Moodle ISI Florence

As Mario Salvadori writes in the introduction to his book Structures in Architecture: "it is obvious that only a thorough knowledge of physics and mathematics can enable a designer to analyze a complex structure with the degree of precision required by modern technology. However, it is equally obvious that once the basic principles of structural analysis have been established, one does not need to be a specialist to understand them on a purely intuitive basis" (Salvadori, 1992, pp. 4-5). What is needed, Salvadori continues, is to avoid commenting only on structure or only on form. Instead, one should teach students the necessary rationale behind structural and constructive thinking in space, so that future architects can engage in meaningful dialogue with engineers. As a consequence, a purer, more orderly, and structurally sound form in design will be achieved.

Starting from this premise, without delving into complex verifications or specialized calculations, the purpose of this course is to present and discuss the following topics: the fundamental construction logics of architecture; the basic principles of structural science; the characteristics of building materials and their static behavior.

The few analytical-mathematical references and the limited use of formulas will focus only on preliminary verifications and the pre-dimensioning of load-bearing elements. These concepts can be easily assimilated into the student’s workflow from the early stages of compositional development and dimensional control in design.

The class meetings will be divided into two cycles of four lessons each, followed by a test:

●        Gravitas, or notes on the stereotomic logic of architecture;

●        Levitas, or notes on the tectonic logic of architecture.

For each of these two cycles, during the first three lessons, knowledge of the proposed topics will be deepened through the analysis of a thematic selection of case studies from the history of architecture. The main objective is to maintain antiquity and contemporaneity on a synchronic and operational level. Structural form is not tied to specific linguistic trends, nor do these trends have any inherent connection to one architectural movement or another, anywhere in the world. Through the systematic use of guided readings – both compositional and structural – on ‘timeless’ masterpieces, the aim is to contribute to the development of a mature structural awareness in students, which will be essential for their future professional practice.

The fourth lesson of each cycle will focus on the static principles related to the two macro-themes – stereotomic and tectonic logic in architecture – along with the corresponding tools for the pre-dimensioning of structural elements. At the end of this fourth lesson, there will be a roundtable discussion, in which students will present their contributions to the iconographic research that inspired Assignment #2. This will help students to consolidate all the information gathered throughout the lecture cycle. Each cycle will end with a short learning assessment test.

In a nutshell, we may say that the primary goal of this course is to help students understand what Kurt Siegel called "the meaning of built things" (Siegel, Structure and Form in Modern Architecture, 1968, p. 6), to spark their interest and encourage them to pursue a more detailed study of this subject.

What is “Social Media”- and how will developing media skills help students plan successful careers in the world of food? The world of social media has its specialized vocabulary for food studies as well as other fields.

Key terms such as "strategy," "engagement," and "content" form the basis of our study.

More importantly, we may say that social media today is a "must" not only for any business company seeking a place in the market but also for anyone willing to emerge professionally and build a career in a society where most people expect to have whatever they need whenever they want.

This course will examine the prominence, variety, cultural distinctiveness and functions of sports (and spectacles) in ancient and modern societies. The first half of term will focus on the Ancient World, from pre-history to the Middle Ages, with a special emphasis on Greek culture and Roman spectacles. But the phenomenon of ancient sports and spectacles – the Greek Olympics, the shocking violence of the Colosseum games – will not be approached as isolated pastimes but as essential elements in social, political and religious life. Sport will be used as an historical window into human nature, cultures, and periods. 

Likewise, in the second half of term we will cover sport in the 20^th century: from the humble origins of the modern Olympics in 1896 through the use of the games and sport in general as a political-social platform during Fascism and Nazism, Communism and the Cold War, up to the most relevant social issues reflected by sport in our present time. We will explore the connections between sport and global political, social and cultural power relations. Case studies will include, in addition to the Olympics, the World Cup, the significance and potential of soccer in both Europe and the USA, the interplay of race and sport and the issues of gender and sport. 

This course is an introduction to the history and culture of the Roman world, from the Rome’s beginnings in myth and legend through its rise to domination of the Mediterranean world, its violent conversion from a Republic to an Empire, and the long success of that Empire down to its collapse in the fifth century A.D. The first part of the semester will focus on the development of Roman institutions and political system, while the second will be devoted to the social structure of the Roman Empire and the daily life of its people. As we search together to unravel the historical significance of the Roman achievement, we will look at Roman literature and religion, art and architecture, and philosophy. When possible, we will give a privileged place to primary sources in translation, letting the characters of this great historical drama speak for themselves. Our readings will be supplemented by slides, videos, and a field trip to Rome. 

This course will offer students a foundation in one of the most diffused media of the contemporary world: photography.

Students will be immersed in the world of imagery by walking tours in the Florentine landscape including urban sites and historical monuments. Florence is an ideal city for photographic imagery. Apart from hosting some of the most precious artworks, it is blessed with a variety of buildings and the unforgettable Tuscan landscape. Relying on these unique features, students will focus on beginning digital photographic techniques including professional portfolio presentation and creative thinking.

During class time there will be theoretical lectures, technical demonstrations, slide shows, practical work, critiques and photo-shooting field trips. Since photography is an art and this is a practical course, students are expected to be creative and to actively participate in class critiques and photographic practices.

This comprehensive Pre-departure Orientation Course is designed to equip you with all the information and references you need to kick off a successful study abroad experience in Italy.