A New Experience at The Louvre

Europe 2015 and others 703Our final day in Paris and our destination is The Musee du Louvre.  This is by far one of the largest museums that my students have visited, and the layout is both daunting and a bit overwhelming. Before entering the museum we had some time to enjoy the famous entry pyramid designed by renowned architect I.M. Pei and admire the courtyard of the former palace. Once inside we were able to appreciate the beauty of the winding staircase with the integrated elevator to accommodate visitors with disabilities.  A new feature that we experienced was the hand-held individual audio/visual guides.  These proved to be extremely useful and both simplified and assisted the process of navigating through the museum.  There is a bit of a learning curve with these devices depending on your generation. Furniture at the Louvre - Cradle That is because they are actual Nintendo controllers.  If you were a fan of these video games, then you were at a terrific advantage.  In any case, even though I am not quite from the Nintendo age I did enjoy an occasional Mario Brothers game in my time, and found these audio guides to be very useful and practical. Their built in GPS system meant they could determine your location in the museum and either guide you to the next exhibit, or pause to share information on your current location.  Jewelry Cabinet at the LouvreBrilliant in my estimation.  There are some exhibits I never grow weary of.  These include the Nike of Samothrace, which had undergone a recent restoration, the apartments of Napoleon, and of course the Mona Lisa.  What a wonderful end to our beautiful Paris visit.  Of course there is much more to see and do in Paris, but the students have a strong Nike of Samothrace at the Louvreintroduction to the sights and the rich history.  I remind them to start taking note of what they want to visit on their return trip to Paris….because a single visit cannot be enough! Our coach bus picked us up outside the Louvre and we were off to the train station to take the Eurostar to London.  As we pass Garnier’s Opera house one last time I bid a fond farewell to one of my favorite cities. Now on to the next adventure….much excitement still ahead for us!

Galeries Lafayette Followed by Musee D’Orsay

Looking up at the dome at the Galeries LafayetteWe are now in the afternoon of Day 3 in Paris.  We still have some free time left, but we need to be at the Musee D’Orsay by 7:00 pm. When this tight on time the logical choice is one of the large department stores.  My favorite is the Galeries Lafayette on the Boulevard Haussmann.  It is in the shadow of the L’Opera, so an opportunity to pass by and admire Garnier’s beautiful structure as well.  There is something for everyone at the Lafayette, including housewares, gourmet foods and a lovely selection of wine. View through the clock at the Musee D'Orsay Built during the Belle Epoque the main store boasts a beautiful dome skylight with a remarkable stained glass design.  This alone is worth a visit to the store. Another special experience is taking the time to venture to the rooftop.  This is a wonderful place to take a break from shopping and enjoy an amazing view of Paris.  You are high enough to see much of the city but not so high to feel disconnected from it.  It proved a wonderful stop for a quick glass of wine before jumping on the Metro again to meet our group at the Musee D’Orsay. From Buffalo to Paris - Darwin Martin House Doors The museum was once a train station, designed for the Universal Exhibition in 1900.  The station eventually closed, and 47 years later was re-opened as the Musee D’Orsay – one of the most wonderful examples of adaptive re-use. Fine art and decorative arts from 1848 to 1914 are displayed in the museum.  It is just as interesting to study to renovated train station as it is to admire the art work.  A special treat for us from Buffalo was the art glass door from the Darwin Martin House that is on display. As this was our last night in Paris, we wanted to explore the neighborhood surrounding our hotel.  Bercy has gone through some renewal which includes many interesting cafes and restaurants.  We found a very nice spot to enjoy a traditional french meal in a part of town where once stood a brewery.  Very fun!

A Visit to a Famous Paris Cemetery

Jim Morrison grave siteOn any student study abroad trip for college age participants, free time must be factored in.  Here, a good tour guide can be a tremendous help, providing suggestions and travel routes so that each individual can make the most of this valuable time.  Prior to the Villa trip, I met with students several times and I had already provided some options for consideration.  Edith Piaf grave siteOne of these included a visit to the Cimetiere du Pere Lachaise.  Here is the final resting place for Jim Morrison, lead singer of The Doors, who died in Paris in 1971 at the age of 27.  Several students were interested in this option and so a few of us ventured out. The cemetery is a very unique place by our standards.  It is difficult to describe because you are likely to do it an injustice. Considered Paris’ most prestigious cemetery, it is set on a wooded hill overlooking the city. It is a very peaceful place, with tremendous history evidenced by the markers and striking funetary sculpture Oscar Wilde with lip stick kissesbut also extremely dense, which makes it a bit difficult to locate some of the sites.  During our brief visit we paid respects to Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde.  It was quite clear that people visit those sites often.  In the case of both Morrison and Wilde protective enclosures have been erected.  Nonetheless you can see the evidence of their admirers. As our cemetery visit drew to a close, we were happy that our free time would allow for a bit of shopping as well.  Onward to the Paris Metro….next stop the Galeries Lafayette and then on to our evening visit at the Musee D’Orsay.  As you can tell… another full day in Paris!

Montmartre and Sacre Coeur In the Morning

A view of the Sacre CoeurTravel tip to organizers – I always want a planned activity first thing in the morning.  Breakfast between 7:00 and 8:00 and meeting in the lobby no later than 9:00 am.  This is my way of knowing that everyone in the group is up and about for another day, and I can check in with each participant for any information they may need to share.  Sitting along the lawn bowling lanesOn this third day of our trip we are heading up to Montmartre and Sacre Coeur.  Visiting in the morning is quite a different experience.  The streets are relatively empty, the street sellers have not yet arrived, there are no entertainers on the steps, and there is a lovely sense of calm.  Visiting later in the day you find a noisy, boisterous crowd which is strangely juxtaposed with the beautiful serenity of the church.
St. DenisAfter taking the funiculaire up the hillside our tour guide shared the history of the area including the story of St. Denis.  We walked through the church and students were quick to make comparisons with Notre Dame.  They concluded that both cathedrals were beautiful in their own way and should definitely be visited by all. Our walk around Montmartre took us to places I had not visited before, including the sculpture of the man who could walk through walls. And who knew we would find lawn bowling lanes that included the sculpture of St. Denis holding his head? The only vineyard in Paris is also located in Montmartre. Ryan pulling the man out of the wallWe had free time for lunch and shopping and the students enjoyed seeing the local artists painting, drawing and selling their work in the open courtyard.  A small ceramics store sells the work of local artists and is a perennial favorite of mine.  I also direct the students to this shop because their prices are reasonable, their products are unique, and this is a lovely purchase to bring home as a gift.  We concluded our visit by strolling down the hill to the famous Moulin Rouge.  Moulin RougeFrom here we had the afternoon on our own to spend shopping and sightseeing before we would meet as a group to tour the Musee D’Orsay.  A few students were interested in a visit to a famous cemetery to pay their respect to Jim Morrison, among others.  I joined them as their chaperone for this small adventure.

Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe – capping off the second day in Paris

Bruning photo of Eiffel TowerThe Eiffel Tower is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist destinations in Paris.  Reservations can be difficult to come by at a reasonable price and must be booked well in advance.  However, if you visit in the evening you will have much shorter lines, and if you are lucky enough to have a sunny evening following a rainy day you are going to fare even better.  We had a very brief wait to take the first lift which will take you to the second floor of the tower.  Even from this level the views are wonderful, and there is a little gift shop there.  We were fortunate to have tickets to the summit. Kayla's photo from the Eiffel Tower This required a longer wait, both going up and coming down.  We were repeatedly reminded in several languages that pick-pockets were active in the tower and to watch all of our belongings. To the right is a view from the top, of the place we stood the day before to take our first group photo! The night was still young so we decided to take in a second iconic site which was the Arc de Triomphe.  The history of the arch and the memories of battles, leaders and fallen soldiers was very moving.  Many of the students were surprised by the height and mass of the arch.Standing beneath the Arc de Triomphe  Again, a site that must be experienced and a visit that must place you beneath the arch, and at the tomb of the unknown soldier.  The vistas down the radiating boulevards is also spectacular.  Following our visit several of us stayed to stroll the Champs Elysee and have a fashionably late dinner at the Georges V.  A wonderful end to our second day in Paris!  Tomorrow will bring an early morning visit to Sacre Coeur and Montmartre.

Villa Maria at Versailles!

The Villa group at the gates to the Palace at VersaillesGetting to Versailles from Paris is simple on the trains, and it’s a short walk to the Palace.  We were fortunate to leave the bad weather behind, at least for the stroll to the gates.  The students were immediately surprised by the size of the Palace, and I knew that their awareness was still just a fragment of the true expanse and luxury.  The best way to move through the rooms is with an individual audio guide.  In the Hall of MirrorsKeeping a large group together is more frustrating than helpful. We were fortunate to have a day that was less crowded, but that is a relative thing. Select a meeting place and meeting time and allow your members to move through the palace at their own pace.  The large tour groups who follow a leader make it difficult for other guests and probably feel people jostling them throughout their visit.  Seeing the opulence of the Palace made the French Revolution much more understandable for the Villa students. Bruning photo of Versailles 1 Visiting the private chambers and listening to descriptions of court life brought the monarchy to life, and students began to feel the place and space as it once had been.   A few were able to visit the gardens, only to be caught in another downpour.  Regardless of the inclement weather, the experience was wonderful and the lessons were powerful.  As we left Versailles behind we began to prepare for the next adventure of the day.  The poor weather was likely to work in our favor now.  We decided we would head to the Eiffel Tower, where the lines were likely to be diminished, yet the clearing weather would give us wonderful views from the top of the tower!

Interior Design Students in Paris

Our second day in Paris started early with a traditional French breakfast at our hotel.  Then it was off to experience the Paris Metro…one of the best public transit systems in the world.  In the Paris Subway waiting for our trainOur destination this morning was the Paris American Academy to visit with our favorite interior design instructor, Professor Christophe Salade.  The school is located on Rue Saint Jacques next to Val De Grace and Christophe took time to explain the history of the church as well as the building that houses the school. Students were comparing their own American history with what they were seeing and hearing and quickly were realizing how young a country the United States truly is. Europe 2015 and others 547With our busy schedule it was a joy to spend our early morning at the Marco Polo Gardens, sketching at the fountain, which actually has several names but I prefer Fontaine des Quatre-Parties-du-Monde.  It was a beautiful morning and although some of the students were worried about their drawing skills, they soon realized that by sketching the sculptures in the fountain they were discovering details they would otherwise have never noticed. We then strolled through Luxembourg Gardens, where once again Christophe shared his expertise, explaining the history as well as the present day use of the building and the grounds.  The duck house at Luxembourg GardensStudents could observe  not only the attraction this was for local residents and visitors, but also for a family of ducks …. residents of the duck house in the gardens.  So what kind of duck gets to live in the luxury of Luxembourg Gardens?  Lucky ducks for sure! Our visit was completed with a visit to Bonpoint – a beautiful example of innovative interior design for a children’s wear store.  This should certainly inspire our up and coming designers.An interior space at Bonpoint The store was an excellent example of adaptive re-use and was comprised of multiple spaces, each dedicated to a different clothing group and each with its own design inspiration. Certainly a very special learning opportunity for all of us.  Our visit with Professor Salade was rapidly coming to an end and we had to hurry back to the school to meet with our tour guide.  On the way back we even encountered a brief hail storm…. not quite the learning experience I had anticipated. We still had a busy day ahead of us though. Next stop would be the Palace at Versailles… a bit outside of Paris but just a train ride away. Kayla Alba and Ryan Morley relaxing at the Fountain

Getting Value from Study Abroad

Speak to most educators and they will agree, you cannot underestimate the value of experiential learning and where better to experience art and architecture but in Europe.  Students at Villa Maria College had this opportunity for ten days in May, travelling to Paris and London.  Some had traveled to Europe before for family holidays but most were visiting for the first time and in the end all had an experience that left them memories to last a lifetime.  And in addition to the memories the students were also able to earn three credits towards their respective undergraduate degrees.Group at Eiffel Tower  We had 19 participants on our trip which included Sandra Reicis, Associate Professor of Interior Design and trip coordinator, and Dr. Joycelyn Burdett, Assistant Professor Fashion Design and Merchandising serving as a second faculty chaperone.  According to our group tour guide, this was one of the most ambitious and robust tours that he had led.  Which gets us back to discussing value for the financial investment that a student makes in order to participate in study abroad.  As in most cases, you will get out of your education something that is relative to what you have invested in it, and in most cases the investment I refer to is more personal than financial.  Our ten day trip had an impressive itinerary.  By most accounts it sounds like a month long trip.  Prior to setting foot in Europe, students and their parents know that time will be used wisely and experiences will be varied and rich with wonderful sites, sounds and stories.  After flying through the night with hopes that everyone gets a bit of sleep on the plane, a coach bus meets the group at the Paris airport and on the way into the city we start to see Paris unfold before us… and begin to learn about new things.  A relatively quick bus tour of the city gives everyone their bearings.  Group photo at Notre DameA photo stop by the Eiffel Tower gives the local guide an opportunity to share interesting facts, including a discussion on the weight of paint, and the suggestion that before the tower can be painted again it is likely that the layers of paint already on the tower will need to be removed to maintain its structural integrity. Next stop is Notre Dame which includes a discussion about the history of the cathedral, its architectural legacy, social and political influences and interesting facts about interior details and displayed objects… including the crown of thorns worn by Christ and a sliver from his cross.  a wooden sliver from Christ's crucifixion cross on displayEveryone is given the opportunity to tour the cathedral at their leisure, visit the surrounding area with a stop for lunch, check out the books at Shakespeare & Co., where I encourage a purchase that includes a stamp inside the cover as a special souvenir and most important a chance to share first impressions.  The cathedral is always larger than expected, the windows are more beautiful than imagined, the artifacts are more special and the experience is the first step in our global enlightenment.  And just think… we have yet to check into our hotel.  That does become our next stop though, where we freshen up and then off to our first dinner in Paris.  And so the first day comes to an end, and already a sense of change is upon us.  Anticipation of the next day is only calmed by the complete need of a good night sleep to prepare us for the second day of our wonderful adventure.

When Cynthia Leibrock Came to Town…..

Villa Maria College proudly hosted the Universal Design Symposium on their college campus.  This event was open to all students in the region as well as local practicing professionals.  And better yet it was free of charge!  It started with a planned campus visit by Universal Design expert Cynthia Leibrock. cynthia portrait Her mission is to educate students and professionals on the specifics of Universal Design and encourage using these principles in all aspects of design.  To support  this mission and maximize this effort, Villa expanded the platform of speakers and opened their doors to the community.  With Cynthia Leibrock as the keynote speaker the program had a strong anchor.  She was followed by a panel discussion on the practice of Universal Design that included researcher Jonathan White, Villa professor Ryan Renshaw and practicing professional and Villa alum Laura Wax.  Prof. Beth TaukeOther distinguished speakers included Professor Beth Tauke and Dr. Korydon Smith, both from the University at Buffalo, and Dr. Alex Bitterman from Alfred State College.  Each presentation was registered with the AIA as well as the IDCEC for continuing education credits. This event was made possible with the generous support of the Interior Design Association of Western New York, SmartDesign Architecture, Eastern Energy Control Window Films, The Center for Inclusive Design and Environmental Access as well as the Irma Dobkin Universal Design Grant.  
2014-10-22 15.41.46Villa students presented their Millennium Dream House studio projects, that feature Universal Design, as poster presentations during the afternoon coffee break.  This was a wonderful learning opportunity for Villa students, who also had the added benefit of additional presentations before and after the symposium with Cynthia Leibrock.  The strongest message that was shared during the symposium, is that it is the Interior Designer who will be the leader in Universal Design, above all other design and construction professions.  The Interior Designer has the knowledge, ability and professional opportunity to improve the lives of countless individuals by incorporating Universal Design in each and every project.

Universal Design in Green Mountain Ranch Style

Recently I had the privilege of becoming a Green Mountain Ranch fellow.  I spent a week at the ranch in Northern Colorado with three colleagues from other colleges and universities in the United States.  During the week we were able to share our universal design projects, tour the ranch, experience living in a universal design home and gain incredibly beneficial knowledge and guidance from our host, Cynthia Leibrock. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMd-l-cIxSI&list=PL90A5FD3F71AFADAA

So how would I describe life at Green Mountain Ranch?  Simply said….wonderfully comfortable!  This was a most inspiring experience.  In addition to Cynthia’s remarkable home are her skills as a host and mentor. The sharing of ideas started each morning with breakfast and continued throughout the day.  Sessions were both on site and off.  As we engaged in Cynthia’s healthy lifestyle we continued our collaborative learning experience spending many hours hiking, climbing and enjoying nature at its finest. The Fellowship GroupPictured above are fellow Nancy Asay, her husband Ray, fellow Jane Huges, fellow Sandra Reicis, Frank and Cynthia Leibrock and fellow Erin Adams, as we enjoyed a collegial dinner out.  Our travels took us to breathtaking sites in Northern Colorado as well as South Eastern Wyoming.   Local Wildlife at Rocky Mountain National Park

We even saw some local wildlife who accommodated us with some pretty amazing photo opportunities. This elk is posing at Rocky Mountain National Park.