AEF SUMMER PROGRAMS 2025

Architecture and City Workshop is held in Florence, not only for its scale—where students quickly grasp the urban configuration—but also for its commitment to heritage preservation and raising awareness of the challenges posed by mass tourism—the city as a museum.

The workshop proposes urban interventions, such as creating a recess for the Uffizi Gallery (vertical), an art garden along the banks of the Arno River (horizontal), and a landscape design in the square in front of Palazzo Pitti. 
All workshop activities take place in an environment rich in beauty and cultural coexistence, enhanced by the art and culture programs offered by the AEF, which significantly enriches the educational experience for architecture students. 

If you would like to include Architecture in your course selection, please reach out to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or contact us via WhatsApp +39 345 530 7473 

Please be aware that students wishing to attend this course, must have the following required equipment:

 - digital SLR or mirrorless camera with a mid-range zoom (e.g., 18-55, 18-70 for APS-C, or 28-80 for Full Frame cameras) or with prime lenses (wide-angle, normal, telephoto lenses) + battery charger; bridge compact cameras with zoom lens and full manual controls are admitted for the course, automatic-only cameras or smartphones are not suitable;

- personal laptop with Adobe Lightroom Classic installed and at least 50 Gb of free storage memory (otherwise an external extra memory is required);

- if not available on the computer: memory card reader or data transfer cable (camera to pc).

- solid tripod suitable to hold firmly the camera standing up (Tripods may also be rented from AEF)

This course offers an introductory exploration of the principles and practices of footwear styling and design. With a focus on footwear, students
will embark on a creative journey, from drawing inspiration to crafting fashion sketches. Students have the opportunity to explore their
creative ideas and develop graphic projects for bags and shoes.
The following key steps will be covered in a concise manner:
Fashion Trends & Inspirations; Specific Shapes, Features, and Techniques for Accessories Making; Research, Moodboard Creation; Silhouette
Design; Color Palette Selection; Material Swatches Evaluation; Sketching Techniques

This course provides students with the knowledge of basic principles of fashion design and fashion drawing. Students will learn how to prepare
a collection project, from inspiration and research to moodboard, silhouette choice and fashion sketch, reaching a final personal capsule collection
(mini collection).

The course introduces the fundamental concepts and techniques of fashion accessory photography in studio and in location.
The first week is dedicated to introducing the basics of photography technique, together with digital images management and elaboration using Adobe Lightroom Classic.
Since the second week the course will concentrate on product photography, alternating shooting sessions (6, out of which 4 in studio and 2 in location) with postproduction and digital elaboration classes.
The final part of the course will be dedicated to the production of an individual portfolio with the best images realized during the course; the portfolio will be presented during the last class and will count as the final course evaluation.

Please be aware that students wishing to attend this course, must have the following required equipment:

- digital SLR or mirrorless camera with a long-range zoom lens (e.g., 55-200mm for APS-C, or 70-200mm for full-frame cameras) or with prime lenses (normal and telephoto lenses) + battery charger; bridge compact cameras with zoom lens and full manual controls are admitted for the course, automatic only cameras or smartphones are not suitable;

- extension tube for macro photography (or macro lens, if possible)

- solid tripod suitable to hold firmly the camera standing up (also rentable from AEF);

- personal laptop with Adobe Lightroom Classic and Adobe Photoshop installed and at least 50 Gb of free storage memory (otherwise and external extra memory is required);

- if not available on the computer: memory card reader or data transfer cable (camera to pc).

This is a theorical/practical course in fabric manipulation develop student awareness of design concepts, fashion trends, and new textile lines, through the use of different textile techniques. To learn how to manipulate and modify surface designs using techniques such as dyeing, painting, screen-printing, and digital printing. Besides, learning how to apply a range of unique surface treatments including embroidery, beading, and appliqué. Students will learn how to combine these techniques in a creative way, which can often be used in upcycling, so to contribute to sustainability. Students shall improve their communication skills through the presentation of concept development, trend research, and mood boards. Moreover, shall learn how to create a digital portfolio to illustrate the diverse techniques mastered and how they are integrated into the design of original textiles.

Four weeks dancing, creating, and artistically exploring Florence, Italy! This in-depth class includes learning, creating, and performing original site-specific choreography that is informed by the art, culture, history, and architecture of Florence. Students will gain professional performance and choreographic experience by performing throughout the city as well as participating in the Florence Dance Festival.

An introduction to improvising music in the jazz and related traditions, including diatonic and chromatic harmony, extended chords, modes, and jazz scales. Exercises in basic aspects of the blues and in the styles of be-bop and modern jazz.  Studetns also engage in studies of improvisation in other idioms and styles - genres which play a part in the formation and development of American styles of improvisation including folk, rock.            

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of sustainable tourism through innovative business strategies. The curriculum emphasizes balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship and cultural preservation, addressing key global challenges such as climate change, over-tourism, and resource depletion. The course includes the study of sustainable destination management, the development of eco-tourism, and the integration of ESG principles. Through case studies and collaborative projects, students will acquire the tools to design impactful, sustainable tourism solutions.

This course explores human rights and humanitarian law, tracing their historical development and contemporary challenges.  It examines their role in promoting freedom, peace, and justice, and how they constrain state power. Students engage with issues like migration, post-colonialism, and cultural integration, considering the concept of the human person in diverse contexts. Ethical debates and discussions on moral relativism deepen understanding of global issues.  The Italian approach to migration and integration is highlighted, with opportunities to interact with relevant organizations. Through case studies and projects, students gain practical insights into the effectiveness of human rights. They develop analytical tools to assess and contribute to the ongoing evolution of human rights in our interconnected world.