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Study Architecture at the Academy of Mendrisio

Bachelor's degree in Architecture
3 years, 180 ECTS

Academy of Architecture Mendrisio

H1 – Bachelor in Architettura

H2 – Laurea Triennale (Bachelor) in Architettura
3 anni, 180 ECTS

Study Architecture at the Academy of Mendrisio

The Academy of Architecture of the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) is a globally recognized school of excellence. Here, you will find an innovative interdisciplinary educational model that goes beyond the traditional way of teaching architecture and will mold you into a 'generalist' architect suited to our times.

The bachelor's degree program at the Academy of Architecture takes place in Mendrisio and spans over six semesters. In the first two semesters, characterized by introductory lectures in various disciplinary areas and initial design exercises, you will learn to master the theoretical and practical foundations of architectural education. In the following four semesters, you will deepen your theoretical and practical knowledge by attending both historical-humanistic and technical-scientific courses, as well as design studios. To acquire the skills necessary for using design tools, a mandatory practical training period at a professional studio is also included during the Bachelor's program."

Why is the Academy of Architecture is the right choice to become an architect?

Because at the Mendrisio campus, practical learning takes place in design studios under the guidance of internationally renowned professionals, complemented by technical-scientific courses addressing contemporary issues, and humanities courses encompassing historical, philosophical, and sociological teachings. This way, our students and future architects acquire disciplinary culture with an open and critical perspective, allowing them to choose, as their studies progress and through close contact with the professional world, how to delve into the design directions most suited to their sensibilities.

The Academy of Architecture in numbers

2'915 Graduates since 2002
1/7 Teacher/student ratio
97% Employment rate
450 Hours per year dedicated to design.

Francesco Rosati’s journey, now an architect in New York at OMA, began at the Accademia di Mendrisio and was enriched by international experiences with Junya Ishigami and Studio Mumbai. For him, USI represented a unique place to cultivate ideas, critical thinking, and passion—qualities that now guide his global career.  

Francesco Rosati, Architect, OMA (Office for Metropolitan Architecture), New York. Graduated from the Academy of Architecture in 2019

Rosati_BARC

Key points

The guarantee of Swiss universities
The Academy of Architecture of USI benefits from international exchanges, renowned research, and student involvement, combining Swiss quality with an agile structure.
A place of cultural openness
Mendrisio, a crossroads between Como and Lugano, with historical architectural roots, now hosts an international Academy, promoting diverse cultural and educational exchange.
Internationally renowned professors in a family-like environment
The international faculty ensures quality and renown. The Academy, with careful attention to its size, provides a 'family-like' and engaging learning environment.

The Mendrisio campus

The location of the Academy, situated close to yet outside metropolitan areas, supports a student-focused lifestyle while still allowing easy access to nearby cities. The various buildings that make up the Mendrisio campus are arranged around the park: Villa Argentina (home to the management, administration, student office, and research institutes), Palazzo Canavée, and Palazzo Turconi (teaching facilities), along with the Library and the Teatro dell’Architettura Mendrisio (TAM), which hosts exhibitions, lectures, and cultural events.
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Download brochure

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