Program Overview

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.

Taught In:  English

Max Enrollment:  30

Program Coordinator:  Angela McNutt

David de la Peña

Program Instructor, Department of Human Ecology

Dr. David de la Peña is an Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture & Environmental Design in the department of Human Ecology at U.C. Davis

Courses

Community and Regional Development (CRD) 153B. International Community Development: Europe (4 units)

Community and Regional Development (CRD) 198. Directed Group Study (4 units, Pass/No Pass grading only) 

or

Landscape Architecture (LDA) 191. Landscape Architecture Planning & Design Studio (5 units)

Landscape Architecture (LDA) 198. Directed Group Study (3 units, Pass/No Pass grading only)

Graduate units are available (CRD 242S and CRD 298) per the consent of the instructor.

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.

Similar Programs

• Sustainable Cities of Northern Europe (Summer Abroad)
• GIS in the Land of the Thunder Dragon (Summer Abroad)
• Design in Europe (Summer Abroad)
• Perspectives in Global Management (Summer Abroad)
• Other Programs in Community and Regional Development 
• Other Programs in Landscape Architecture 
• Other Summer Programs in Europe