 |
Paris/Madrid Fall 2010 |
|
|
Denis Manley just returned from a Fall 2009 study abroad studio in Paris and Madrid. The group also enjoyed additional stops in Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia and a few additional, unscheduled stops. On-site lectures and Independent Study projects were organized to help students develop a final design project, an American Cultural Center in the city of Madrid. Denis focused on the experience of investigative learning and possession of a clear design intention to help student’s intensify their assembly of knowledge during travel. Learning how to explore, understand and interpret one’s environment will become a great asset as students uncover what makes successful design a reality. |
 |
A little over a month in Paris allowed students to prepare and develop the studio project. As a center for Western Culture, Paris possesses some of the finest examples of cultural institutes in the Western world. Intimate visits and personal exploration showcased the city’s precedent for multi-cultural representation. Guest lecturers, organized by Denis, provided rich insight into the subjects at hand; students were exposed to a level of intimate knowledge unobtainable by outside sources. Prior to departure, students used independent research to compliment these lectures, thus aiding in their assembly of information required for the final design. Once settled in Madrid, students were expected to skillfully choose a site, develop a program and most importantly, support their decisions for the proposed American Cultural Center. Denis Manley brings practical experience and understanding to every project he embodies. His possession of knowledge and his confidence to explore and discover will prove exemplar to the students on this study abroad trip. From the beginning, Denis is involving students in the planning process, a crucial part to his primary intent: to teach students how to organize their own personal research. Choosing an itinerary and selecting destinations will help them prepare for and present a final unabridged documentation of their design. Complete participation in both planning and execution is critical to the discovery process; Denis Manley is introducing the experience of learning how to understand the nature of our surrounding environment and he is teaching students how to apply that knowledge. There is a realization of achievement in developing a personal interpretation of ones surroundings. Mastering methods of observation and awareness are not easy to develop but this course will offer students an opportunity to step outside of their comfort zone. They will learn how to identify motives behind contemporary design and understand how cultural attributes have been significant to the application of architectural theory throughout history. Learning how to interpret their surroundings to present a positive image for the cultural center is their greatest obstacle. Multi-cultural knowledge is quickly becoming a significant influence in light of a developing global economy and the importance of understanding social context is becoming a prominent factor in design development. This overseas program is aimed at challenging the student to utilize their environment as an educational tool; a challenge that will inevitably teach them how to see the world around them. Student mobilization encouraged Denis Manley to offer this study abroad opportunity; it was their enthusiasm that inspired the organization of this trip. Because of the Fall 2009 excursion's sucess, Denis became inspired to organize another trip for similarly ambitious scholars. Plans are underway to embark again in fall 2010. Everyone had a fantastic experience. More information about the 2009 program, including the past itinerary, student work and final presentations can be found at the link to the left. And, be sure to stop by the school shop to learn more about the upcoming 2010 program, now on the horizon. Meetings are underway to assemble the 2010 class, don' t miss out! |
| Contact |