Rome Studies Program
The Rome Studies Program is the only foreign studies program among American university architecture schools required for all students.
Founded by the School's then chair, Frank Montana, the Rome Studies Program began in 1969 as a junior-year abroad program. Today, third-year architecture students spend the entire academic year in Rome. Graduate students spend a semester.
With courses ranging from design studios, drawing and watercolor classes to architectural theory and architectural history, the program’s emphasis is on urbanism and the traditional city, classical architecture and the design of contemporary buildings in a classical manner following the precedents of Vitruvius, Palladio, Borromini and Bernini.
Italy's rich history provides successful examples of urbanism and architecture that have stood the test of time. Its historical models of buildings and cities are a precious resource in creating architecture appropriate for the 21st century. Students leave Rome upon completion of the program with a deeper knowledge of architecture and valuable life experience.Throughout the year, students travel to various parts of Italy: day trips within Lazio and longer field trips in the Tuscany, Veneto, Campania and Sicily regions. These trips include visits to historic sites with presentations by University of Notre Dame faculty members at the Rome Global Gateway, time for sketching, and free time to explore the cities.
Rome Global Gateway
Via Ostilia 15
00184 Rome, Italy