Look up from your tapas and watch the flow of people—neighbors, tourists, artists, and peddlers—as they stroll down the Rambla. They disappear into the metro and resurface in a vibrant plaza or hillside neighborhood, climbing stairs to apartments that tower over this vibrant metropolis. Barcelona, celebrated for its contemporary architecture, urbanism, and landscape, is also a city with strong community identities and a long history of activism. In this class we will explore the city's urban history, housing, and grass-roots activism. With the city as our classroom, we learn through daily field trips, guest lectures, case studies, and conversations at sidewalk cafes.

Program Contacts

Program Highlights

• Live in one of the world’s great cities and enjoy its rich history and culture.
• Visit cutting edge projects in urban planning, community design, and housing.
• Experience the Spanish joy of living: long lunches, late dinners, and neighborhood fiestas.
• Stay in the bohemian neighborhood of Gràcia, in the heart of Barcelona.
• Explore the nearby Pyrenees Mountains, the Costa Brava, or the Balaeric Islands.

What Students Are Saying

• “The class helped me learn about things to consider in urban planning. The experience of interviewing locals really changed my design philosophy.”
• “This provided new and informative experiences, perspectives, and opened my eyes to more problems that communities are facing and the challenges faced to overcome them.”
• “I gained a more global view about urban planning.”

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