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!

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

Here is what past students have said about their ciao!  experience:

This program has opened my eyes to what it means to design with purpose. – Olivia

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The ciao! program gave me a more educational pre-college architecture experience than I would have found anywhere else. – Rose

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I was especially inspired by the emphasis on sustainable design and how my generation has the opportunity and responsibility to positively shape the future of our built environment in response to today’s global challenges. – Reese

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Most of all what set ciao! apart from other programs was the emphasis on cultural immersion and the small group with a personalized approach from the professors. Rather than sitting in a fully packed room and listening to lectures, we engaged in hands-on practices and each of us students received individual attention from the director and studio heads, who gave us many suggestions for improving our projects and bringing our ideas to life. – Marina

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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. – Ethan (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

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

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Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime. – Eric

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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