Assistant Professor Eric Peterson is helping students bridge theory and practice—whether preparing 27 future architects for a transformative summer in Florence or guiding them through a real-world construction site at the Sinclair Library renovation. From Renaissance design in Italy to hands-on lessons with Swinerton Construction, Peterson’s teaching brings architecture to life across cultures and contexts. Read More …

Asst. Professor Peterson preps students for Study Abroad in Florence

This summer, 27 students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Architecture will embark on an immersive study abroad experience in Florence, Italy—one of the world’s most storied centers for art, architecture, and design.

As part of their pre-departure orientation, students received a curated session on how to make the most of their time abroad, led by faculty offering both practical advice and culturally enriched itineraries. The briefing covered everything from what defines “educational travel” to how best to experience Renaissance palazzos in Rome, the modernist masterpieces of Milan, and the contemporary design scene across Italy.

The session also featured tips for visiting major museums like the Uffizi and the Vatican—many of which offer free or discounted admission with advance planning. Students learned how to navigate Italy’s public transit, where and how to eat like a local (including avoiding tourist traps and identifying authentic gelato), and even how to decode local customs around hydration, dining etiquette, and interactions with Italian authorities.

From sketching in Scarpa’s gardens to catching a high-speed train to Venice, this program offers more than just an escape from the classroom—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect travel, culture, and architectural education in deeply meaningful ways.

As Dean Zell put it, “With the right tools and mindset, this trip can transform how students see the built environment—and their place within it.”

SoA Students Visit Swinerton Construction Project

In April, Assistant Professor Eric Peterson brought his Collaboration in Environmental Design class to visit the Sinclair Library Student Success Center renovation project. Swinerton Construction hosted 80 students over two days on a field trip that included interactions with project engineers and safety managers. Students were introduced to construction administration and learned about concrete structures, exterior cladding and glazing systems, HVAC and MEP systems, and interior framing and finishes. Dr. Peterson was hired in 2023 to coordinate the second-year undergraduate studio sequence and to redesign ARCH200 as a more technically rigorous course introducing materials and methods of construction. The SoA is grateful to Swinerton Construction for their willingness to host our students and contribute to their education.