MArch study trip to Andalusia: Seville, Cordoba and Granada
Key Information
Information
Application Deadline: 21/10/24 at 9:00 am
Opportunity type: Academic-led trips
Faculty: Art, Design and Humanities
Ref: 10008996
Dates
Departure Date: 19/01/25
Return Date: 26/01/25
Costs
£550: the estimated cost for travel and accommodation (excluding any support). Students will also be required to pay for: UK and in-country transfers (£50), In country travel (£35) visits (£40), food and drink, visa (if applicable)
Funding
DMU Global Bursary: £200
Booking
Accommodation: Shared rooms will be provided in a hostel
Travel: Travel booked by DMU (students travel as a group)
Contact
General Enquiries: Global Mobility Office - dmuglobal@dmu.ac.uk
Trip Lead: Ben Cowd
How to pay
Payment details: Students will be required to pay £350 as a contribution towards the cost of travel and accommodation after being offered a place on the trip. The DMU Global bursary will be deducted directly from the overall cost of the booking.
Carbon Levy
Student contribution: To offset the carbon emissions from the flight for this trip there is a £3 Carbon Levy for this trip which has been added to the total cost. Information about how this Levy will be used can be found here.
Eligibility
Year 1 and 2 MArch Architecture students are eligible to participate on 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.
About
Trip description
The MArch architecture study trip to Andalusia is designed to align with our design studio objectives, offering students exposure to Europe’s architectural masterpieces. This year, the trip focuses on Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, regions celebrated for their rich cultural and architectural heritage. The primary goal is to provide students with a first-hand experience of architectural design excellence, exploring the unique blend of Eastern and Western traditions in Andalusia. The key visits will include:
Students will analyse the environmental control and climate-responsive design systems of Moorish architecture. These historical examples will provide insights into early methods of thermal regulation, semi-indoor and outdoor spaces, and the integration of natural elements within architectural design.
Engagement in discussions and workshops will allow students to critically reflect on how these historical designs can influence modern architecture, focusing on energy efficiency, lightweight construction technologies, and the regulation of light and air temperature through architectural elements.
This trip will enhance students’ appreciation of historical architectural practices and their relevance to contemporary design challenges. By studying the sophisticated development of porous screening, layered spaces, and garden integration, students will gain valuable insights into sustainable design practices for their future projects.
Overall, the Andalusia trip promises an educational experience, blending theoretical knowledge with practical insights, and a deeper appreciation for the intricate relationship between architecture and its environmental context.
The estimated total cost for travel and accommodation for this trip to Spain is £550. Students will be expected to pay the remaining amount after the £200 DMU Global bursary is deducted from the total.
Why take part?
The MArch architecture field trip to Andalusia provides a unique opportunity for students to enhance their academic, cultural, and professional development. By visiting iconic sites in Seville, Córdoba, and Granada, such as the Alcazar of Seville, the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, and the Alhambra Palace, students will gain first-hand exposure to some of the finest examples of Mudéjar and Moorish architecture. This experience will deepen their understanding of historical and contemporary design practices.
Learning objectives
The overall objectives of this trip to Andalusia are:
Cultural activities
In addition to Andalusia’s rich architectural heritage, students will engage in various cultural activities. Students will experience Flamenco, featuring passionate performances of singing, guitar playing, dance, and handclaps. This art form vividly displays the region’s emotional and artistic spirit.
Students may also wish to go to the Carmen opera, providing insights into Seville’s dramatic cultural influence, embodying the city’s mythical image, and linking classical music and theatre. Students will also have explore crafts like furniture making, wickerwork, and musical instrument making, gaining inspiration for design and materiality in architecture.
These activities will deepen students’ understanding of Andalusia’s social and historical context, enriching their appreciation of the interplay between cultural practices and architectural innovation.