In this design studio, we will study the ecological and urban phenomena surrounding the problems of Urban Heat Island Effect in Naples and how both natural environmental systems and underutilized made-made infrastructural systems might be employed to solve the burgeoning problems its urban centers will face under the stresses of global climate change. We will look extensively at how hot earth further compounds the problem of UHIE and how it poses exceptional challenges within the hazards of hydrothermal and hydro-magmatic activity so common to everyday life in consideration of the unique environmental, historical, and cultural context the bay of Naples presents.
Estimated dates—final dates to be announced.
Course Dates: Jan 4, 2023 — Feb 8, 2023
Minimum 2.5 GPA required. Open to first year students with approval from the Dean of EFS.
Estimated cost—final cost to be announced.
Includes accommodation, field trips, local transportation, some meals, museum entrances, health and travel insurance. Airfare is not included.
Naples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most populous and historic coastal metropolitan areas, is under seemingly insurmountable geological and ecological risks - all this preceding the threats posed to all urban centers within the forecasts of global climate change. Irrespective to being prone to seismic and volcanic activity, the bay of Naples is an example of territorial resilience and ecological diversity. Furthermore, this often-effaced civilization has capitalized its natural resources to assert its cultural, political and economic position within a much larger map throughout several millennia. After centuries of “neglect” and losing its importance as the capital of the Mediterranean, Naples is slowly experiencing a rebirth of its economy through the industries of tourism.
Beginning with the embryonic nucleus of the first Greek settlement of Parthenope, Naples harnessed its fresh springs to provide ample drinking water for its growing population while its salubrious hot springs turned the bay into a mecca of bathing, therapeutical and recreational facilities that attracted the ancient jet-set.
Water and the management of springs and aquifers should be of primary concern to the Neapolitan region as the sheer abundance, quality and diversity in mineral content has been contaminated, channelized and squandered to the sea since the post-war industrial boom. The bay’s complex and layered geology has rendered restorative sulfurous springs from the volcanic tuff terrain and calcium rich water stemming from the Karstic aquifers of the Apennines with many of these sources conveyed to the city through natural streams and ancient conduits. Mixed with the salinity of its coastlines, these waters have nourished and diversified the bay’s ecosystems which are ideal for animal habitat, human settlement, industry and leisure. Over its long history, the water supply was harnessed, transported and exploited with imagination, design and engineering.
Permission will be evaluated through letters of interest-portfolio submission.
WS19 Italy: See Naples and Die; Credit: Meredith Binnette FAV 20
WS19 Italy: See Naples and Die; Photo: Brenda Rodriguez IL 21
WS19 Italy: See Naples and Die; Credit: Brenda Rodriguez IL 21
WS19 Italy: See Naples and Die; Credit: Arielle Eisen GL 20
WS19 Italy: See Naples and Die; Credit: Tianbao Hu M Arch 20
WS19 Italy: See Naples and Die; Credit: Arielle Eisen GL 20
WS19 Italy: See Naples and Die; Credit: Arielle Eisen GL 20
WS19 Italy: See Naples and Die, Piazza Duomo; Photo: Sketchbook by Josh Ren BArch 20, Piazza Duomo
The application for Wintersession Travel Courses 2024 is now closed.
The entire application process will be completed using an online application portal. You will be able to upload, request and submit all required documents there. Apply to a Wintersession Travel Course
If you are a RISD or Brown University student with a GPA of 2.5 and up, you are eligible to apply. Permission of the instructor is required and is based upon application and selection.
RISD reserves the right to cancel a course due to under-enrollment or for reasons related to health and safety.
Requesting to withdraw from a RISD global learning program, including Wintersession Travel Courses, prior to the start of the course is highly discouraged and requires a formal process outlined in the RISD course withdrawal policy.
Have questions? The RISD Global team is available to meet for a 1:1 advising session. We can give you more information about your study options, help you figure out which program makes sense for you, and assist you with the application process.
Schedule an AppointmentNo upcoming events for this program at this time.
No announcements for this program.