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Academics • International Programs

Barcelona Spring Break Course in Contemporary Architecture

This Spring Break course in architecture provides an immersive experience in a vibrant European city distinguished by its architecture, social policies, urbanism, and public space. Barcelona is currently at the forefront of Spain’s drive and commitment to an environmentally informed architecture for a sustainable, modern, and climate-neutral economy.

Questions?

For more information, please contact:

Courtney Cushard
Special Programs Manager courtney.cushard@wustl.edu

or

Chandler Ahrens
Associate Professor and Chair of Graduate Architecture
cahrens@wustl.edu

Spring 2027 Course: Contemporary Practice in Barcelona

Spring Break 2027 - March 13-20

In this seminar, students will experience first-hand a careful selection of exemplary contemporary architecture conceived through environmental and social considerations. The seminar is based on building case-studies and consists of a series of lectures delivered by prominent guest practitioners on a single work (in or near Barcelona), followed by a visit with the architect to the building.

Through preparatory readings and case studies pre-arrival and on-site drawing analysis and other exercises, students will unfold the diverse design logics embedded in the building (urban, landscape, energy, material, tectonic and social) to grasp the work holistically.

1.5 Credits

Faculty
Josep Garriga is an architect and educator. He is co-founder of the Barcelona and Málaga based firm Office Shophouse, a strategic design practice he co-directs alongside by Natalia Vera Vigaray and Patxi Martin.

Eligibility
The course needs a minimum enrollment of 8 students to run. Maximum enrollment is18 students. It is open to Graduate Architecture Students, Undergraduate Junior and Senior Architecture students in Sam Fox School. Students must:

  • Must be in good academic and behavioral standing
  • Must have a passport by February 1, 2027, valid until at least June 25, 2027.
  • 3.0 GPA (Grade Point Average) or Higher. Priority is given to students with higher GPAs

Enrollment
Enroll in the course in Workday during registration in Fall 2026. Your participation will be confirmed by email in December 2026, along with guidance about flights, accommodations, etc.

Cost
The cost of the spring break trip is estimated as follows:

  • $0 Program Fee
  • $1,000 – 1,500 Round-Trip Flights
  • $400 – 1,000 Accommodations
  • $320 Food (40/day)
  • $55 Health Insurance
  • $35 – 100 Phone (cost depends on your carrier)
  • $25 Ground transportation
  • $1,835 – 2,900 Total for Course (out of pocket)

Any supplies, personal travel, entertainment, etc. are not estimated in the amount above. Students should see Candice Brooks to discuss personal financial options. There are no dedicated study abroad student scholarships or funding sources.

Program Dates

  • Departure: March 13 (Sat)
  • Arrival to BCN: March 14 (Sun)
  • Course: March 15-19 (Mon- Fri)
  • Departure back to STL: March 20 or 21 (Sat or Sun)

Flights, Visas, & Accommodations
Students must have a passport valid until at least June 30, 2027. US Passport holders don’t need a visa.Students from other countries may need a Schengen (tourist) visa. Check your status at the Spanish Consulate Chicago website. The visa application is complex and bureaucratic, so if you need it, start early. Students are responsible for the cost of the visa.

Students will book their own flights and accommodations.