Architecture and Design in Prague
Prague, Czech Republic
Why you should go
Prague, known as the "City of a Hundred Spires," is often described as a real-life fairytale city. Discover why this extraordinary city has inspired so many artists, writers, filmmakers, and designers.
The city's rich architectural heritage provides the perfect setting for two courses. The first, TDGE 125, surveys major architectural movements and styles through the lens of production design for film. Along the way, you will discover why Prague has become a major international filmmaking center, often referred to as "Europe's Hollywood."
The second course, TDDE 131, introduces the fundamentals of drawing for design and architecture. The drawing and visualization skills developed in this class will be applied to creative, project-based coursework for both courses throughout the seminar. Over the course of this five-week program, much of your learning will take place beyond the classroom through site visits, guided field trips, and cultural excursions, allowing you to experience Prague's remarkable architecture, history, and artistic legacy firsthand.
Courses
- TDGE 125GS: Topics in Theatre and Film (draft PDF)
- TDDE 131GS: Architectural Drawing + Rendering (draft PDF)
Faculty Leader
Mark Guirguismguirguis@ucsd.edu
Mark Guirguis has designed sets for many professional companies including Theatreworks, CA., Oasis Theatre Company, and Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, Tennessee; credits there include Side Man, Dinner with Friends, It Ain’t Nothing But the Blues and “Jekyll and Hyde…” for which he received an Ostrander award. As a lecturer and designer at Stanford University, Department of Drama his many credits include Equus, Cloud Tectonics, Entertaining Mr. Sloane, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Mark has also worked as guest artist for other theatre departments including those of California State University, Los Angeles and North Carolina Central University. He is currently involved with a new work about the life of artist Mine’ Okubo.
Who should go
This program is designed for anyone with an interest in and curiosity about architecture and design. No prerequisites or prior experience are required. Both courses in this program may be eligible to fulfill general education requirements. Consult your college or major academic advisor to determine how these courses will apply toward your degree and graduation requirements.
Information Sessions
- Thursday, Nov. 5, 12:30 - 1:30 PM
- Register here for the live Zoom link, and/or to get the post-session recording.
Dates
| Departure from U.S.: | Sat., June 26, 2027 |
|---|---|
| Arrival: | Sun., June 27, 2027 |
| Mandatory Orientation: | Mon., June 28, 2027 |
| First Day of Class: | Mon., June 28, 2027 |
| Last Day of Class: | Fri., July 30, 2027 |
| Departure for the U.S. (or personal travel): |
Sat., July 31, 2027 |
Flight Information
- You will be responsible for purchasing your own airplane tickets, and your program coordinator will provide guidelines and resources during the pre-departure process to help you find an appropriate flight.
- Do not purchase plane tickets until the program is confirmed . All approved applicants will be notified by e-mail when the program has reached minimum enrollment.
Global Seminar Fees
All fees subject to change. See https://summersession.ucsd.edu/tuition/tuition.html for current tuition and campus-based fees.
| UCSD | Other UC | Non-UC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Cost: (includes $500 administrative fee) |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Estimated Tuition and Campus-Based Fees: |
$2,623.24 | $2,673.24 | $3,675.24 |
| Total: (not including airfare or personal expenses) |
TBD | TBD | TBD |
Budget Calculator
- Coming soon!
Funding Options
See the funding options page to learn how financial aid and scholarships can help you pay for this program.
Local
- Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord
- Dancing House (Frank Gehry)
- Grand Hotel Europa
- Historic City Center
- House of the Black Madonna
- Lucerna Palace
- Masaryčka building (Zaha Hadid)
- Petřín Tower
- Prague Castle
- Praha hlavní nádraží (railway station)
- Wenceslas Square
- Žižkov Television Tower
Overnight Excursion to Berlin (3 Days/2 Nights)
Excursions are subject to change without prior notice. No refunds are possible.
Housing
- Shared student apartment with 1-2 students per room.
- Shared kitchen and bathroom area with roommates.
- Apartments include a washing machine with a drying rack.
- Wireless Internet available in rooms and common areas throughout the building
- Dedicated study area with a desk in each bedroom.
- Housing arrangements are subject to change based on local circumstances without prior notice. No price adjustments are possible.
Included Meals
- Welcome dinner upon arrival
- Farewell dinner at end of program
Classroom and Computer Access
- Classroom space at a local study center in the heart of the city.
- Wireless Internet in the classroom
- There is no computer lab available - plan to bring a laptop.
- Wireless access may be intermittent due to local conditions. No refunds or price adjustments are possible.
Transportation
- Airport pickup to the student housing will be offered for students whho arrive between a specified window. More information will be provided during the pre-departure phase.
- Transportation is included for all excursions outside the city.
Phones
- Information about how to obtain a local SIM card will be provided at the pre-departure orientation.
- Students will be responsible to purchase their own calling time/minutes.
Insurance, Health, and Safety
- Comprehensive insurance package will be provided through the on-site provider.
- An in-depth orientation will be given on the morning after arrival, including health and safety procedures.
- Program partner staff will be available by telephone after hours.
- All students will also be enrolled in UC travel insurance.
