My Neighbor – St. Peter’s Basilica
Author: Ani Sudhakaran | Major: Architecture | Semester: Fall 2022
The Rome Center Architecture Program is really what sets the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design apart from many other undergraduate architecture programs and a major reason why I chose the program. I believe the goal of this study abroad experience is to familiarize us architecture students with an urban context, one that we are often prompted to design for. I would say this goal was successfully achieved, and I feel that I got to know Rome more intimately than any city I have ever lived in previously.
Our urban planning project in our studio course was the prime example of why this study abroad program was beneficial to me. For the first time, my design project’s site was in a location that I walked past on nearly a daily basis. This allowed me to closely observe and more accurately design for the space in contrast to other design projects where a site can almost seem ephemeral and lacks first-hand connection. I specifically enjoyed generating visuals using my own photographs of the site and inserting the rendered project I was proposing. I believe this combination of proximity and intimate exposure to a new city for which I was designing for simulated the site analysis process that practices strive for. In my opinion, it resulted in one of my most thorough and successful design projects.
Beyond the courses I took, which were conveniently structured similarly to those at the Fayetteville campus, I got a lot of opportunities to explore Europe on my own. I learned how to navigate new cities through active and public transportation, which showed me that sustainable city planning is achievable and even convenient. The density of the Roman Urban Fabric, which has been intricately planned and replanned throughout history, was such a contrast to the sprawled suburbs I have lived in throughout my life. I appreciated the numerous means I could choose from to travel throughout the city. As a sustainability minor, I really appreciated the many European values that were simple daily adjustments compared to the American lifestyle, but can have a real impact. Each entity, whether businesses or individuals, was highly conscious of their material use, disposal, and recycling. Down to the compostable grocery bags, there was a sense of environmental awareness in daily practices. I plan to carry these practices forward in my own activities and hope to see similar sustainable values take precedent in the United States as well.
Finally, every study abroad trip to Europe consists of excursions to many countries within the EU. I paid a visit to many of the major cities within Italy such as Venice, Milan, and Florence. However, the highlight for me was my trip to the Dolomites Mountain region in Northeast Italy. Upon arrival to the region, I was shocked to hear German on the train announcement system and the rest of the trip had many pleasant surprises to follow. The quaint and quiet town of Valdaora di Mezzo was juxtaposed by the magnificent and bold mountains surrounding it, giving the experience a secluded feeling. Furthermore, I got the chance to travel outside of Italy – once to Paris, France and twice to Athens, Greece. It was interesting to see the very particular and unique architectural styles in each country and even regions of Italy. Furthermore, my peers and I made it a mission to try local cuisines of each of these countries and I challenged myself to try new things. However, throughout all these locations, I was most marveled at the resilience of ancient architecture that outdates even the founding date of the United States.
In reflection of these past four months, I feel most grateful for the architectural experience I got first hand that many students only get to study through pictures and textbooks.