The department organized a field study to Finland for spring break. Helsinki is the UNESCO World Design Capital for 2012. A group of 12 students and faculty (plus several student relatives) spent a week visiting art and design museums, Helsinkiʼs wonderful Design District, and architecturally significant sites – especially those of Alvar Aalto. They also attended an opera (Dvorakʼs Rusalka), experienced Finnish culture and weather (some ice skating, sledding and cross country skiing), went to Tallin, Estonia for the day to see that wonderful medieval city, and took an over-night ship to Stockholm for their return to Doha. (Note: photos will be on the travel drive.)