This is the student zone – here they write about their experiences during the program in Volterra – and their travels, while at the program
After weeks of lectures, slideshows, and readings, we finally made it to Rome, and it was nothing like what we imagined. Everything we had learned in class suddenly felt real the moment we stepped off the bus and walked into our first church. On June 13, our first stop was Chiesa del Gesù, followed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, and...
Our time in Volterra has been filled with hands-on learning, local traditions, and creative challenges that have pushed us as students and designers. Through our studio work, alabaster sculpting, and Italian language and culture classes, we’ve had the chance to connect deeply with the historical city of Volterra, its materials, its people, and its rhythms of everyday life. Here’s a...
On Thursday, May 29th, the SACD study abroad group took a trip to Florence. Our first stop of the day was the Hospital of Innocence, which was designed by Filippo Brunelleschi. This was one of the first buildings of the Italian Renaissance to incorporate classical architectural principles such as symmetry, proportion, and the use of columns and rounded arches. However,...
It’s hard to believe how quickly the weeks are flying by here in Volterra. Between class projects and day trips, we’ve been soaking in as much as we can. Siena was an amazing experience, and seeing these historic spaces in person reminded us why we’re passionate about architecture in the first place. I have to say, Siena’s Cathedral of Santa...
Hey, Mr. Pisano! I think your tower is leaning! On May 16, our first class field trip of the program took us to Pisa, and it turned out to be a day full of surprises. For this trip, we didn’t just admire the tower from a textbook; we actually got to explore the entire architectural complex up close. This was...
On May 3rd, 2025, after a long journey, all of us SACD students finally arrived in Volterra! Located in the Tuscany region of Italy, Volterra (originally known as Velathri to the Etruscans) is a small walled hilltop town that dates back to before the 8th century BC. Staying in Volterra while learning about how it evolved over time has already...
As part of the curriculum of the Volterra-Detroit Study abroad program, students spent every Thursday sketching throughout the city. This class gave students the opportunity to explore the city and pay attention to the architectural details of Volterra. Each class focused on a different aspect of the city and a different detail in architecture. After each class, students were given...
Their final day in Rome began at the Roman Forum, with the students spending the day touring the ancient city. For the grand finale of the tour, the Colosseum. This trip was by far a favorite for many of the students and many plan to return in the future. On the last day of the trip to Rome, the tour...
The second day was spent in the Vatican. First in the Vatican Museum, then the Sistine Chapel, and afterwards in St. Peters Basilica itself. The final stop of the day was at the Spanish steps, enjoying the view from the top. The day in Rome was hot and while the heat was making it more difficult to stay energized, everyone...
The last trip as part of the program was to Rome. This was a trip that everyone was especially excited for because of its many famous attractions. The first day was packed with visits including the Trevi fountain, Chiesa del Gesù, Chiesa di Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola, the Pantheon, and a stop at the Chiostro del Bramante for coffee. The...