture, political science, urban design or urban planning. A day of hiking is planned in addition to multiple walking tours. Students should be prepared for the physical components of this course.

The academic courses associated with this program are QLC 330 & 350: Cause & Effect in Urban Design and POL 399, ART 399. QLC 350 & ART 399 will be taught by Professor Denny Gerwin; QLC 330 & POL 399 will be taught by Dr. Aaron Houck. Students will receive a total of 9 credits (8 for QLC prep course, 1 for travel).

This is an OPEN program.

*Itinerary and planned activities subject to change.*