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READING ROME ARCHITECTURE SUMMER SCHOOL AT THE BRITISH SCHOOL AT ROME 2026
What is the Reading Rome Architecture Summer School?
The ‘Reading Rome’ Summer School ran for the first time at the British School at Rome in September 2023. Twelve early-career architects, urban designers and engineers
attend each year. In 2023 the course was led by Irish architects Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey. In 2024 the course tutors were Stephen Witherford and William Mann; in 2025 Niall McLaughlin and Yeoryia Manolopoulou; and in 2026 Alison Brooks. 2027’s course will be led by Eric Parry.
The overarching theme of the Summer School is the relationship between architecture and the city of Rome. The focus of each course depends on the tutors (‘A Moment in Rome’ in 2023, ‘Mapping Rome’ in 2024, ‘Frames and Portals’ in 2025, ‘Hadrian’s Legacy’ in 2026). The course combines detailed site visits in and around Rome led by specialists and course leaders, with studio-based work at the BSR. The invited course tutor gives a lecture on their own practice during the course. A final presentation of work is held on the last day.
Read this blog by Beth Hicks John to get a feel for the course and watch this film of the 2025 course to get a flavour of the week in Rome.
“My experience with the Reading Rome programme was truly exceptional. I feel incredibly fortunate to have visited so many remarkable sites throughout Rome that are typically inaccessible. This opportunity opened my eyes to the richness of the city and offered a deep perspective on how cities grow and evolve over time. I am deeply grateful for the chance to meet such wonderful people who were more than willing to engage in thought-provoking debates and answer my many questions as the youngest architect in the group. This experience was both inspiring and energising, and I am excited to carry forward all that I have learned.”
Eduard Valenzuela, NoomaStudio (Summer School participant)
When is it?
The course takes place in the third week in September each year, at the British School at Rome premises and at large in the city of Rome.
How does it work?
The Reading Rome Architecture Summer School is sponsored by individual practices and studios, rather than accepting open applications from individuals. Each studio agrees to cover the costs of a student attending the course, an early career member of their practice who is selected by them following their own internal process. In addition, each practice agrees to make a matching donation to support the British School at Rome three-month architecture residency. All course costs are included (accommodation, all meals, transportation in and around Rome for site visits, specialist course tutors, entry fees), but travel to and from Rome is not included. Interested practices are invited to get in touch with Stefania Peterlini on development@bsrome.it to discuss participation.
In addition, each year the 1851 Commission generously sponsors places for Black- and Asian-led practices and architects: details of this will be advertised in Spring 2027.
Latest Events
Latest Events
As part of the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the British School at Rome, a small photographic exhibition will be held celebrating its archaeological
15 October 2026
18:00 - 21:00
Information will be updated soon.
28 October 2026
18:00 - 19:30
Founded by Gertrude Abbey in 1926, the Incorporated Edwin Austin Abbey Memorial Scholarships (now the Abbey Awards) have supported generations of British and American painters
4 November 2026
18:00 - 21:00
As part of the celebrations of the 125th anniversary of the British School at Rome, a small photographic exhibition will be held celebrating its archaeological
15 October 2026
18:00 - 21:00
Information will be updated soon.
28 October 2026
18:00 - 19:30
Founded by Gertrude Abbey in 1926, the Incorporated Edwin Austin Abbey Memorial Scholarships (now the Abbey Awards) have supported generations of British and American painters
4 November 2026
18:00 - 21:00


