Final day

Today was kinda an up and down in the group. We started the day with the Bauhaus which was very interesting. I could see the prevalence that it played in graphic design history. Again I wish I had a little more back round and had taken graphic design history previously to visiting these sights but I think it will definitely add to the class once I take it. The group was a little grumpy during the tour due to the fact that I think we were all very run down and at the end of our ropes but the fun workshop where we got to design and build our our teacups and teapots I think was a nice break. I really enjoyed the workshop and thought it was a fun way to put the principals of the Bauhaus into practice. We then went to chocolate store that features a lot of Bauhaus architecture where everyone really pepped up as we bought our weight in chocolate. The closing remarks with Fran made me really appreciate this trip and think back on all the good times I had that I will remember for the rest of my life. I am so happy I went on this trip and it helped me learn about design and other cultures that I wouldn't have been able to in the states.

Free day in Berlin

After Today was a great day. It was a little more relaxed then usually but it was a nice change of pace. We got a ticket for the sight seeing tour bus so we could get on and off at different location and attractions that we wanted to see. We got off at check point Charlie and saw the recreation of that the wall looked like while it was up which was pretty cool. We also go off and saw these beautiful buildings that we re two museums and a theatre and they were very grand and regal to look at. We saw a very different side of town today that was much more clean and polished then the other parts of town we had seen so far. I liked this part of town equally as much; it was much more of a tourist area but it was very picturesque and had the buildings you'd think of when you think of a europian city.  After we finished the tour on the bus me and Linsey went across the river and got some snacks and hung out by the river and listened to some good music. For dinner we went to the German restaurant that Fran suggested and it was amazing. It was probably some of the best steak and potatoes bi have ever had, and I've had a lot of steak and potatoes. The atomosphere of the restaurant was very lively and fun and I really enjoyed the over all experience. I am excited for our final day of the trip I think Bauhaus will be very interesting and informative. 

Day 10

Today was one of my favorite days. The altertive tour we took was so interesting and it defiantly was my favorite tour so far. Our tour guide although I was skeptical at first was very knowledgeable about the area and why it is the way it is. I thought the way graffiti played such a big role in the culture there was very interesting considering it was actually illegal. The part of town we toured was defiantly on the edgier side of town but it was really cool to see that type of culture when the punk and grungy culture obviously plays such a huge part in the city of Berlin. It was also interesting to to see because during my last trip to Berlin we only saw the cleaner government district of the city which is a complete 180 from the raw and the rougher part of town and it was an interesting juxtaposition to see both parts of the city and how there both so vital to the city but are so different in what they provide. We also went to the cultural fair at night which was so much fun and it was just one big party and it was great to see that side of Berlin as well. Tomorrow we will be using the sight seeing bus to see many of the other attractions in the city which I am excited to see as well. 

Berlin :)

I am so excited to be in Berlin. This was the town that I was the most excited to visit. The history that is has to offer is really cool and I am really excited to emeres my self in it. Today we walked along the graffitied section of the Berlin Wall and seeing how the artists decided to use the space that use to bring impress and turn it into a place of hope and personal expression was really interesting and inspiring to see. Another interesting thing I saw was the non official side that covered in the locals graffiti and I think it was very interesting to see how the locals expressed themselves and the huge part that graffi plays in berlin culture. We also did a duegons tour that was born entertaining and informative of how Berlin was during the medical times. I was very pleased that we decided to do that. Tonight I will be experiencing the Berlin culture through the night life and I am really excited to see that as well. I also am really excited for what tomorrow brings 

Day 9

Today was very interesting. Seeing the birth place of modern design was very intriguing. It was such a pivotal place for design and the teaching of design today that it was very important that we went. I have not taken my history of design class yet so I don't think I understood fully the importance of the Bauhaus. I'm excited to take that class and have that ah ha moment when I put all the pieces together of why the Bauhaus is what it is and why it effects today's design. The town didn't have that much to offer so I took the afternoon as a chance to relax and recharge. Dinner was beyond good and I give Fran prompts for picking it out. My favorite was my desert a delicious waffle covered in ice cream. I'm so excited to go to berlin tomorrow, it is the city I was most excited to visit and I think we are going to have a amazing time. 

Day 8 a lot of traveling

Today was a very long day of travel. We transported our selfs from Vienna to Dessua. After we took a 4 1/2 hour train ride to nuderberg we then found out that our train had been canceled due to strikes that we re going on. At first we we re all in a panick but Fran came to the rescue with a new plan. This new plan involved another four hours in nuderberg so I ventured out with everyone in to the town. It was actually a very cute town and I enjoyed walking around and part taking in all the free samples that we re being given out at the market. After a crepe many free samples and a Starbucks I left feeling very full and ready to get back on the train. We then took a 3 1/2 hour train ride which went very smoothly and everyone found Seats despite not having reservations. Once we were done with that train we all piled in taxis to go to Dessua and crawl into bed for some much needed rest. All in all it was a very long travel day and I am ready to get some sleep so I will be ready for the day ahead. 

Vienna

Today was a very eventful day. I really enjoyed the walking tour. Our guide was so enthusiastic about the city and all the things she was showing us that I couldn't help but be equally as enthusiastic. I thought it was very interesting how the city used many different architectural styles in their main buildings. One of my favorites was the parliamentary building with the roman style Columns and sculptures. I thought it was very grand and embodied a strong government very well. I also very much enjoyed the church that was burac style. It's beautiful interior was breathtaking and I actually like it a lot better than the main church which was amazing but kinda of daunting in its gothic style where as I found the other church more beautiful. After the tour I walked around the main square and got some food that was very good. At night we went to the opera house which as s building was very beautiful but I'm not a huge orchestra fan so it wasn't my favorite thing on the trip but it was still interesting. Over all I really loved Vienna and am sad to go but I'm excited for my next adventures in Germany. 

Day 7

Today was really cool. Ars electronica was very interesting it had so many things that we re so far beyond what I thought science would be at. I really enjoyed the bottom floor it has the most interesting and interactive exhibitions. I really enjoyed the sound lab me Nikki Megan and spencer had a lot of fun in there. I also thought the robot seal was beyond cute and if I had the money I would want it for my pet. Over all I really enjoyed that visit. The train ride was very enjoyable I pasted out on it. I then left my camera on the train and had a mini heart attack but luckily Fran came to the rescue and we went back and got it. I went to a Eurovision festival at night and really enjoy the city culture and can't wait to explore it more tomorrow. 

Day 6

Today was very fun. The walking tour in the morning was very interesting and educational. I really love how much history this city has. It was very interesting that this was hitlers favorite city and he constructed two buildings in it. It was also very pretty with all of the small alley ways and courtyards. I really enjoyed the old stain glass next to the new stain glass in the church it really showed the history of the church and what it has experienced. I also think the hermit room is a very interesting idea. It seems like a good way to really re evaluate your life if it has severely gone off track. After the tour I went to the botanical gardens which were very pretty and fun to walk around even after the intense hike up the hill to get to them. I really enjoyed dinner in the beer garden it was a nice atmosphere and really good food. Over all it was a really good day and I'm very excited for tomorrow to visit ars electronica.

Day 5

Today was a travel day. It was a very eventful train. Niki sat next to a drunk rocker group who resembled a biker gang. She was then assaulted by a women who bought the wrong ticket but was determined to have her seat. Greg then had a very bad allergic reaction which was very scary but he was ok which was a very good thing. Comparatively I had a very tame train ride  . I took in the Beutiful scenery of the Austria  country side and it was truly breath taking with rolling hills and high snow covered peaks. I really enjoyed traveling by train it was a very relaxing way of travel. The city of Linz was very Beutiful with its combination of new and old architecture made me very excited for our walking tour tomorrow. I am also very excited for ars electronica I think it will be a very cool museum to visit. Over all I think it will be a very good part of this adventure. 

Second day

Today was extremely inspiring. Seeing the Basel school of art and design was truly an amazing experience. It made me think about all the things I still have to learn in design such as typography and it made me excited to learn these skills in the future at ut. These past year I have work as hard as I could have and seeing this school and the work they are producing inspired me to want to make as much work as possible or machen machen machen machen ( work work work ). Seeing the students work inspired me to also make higher quality work as to be able to be able to do my absolute when I join the world of graphic designers.

         The city of Basel was Beutiful and it seemed full of life with all of the people walking around. I really enjoyed how it was such a international city by being so close to the German and French borders I think that gives the city a more modern feel, but it still had that history of most europian cities.

        Over all I really enjoyed our day  and I can't wait for the museum and cabert tomorrow.

Day Three

Today was very interesting. I really enjoyed seeing all of the Swiss design. I thought it was very interesting to seeing how they designed and I really enjoyed how crisp and clean everything was I thought that look was very apealling to the eye. I also enjoyed seeing very old posters next to the newer posters and see how the style progressed and how they all related to one another. It made me very excited to take more design classes as I progress through Tampa because I will be able to understand the history of all the design work and why it looked they way it did and why they used certain font and not others. I think once I am able to understand that it will bring a whole new meaning to the work I saw today.

       The cabaret Voltaire was also very cool to see. It was interesting to see how the da da movement came about and learn more about it because before today I didn't know much about da da. I also really enjoyed how the place looked it had an edgy and modern vibe with all the posters and the kripta with the paintings on the walls. By visiting the cabaret Voltaire it made me want to learn more and understand more about the dada movement. 

First day

Today was very exciting. The 7 hour plan ride went by smoothly with the aid of lots of movies. Once here we walked around the city and I saw beautiful buildings that combined old architecture with new and it was a stunning and charming  combination. It showed the history of the city as well as the way it has progressed in today's society. I am very excited to tour the city in order to hear the history of the city, I think I will learn so much. We also got some food which was mouth watering and made me very excited to eat more of the food in Europe. Over all I am excited to visit Basel and see the rest of Zurich.

getting ready to go

This presentation showed me just how close we are to leaving. It got me very excited to leave and also a little nervous with all the stuff I need to accomplished before we leave. I am so excited to experience everything that this trip has to offer me.

               In Switzerland I am most excited to visit the Basel school of art. This school has so much history as well as information on design that will help me further my graphic design skills. It will also show me how other schools are learning which will open my mind to new ways and techniques of design.

               In Austria I am most excited to see the Ars Electronica. It has all the new cutting edge technology and art and I think it will be very eye opening to see the advances that the art and technology world are making.

               In Germany I am very excited to see the Bauhaus. It will be very interesting to see the first design school and it will show me the history of what I am currently studying. It was also the birthplace of the teaching design students all forms of art in foundation courses before the higher level design classes. This way of teaching is replicated in most schools and I can’t wait to see the place of its origin.

               Over all I am very excited to experience Europe; both the new culture and all of the art and design information that we will be seeing. I think this trip will be a once in a life time experience and I will learn so much in the two weeks we are there.

Vienna

I am very excited to leave for our trip. The last presentation only increased that excitement. Vienna and Austria are both beautiful places and are full of culture and art. The culture and the music scene in Vienna will be very interesting to experience. I am looking forward to experiencing my very first opera in the Vienna opera house. I’m not sure what to expect but I am sure it will be a great experience and I will be able to take away a different perspective on music then I currently have. The artistry that is also involved in the scenery and the costumes of the operas will expose me to a different ind of art then the traditional 2^D art that I am used to viewing and it will help me become a better artist as it is exposing me to new and different forms of art work.

               I am also excited to explore the city of Vienna because of it’s of all the history and culture I will be able to learn, form the beautiful buildings to the gardens and palaces that are in this country. I will be exposed to so many new things and it will allow me to open my mind to new ways of life that I do not see in the united states.

Over all I am excited to see all that the city of Vienna and the country of Austria has to offer and even more excited for our trip to start.

Ars Electronica

The Ars Electronica is a very fascinating place. It seems by far the most modern of the places we have learned about so far. It will be very interesting to learn about all the upcoming technologies. I do think Santigo had a very good point that the Ars Electronica that is the new Bauhaus in that it is pushing the Art and technology world forward. The Bauhaus was the center for innovation and discover in the graphic design world a few decades ago. Now the Ars Electronica is in the forefront of discovery in many different areas. It allows a platform for Artists who are using technology to push the envelope with their art through the prix and this competition allows the artists to show the world how they have used the 21^st century technologies to make compelling works of art. The Futurelab is also something of great importance due to the fact that that is where research are coming up with new ways to learn and express ourselves through technology. I think as artists and designs it will be highly beneficial when we visit the Ars Electronica because we will be in an epicenter of learning in innovation and as artists we want to know what all artists are doing to push their art farther in order to push our own art farther and into the 21^st century as the artist whose work is displayed in the Ars Electronica are doing.

               The city of Linz is also considered to be an epicenter of art and culture which will be very beneficial to experience all that culture in one city in order to broaden me mind and perspective as both a person and an artist.   

Bauhaus

The Bauhaus started so many graphic design movements that it seems necessary for us to visit. I think that in order to be innovative and new in your field you have to know what’s already been done and by visiting the Bauhaus I think I will be able to learn the roots and origins of graphic design and different graphic design movements and in the end be able to better my skills in my career as a graphic designer.

The Bauhaus was the first school to also decide that students needed a foundation course in order to be a well-rounded student and know all of the artistic disciplines before they specialized in their field. I have experience this foundation course ideal through both high school and college. I high I attend a magnet school where I was taught the basics in drawing, photography, film, sculpture, painting, and digital arts. After my first two years I specialized in the digital Arts but I continued to use the skills and ideas that learned in the other disciplines to bring my art to a different level. Repeating this process in college is refreshing my mind in all of the disciplines which I believe will later help me improve my digital art again. I think since I have been through this process it will be very interesting to be at the place where the foundation ideals originated.

I am also excited to go through their library because I think the more past graphic design I see the more I will be able to pull from for my work in the future.

I think Berlin and Dessau will be informative and interesting cities to visit both culturally and from a graphic design stand point and I can’t wait to visit. 

Zurich and Basel

Switzerland is going to be a mind opening experience. First I can’t wait to just experience the new cultural of a different country because it will make me a more well-rounded person as I learn different perspectives from different parts of the world. The food, the people, and the culture will be very different but I am very excited to experience them all. As an artists it is very important for me to experience as many different things as possible. By seeing different types of art I will be able to incorporate those experiences into my work.

               We will be going to huge art and design hot spots throughout Zurich and Basel which will be extremely education and eye opening. The museum in Zurich will help me see other examples of artists’ works which I am really looking forward to seeing because it will help me improve my own work, my pulling from what they have done in the past. I am also very excited to see the resources at the Basel School of design, like the libray that has so many books on design and art, and the poster collection that not only keeps track of the culture and history of the country but also the art style during different periods of time. I am also excited to go see some of the exciting attractions that we’re presented like the interactive sculpture garden, and the beautiful terrain. Over all I am very excited for all the different things I am going to experience in these towns and I think I learn so much as a designer on this trip. 

Intro

Hello my name is Hannah Rogan, I’m a freshmen and a graphic design majors. I first heard about this course in the honors presentation last semester; I was one of the three graphic design majors in a mass of sciences majors and these course seemed too good to pass up. It combined two things I love, traveling and the new and innovative design. Previously to learning about this course I had visited German and actually been to the cities we will be visiting. On these trips I did the typical tourist things and saw a lot of culture which I really enjoyed. I was not aware however that these cities we’re such a hot spot for new media and design, I learned this in the presentation last fall.

               I am very excited to explore these cities with an artistic purpose and be able to be in the places that the new trends and ideas are coming from. I also think the best way to learn is by experiencing the things you are learning about for yourself. By being immersed  in these artistic hot spots I think I will be able expand my ability and improve how I go about designing by incorporating the things I experience and learn in my work.

               The culture of these cities is also something I can’t wait to experience. By experiencing another culture I feel you are able to become a better-rounded person who is more aware of the world around them. I hope to gain some perspective of the world and learn about cultures that are different then my own.

Over all I am very excited for this course and the trip and can’t wait to experience the cities we will be visiting.