The CIAO! Experience

ciao! Is a unique architectural immersion program offered by the international Center for Sustainable Urbanism, an education non-profit established in 2012.  Unlike other summer architecture programs offered in the States this program is international in approach.  The focus here is on sustainable and intelligent urban architecture and planning.  Rome makes a perfect living laboratory as it has survived several millennia.

The ciao! faculty are Harvard educated and have practiced for more than 30 years including international practice and education.  This faculty finds the proper balance between theory and practice, applying what is learned through immersion in the built environment to design projects that are actually reviewed by the mayor and local citizens of communities in the region around Sant’Angelo in Pontano where our studio is based.  We have had many highly successful seasons with this unique program.  This year promises to be even better!  For more information on our program download our brochure.

Our alumni have been accepted to top colleges and universities around the world, including Ivy League schools.  One alum was chosen by Forbes 30 under 30 for Social Entrepreneurship with his non-profit startup to battle air pollution. He was even featured on the cover of Forbes magazine!

Here is what he said about his ciao!  experience:

The ciao! program was an amazing, once in a lifetime, opportunity.  I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to attend this program.  We delved into Roman architecture, exploring the ancient ruins of the Forum to the modern style of the MAXXI museum.  This intensive program taught us a wide variety of concepts.  Every day was a new experience, going to a different district of Rome, learning new concepts of design or unlocking new techniques in Google SketchUp.  I will never forget everything I learned and experienced in this program. (read more)

Three of ciao! alumni have returned over the years as Teaching Assistants to the studio!

Parents have also offered their feedback:

He got accepted to every school he’s applied!  That is amazing. It was such a great experience for Brendan and I’m so glad [he] was able to participate.  It was an invaluable experience for him in so many ways.     – Debra

Thanks for your dedication.  It was truly an amazing experience for them! – Mary

Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. – Eric

Thank you for taking such wonderful care of [my son] and for providing him with such an amazing experience.  He thoroughly enjoyed every part of it. -Aileen

To full length testimonials:  Robert wrote (read more)