FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The program has been carefully calibrated to balance in-studio mentorship and project development with time to experience the city, its cultures and its people.

The weekend inbetween weeks one and two of the program are completely free with no formal activities scheduled (unless otherwise noted on a studio page). It is often the case that participants, particularly those from abroad, will use this time to visit other cities in Japan such as Kyoto or Osaka or, alternatively, explore more of Tokyo.

At Venice Studio Tokyo all studios take place in-person in Tokyo, Japan (there is no online tuition available). The specific studio location will be announced soon. Each studio has a designated space which can also be used by participants outside scheduled class-times. All studios are clustered together for optimum social and intellectual connection between all the architects and participants across the program.

English.

Each participant is required to bring a laptop computer. Some studios may require particular software and / or physical model-making equipment. Software requirements (and any other required items) will be listed on each studio page on this website in due course. Please note that equipment and personal item insurance is the responsibility of each participant.

Organising accommodation is the responsibility of each participant. Many participants share accommodation with others in the program. Please refer to the Tokyo ‘travel & accommodation’ section of this website for more information.

Field-trips within Tokyo or further afield throughout Japan will be organised for all. These are carefully selected by the architectural practices to take full advantage of the city and to connect with the particular studio program, research and design proposal. Therefore, each studio will include one or more unique trips. Previous destinations include: the offices of Kengo Kuma and Associates, Uehara House and Centennial Hall TIT by Kazuo Shinohara, Mori Art Museum, Meiji Jingu Museum, SunnyHills Aoyama, and Sou Fujimoto’s Institut Français. (note: all field-trip costs are included in the ticket price.)

Some studios at Venice Studio partner with local organisations who act as clients for the design project or who are best placed to provide the particular studio project the best local knowledge or resources possible. Often, through the studio partner, participants are exposed to aspects of Tokyo not accessible to regular visitors. Partners may include: museums, foundations, not-for-profits, wineries / vineyards, government authorities…

At Venice Studio, the architects work closely with each studio participant throughout the 2 week program. This presents them a unique opportunity to identify suitable candidates for any available internship or work opportunities post Venice Studio. Some architectural firms join the program to specifically spot suitable candidates / future talent – consequently, participants have secured internships and work opportunities as a direct result of participation at Venice Studio. Any internship or job opportunities available are at the sole discretion of the studio directors and the firm and are not guaranteed.

Venice Studio does not issue academic credit directly. However, at the completion of the program participants receive an architect issued letter and Venice Studio completion document which may aid faculty (or place of work) recognition of your learning and experience at Venice Studio. Many schools around the world award their students academic credit for undertaking Venice Studio. Credit point allocation is at the sole discretion of your university faculty.

Each participant is responsible for maintaining their passport, securing their visa and organising there own landing card for entry into Japan (if required). Participants will be provided with a formal Venice Studio letter of enrolment to support any necessary visa application. Should you require a visa it is highly recommended to start the process as soon as possible (as the application process can be lengthy)