The London Summer Studio is an 11-week, 12-credit studio that includes 8 weeks in London and other European cities. Participants enroll in a 6-credit design studio, a 3-credit design research course, and a 3-credit net-zero tectonics course. While immersed in the contemporary and historic architectural culture of London and Europe, students design projects based on typical London building typologies and the notion of the city interior, with a strong tectonic focus and a foundation in the parallel integrated research course.

The program begins with introductory talks on the history and development of London and its architecture, as well as the launch of the integrated research course and bibliography. Weekly London visits and two guided architecture tours are offered; one in the UK plus another to Berlin and Dresden, all to visit buildings and projects relevant to the design studio. A third opportunity for travel in the UK or Europe is available within a 5-day window where students can plan their own travel itinerary with help and guidance from the studio leaders. Students are free to follow their own architectural interests.

The program is led by London-based architects, CatholicU Visiting Scholars and Kingston School of Art studio leaders Timothy Smith and Jonathan Taylor. Their expertise lies in navigating the design territory between the classical and modern, with a particular concern for context and tectonics; themes in which the architectural culture of London is rich. Students from all concentrations are welcome and will be supported in developing critical design projects, whether classical in nature or not. CatholicU Professor Dr. Nathaniel Walker provides significant input as well, in addition to London-based architects and educators who will also assist.
 

Students live in historic Greenwich on the River Thames, adjacent to the World Heritage site of the Old Royal Naval College. They are housed in University Halls with private rooms and bathrooms, along with shared kitchens and laundry. Greenwich is well connected to central London by underground and overground rail and the Thames Clipper river boats. The beautiful Greenwich Park is minutes away, as is the commercial center of Canary Wharf. The first two nights in London and accommodation during study trips may be self-booked with guidance from the instructors.