From June 9 through June 20th, Miami Beach Urban Studios played host to DD@SoBe, a two week summer program that provides an intense and enjoyable introduction to architecture and the related disciplines of landscape and interior architecture. The program takes advantage of the rich cultural context of our studios on Miami Beach’s famous Lincoln Road by using the city as a laboratory in which to study the relationships between design and the built environment.
Thirteen students spent a considerable portion of each day working on design projects, as well as engaging in group discussions with faculty from FIU’s Department of Architecture, including FIU Architecture faculty (and recent graduates) Priscilla Pagan, Marsha McDonald and Jorge Bonsenõr, as well as local designer Holly Zickler . Guest lectures by prominent local practitioners and visits to offices enhanced the learning experience, and guided tours of significant local architecture and urban design projects demonstrate the impact of design on our world.
Professor David Rifkind, the director of the program, said “It has been an intense couple of weeks – and the students have had a fantastic time. We had 13 students ranging in age from high school sophomores to young professionals thinking about changing careers. They worked on two design projects (each lasting one week) and took courses in freehand drawing, measured drawing and modelmaking. We saw real growth in their design sensibilities, representational skills and presentation abilities between the first and second weeks.”
The presence of these young creators at the Miami Beach Urban Studios has added to a wonderful culture of innovation and collaboration that is at the core of what the Studios strives to achieve every day. Congratulations to the students who completed the program so successfully — we look forward to having you back here soon!
For more pictures of DD@SoBe, please visit our Flickr account!
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