Summer 2027 Programs in South America
Social Architecture in Practice: Learning from Colombia
Students will examine how libraries, schools, public parks, cable cars, and community centers have shaped the social and cultural fabric of cities across the country. Through visits to projects including the Biblioteca España, Biblioteca León de Greiff, Medellín’s transformed water tanks, Barranquilla’s eco-parks, and Bogotá’s CEFE community centers, students will explore how architects have developed innovative, context-sensitive approaches to creating more equitable urban environments. (ARC 500, 3 credits)
Peru and the Machu Picchu Trek: Human Adaptation to High Altitude
This course will be centered on the legendary trek to Machu Picchu, Peru, bringing students first to the Peruvian capital city of Lima, and then into the highland Andes mountains for multiple days of instruction in the city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca empire. Cusco is at approximately 11,000 feet above sea-level, and the breathtaking 5-day hiking trek to Machu Picchu crosses mountain passes at nearly 16,000 feet above sea- level. Physiological data will be collected and interpreted during the trek to reinforce concepts introduced during class periods and to monitor student health. (3 credits, EXE 500)