1 Does the Compostela Architecture Institute provide accommodations?
The CA Institute can provide accommodations in one of the dormitories of the University of Santiago. Accommodations costs are not included in the tuition fee. The cost of a single room in the dormitory is between 18-23 euros/ day. The facilities at the dormitory building include: a common kitchen, a washing/dryer room, a small computer room. Each room has a single bed, a table and its own private bathroom.
Additional information can be found through this link: http://www.usc.es
2 Should I bring my computer/camera/video camera?
A significant part of the program are the visits to important modern architecture (Eisenman, Siza, Chipperfield, Isozaki, Grimshaw, Gallego) and sites in the old Medieval city of Santiago. Photographic means of recording these sites and buildings could help you understand their space, light, etc. However, keep in mind that we will be visiting some construction sites and looking at architecture as both a spatial construct and a tectonic assembly, because it is this program's goal to bring the students closer to the physical reality of the built object. You will be asked to sketch, notate, and diagram your understanding of both the spatial and tectonic character of the sites you visit, often while you are there. For this reason, a good quality sketchbook and an assortment of pens and pencils will be most valuable in getting the most out of the program. Please make sure all electronics you bring to the program are insured-the CA Institute is not responsible for any lost, stolen, or damaged items.
3 I am interested in enrolling in the summer program, but I already have an architecture degree. Will the program be a valuable experience for me?
Students that have previously enrolled in the summer program have come with various levels of experience in architecture, from students in their first year of studies to practicing architects. Because so much of the program involves site visits to the architecture and urbanism projects themselves, more experienced students are able to benefit from the program as much as students just starting out. Students from related disciplines, such as interior design and landscape architecture are also welcome.
4 What is the average age for the students attending the program?
The age of the students in the program has ranged from 22 to 51. The program looks for the best students irrespective of age.
5 Do I need to bring any studio tools or materials with me?
The program recommends bringing basic materials to draw and build models: a sketchbook, no smaller than 9x12cm, with good quality paper; an architect's scale (in meters); an adjustable triangle; a compass; hard and soft led pencils or led on led holders (H or 2H and 6B or 9B); white Mars erasers; black ink pens; colour pencils; calculator; French curves; an assortment of drawing papers such as 1 roll of trace, vellum and sheets of good quality opaque paper; and tools to build models with lightweight materials such as paper, foam, etc.--perhaps large and small X-Acto knives and plenty of blades, an 18"/45cm metal ruler with cork backing, and a small metal triangle. The CA Institute will also provide students with the addresses of supply stores on the first day of the program.
6 Is studio space provided?
A dedicated studio space is provided, shared by twelve students.
7 Who will be teaching the Summer School?
We are currently in the process of finalizing teaching staff and guest lecturers. Check the web page for updates.
8 How should I pay the tuition fee and the accommodations?
All the payments should be made by transfer to a bank account that the CA Institute will provide to each applicant.
9 Does the CA institute have a scholarship program?
The CA institute has a small work-study program through which part of the tuition is waived in exchange for some work done for the Institute. Only students requiring financial aid are eligible for the work-study program.
10 How many credits could I get for attending this program?
Credits for the program need to be approved by the university you are currently attending. Check with your academic advisor regarding the procedure for obtaining credit as some institutions require that the credits be approved prior to enrolling in the program. In the past, many students have been able to obtain 3 credits or were allowed to waive a required course.
11 Will I have free internet access?
The dormitory building has free WiFi access.
12 What is the easiest way to get to Santiago de Compostela?
The fastest way to get to Santiago is by plane, to Santiago's airport -SCQ. The airport is about 12 kilometres from the city centre. Other airports nearby are: A Coruña (LCG, at 62 kms), Vigo (VGO, at 91 kms), and Porto (OPO, at 280 kms).
The airlines that fly directly to Santiago's airport (SCQ) are: Iberia, Spanair, AirEuropa, Vueling, Ryanair, Easyjet.
You can also travel by train. Information about taking the train can be found in this website: www.renfe.com . There are two trains daily that travel to Santiago from Madrid and the trip takes about 9 hours (you can take an overnight train).
13 Does the tuition fee include medical coverage during the summer program?
The tuition fee does not include any medical coverage and the CA Institute encourages students to set up their own health insurance coverage for the duration of their trip. The CA Institute can also recommend an insurance company that could provide you with health insurance for the length of your stay in Spain.
14 Is Santiago de Compostela a safe city?
Santiago it is small city with a population of 50,000 and it is also the capital of Galicia, the northwest region of Spain. It is well known historically for providing hospitality to all pilgrims that have come to visit the Cathedral since the Middle Ages (Santiago's Cathedral continues to be a pilgrimage destination today). Pilgrims arrive in the city around July 24 th, when Spain celebrates the feast of St. James. It is considered safe to walk alone any time of day or night, but keep in mind that as in any European tourist destination some pick pocketing may occur, especially when it's crowded.
15 It is possible to register in the summer program after the deadline?
Late applications will be considered only if open spots remain in the program and applicants will be charged a late fee.
16 What are the course requirements for the CA Institute summer program?
LIn order to fulfil course requirements students must: attend all lectures; attend all site visits, including field trips to A Coruña, Corrubedo, and Vigo; complete assignments documenting the projects and urban environments visited; and attend all studio sessions and reviews. Students will be asked to complete a small design project that will be presented to a guest jury and graded at the end of the program. Students are also asked to keep a sketchbook to document the space and tectonics of the projects they visit, and to submit this sketchbook for review and grading at the end of the semester.
