BA Architecture in Madrid

Independence

Trip price

Trip duration

All BA Architecture students are eligible to apply for this opportunity. There is a maximum of 30 places available, with a minimum of 15 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

Trip description

Students have the chance to discover Madrid through a series of specialist-led architectural walks, where the city becomes a living laboratory for learning. Through group activities, observations and discussion, you will develop a deeper understanding of how architecture, urban spaces and landscapes are experienced, designed and shaped.

The programme will explore a range of themes relevant to architectural education and contemporary practice, including housing, public and landscape typologies, climate-responsive and regenerative design, materiality and tectonics, as well as the history and evolution of architectural education and practice.

Students will have the opportunity to visit and study a range of significant architectural projects and landmarks, including the Reggio School, Iglesia Parroquial en Rivas Vaciamadrid, Espacio Miguel Delibes, Museum ABC Madrid, CaixaForum Madrid, and a selection of notable Brutalist buildings across the city. These visits will provide first-hand insight into diverse architectural approaches, design philosophies and construction strategies.

The trip will also include engagement with leading universities, engineering consultancies and architectural practices. Visits and talks are expected to involve organisations such as the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM) School of Architecture, ARUP Madrid, and contemporary architectural practices, providing students with valuable perspectives on design, sustainability, research, collaboration and the delivery of buildings and urban environments.

By connecting architectural theory, design, technology and professional practice, the trip aims to broaden students’ understanding of architecture as a global discipline. The experience will help inform future design projects, strengthen awareness of climate-focused approaches and provide insight into a variety of career pathways within the built environment sector.

Please note: The programme is currently being finalised and all visits, activities and participating organisations remain subject to confirmation and may be amended prior to travel.

Learning objectives

The lived experience of architecture, cities and practice underpins the active and participatory nature of architectural education. This opportunity will allow students to physically experience buildings that are discussed in lectures (to relate concepts learned in the design studio and technology to a real building); engage with industry in diverse contexts; and give exposure to wider global socio, economic and climatic contexts as part of the professional requirements of the course.

Belonging and community is also a key objective, as the cross year offer reflects, and is a key part of the unique architectural studio culture which scaffolds high levels of peer learning as a teaching practice. This complements assessed collaboration modules, of which an academic field trip has a measurable positive effect on engagement and belonging. By working in small research groups students will develop key design skills and essential visual literacy skills which the drawing centre and course teaching supports on campus, allowing skills to be applied and accelerated to bridge students skills gaps.

Skill development

This opportunity has been designed to help develop the following DMU Graduate Attributes:

Agility

Confidence

Critical Thinking

Organisational skills

Cultural activities

Each day is structured around academic led tours and building visits, immersing students in the heart of city districts and areas. Markets and temporary spaces will also be visited and enjoyed to help inform ideas of adaptation and flexibility which is part of the programme, this may include temporary performances, cultural activities such as music and dance, all to enjoy what the city has to offer us!