On April 8, 2018, an exhibition detailing a unique educational experience opened in the College of Architecture, Art and Design at American University of Sharjah. In Fall 2017, for the very first time at AUS, a group of students spent an entire semester abroad, taking courses offered by AUS while immersing themselves in their host city of Barcelona, Spain. The students also closely observed the renowned architecture practice Miralles Tagliabue EMBT.

The exhibition, Barcelona: An Exhibition of Fall 2017 Semester Abroad Student Work, shared glimpses of the 12 students’ daily lives as well as the work they produced. From sketchbooks filled with collages and drawings to well-detailed architectural floorplans and sections, the work displayed was of high quality.

Each student also displayed a montage of the sights and experiences they encountered; a collective montage of video clips revealed a variety of personal experiences. Light-hearted and informal, these montages revealed an intimate connection with the city. The exhibition literally captured the taste of Barcelona with a serving of traditional Spanish food, drink and music.

While in Barcelona and on trips around Spain, the students were accompanied at all times by a member of the Department of Architecture faculty. Professor of Practice Igor Peraza and Assistant Professor Camilo Cerro shared this responsibility and taught the core courses. Barcelona-based adjunct faculty taught two elective courses.

Professor George Katodrytis, Head of the Department of Architecture, noted that due to the program’s success, the semester abroad will be offered again in Fall 2018.