Impressions of Mexico City from NYSID’s Duffy Scholars

Corbett De Giacomo & Jee Park, recipients of the Anne K. Duffy Travel Study Scholarship, share essays they wrote during NYSID’s Study Abroad trip to Mexico City.

Students at Fuente de los Cántaros, sculpture and fountain, at Parque México

Corbett De Giacomo (MFA1) and Jee Park (MFA1) received the Anne K. Duffy Travel Study Scholarship for NYSID’s “Mexico City: Mesoamerica and Modernism” trip, which took place from May 26 to June 8, 2024. Design historian Anne Regan taught the Mexico City course, which explored principles of Modernism in Mexican architecture, interiors, and decorative arts. The course included visits to the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Parque Quetzalcóatl, La Casa Azul, Casa Gilardi, Casa Luis Barragán, and the Museo Nacional de Antropología, among other destinations. 

The Anne K. Duffy Travel Fund, established in loving memory of NYSID alumna Anne Duffy ’92 (BFA), provides scholarships and grants that enable NYSID students to study abroad in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Thanks in part to the Duffy Fund, NYSID has a unique and extensive study abroad program with design-specific opportunities on the horizon to Africa, Southern India, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and China. Corbett De Giacomo, says, “I want to thank the Duffy family. Getting this scholarship will make it financially possible for me to consider more Study Abroad opportunities, and I want to keep traveling, because this course changed the way I look at design and will profoundly impact my career.”  Says Jee Park, an international student from Seoul, South Korea, “I’ve never been to Mexico, and without this opportunity, it would have taken years before I was able to get there. . .I came back from the trip feeling much more comfortable about myself as a Korean doing interior design study in New York.”

Here are excerpts from the students’ essays on the impact of travel study, written while still on the journey to Mexico. 

Corbett De Giacomo

This is my first trip out of the country since starting my program at NYSID, and after a year of design school, I see travel through a completely different lens. Now that I’m thinking in terms of design, everything in (Mexico City) becomes a reference. It’s interesting to note how the garage door of a home can be just as inspiring as a piece of art by a world-renowned artist. Even a plate of food or a piece of jewelry in a local shop can be an inspiration for an interior.

Looking to the past as a reference for the future is incredibly important. While exploring Chapultepec Castle on a tour, I noticed the way every surface is adorned and it reminded me that art can be anywhere. In contrast, the city's modern architecture shows how contemporary design can coexist with historical elements, creating a rich, layered aesthetic. The city's unique combination of colonial, modernist, and Indigenous influences provides a comprehensive learning experience, allowing me to incorporate a variety of styles and elements into my design portfolio.

Additionally, studying in such a culturally rich environment is enhancing my ability to create spaces that are not only visually appealing, but also culturally sensitive and relevant. Understanding the cultural significance of colors, patterns, and materials used in Mexican design is enabling me to develop a more nuanced approach to interior design. This cultural competency is crucial in creating designs that resonate with diverse client bases and foster a deeper connection between space and occupant. This has made me see how to help clients incorporate their own heritage into their designs, creating spaces that tell a story and honor the history of those who came before.

The opportunity to learn about local designers and artisans is invaluable. Mexico City is home to a thriving community of craftsmen whose traditional techniques and contemporary innovations can provide new perspectives on sustainable and artisanal design practices. Engaging with these experts is enhancing my skills in using local and sustainable materials [such as lava rocks]. These collaborations are deepening my understanding of how design can reflect and respect cultural heritage. Additionally, exploring a city full of local artisans and furniture designers allows me to discover unique pieces and talents that I can support in the future to bring exclusive and culturally rich options to my design clients…

The experience of navigating Mexico City, a different cultural and professional landscape, is making me more adaptable, resourceful, and open-minded. Immersing myself in a new culture is fostering greater empathy and creativity, qualities that are vital for designing spaces that truly meet the needs and desires of clients. . . .I know this trip will leave me with a rich repository of knowledge, skills, and cultural understanding that will profoundly influence my career as an interior designer.

Students at Chapultepec Castle

Jee Park

Studying abroad in Mexico City has profoundly shaped my understanding of architecture and design, enriching my journey as a Korean interior design student in New York. Mexico’s rich historical tapestry, spanning Indigenous civilizations, European colonization, and numerous transformative periods, provided a backdrop that illuminated the complexities of cultural identity and architectural evolution.

Learning about ancient civilizations such as the Olmecs, Zapotecs, Mayans, and Aztecs, gave me a deep appreciation for Indigenous architectural principles and the enduring legacy of Mesoamerican design. These experiences underscored the importance of heritage and context in shaping spatial narratives—a lesson that resonates profoundly with my Korean roots, where history and tradition similarly inform contemporary aesthetics.

Luis Barragán’s architectural journey served as a beacon of inspiration during my trip in Mexico City. His synthesis of European modernism with Mexican vernacular architecture exemplifies a fusion of global influences with local identity. Barragán’s use of vibrant colors, geometric forms, and interplay of light and shadow conveyed a profound emotional depth rooted in Mexico’s landscapes and cultural heritage. His approach taught me that great design transcends borders—it speaks a universal language while celebrating the unique nuances of its origin.

Most importantly, my trip to Mexico highlighted the value of embracing cultural diversity within my own design ethos. As a student navigating between my Korean heritage and the cosmopolitan design milieu of New York City, I’ve come to cherish the idea of synthesis and fusion. Rather than attempting to conform to a singular identity or design paradigm, I aspire to weave together the rich tapestry of my Korean heritage with the contemporary insights gleaned from my studies in New York. This amalgamation promises to imbue my designs with authenticity, innovation, and a cross-cultural resonance that speaks to diverse audiences. . .This journey has reinforced my belief that great design transcends boundaries, offering a universal language of beauty, functionality, and cultural dialogue.

Casa Estudio Luis Barragán

Study-Abroad Shapes Designers  

NYSID’s Office of Academic Affairs is currently planning three-week study abroad courses to Africa in May of 2025, Southern India in December of 2025, Japan in May of 2026, Vietnam and Thailand in January of 2027, and China in May of 2027. There are also a number of programs planned going to European and American destinations. 

The Duffy scholarship will be available for the Africa study abroad experience in May/June of 2025. More details about how to apply for an Anne K. Duffy Travel Study Scholarship will be released in the fall of 2024. NYSID’s leadership believes that an equitable educational community must include opportunities for students of all financial circumstances to access the college’s extraordinary study abroad offerings.    

If you are a NYSID student who wants to inquire about Study Abroad, reach out to NYSID Associate Dean Daniel Harper. 

If you are a company or individual interested in supporting Study Abroad Scholarships, reach out to NYSID Director of Development Joy Cooper.