Course content

● Seeing architecture as a tool for investigating a world in radical change

● Seeking the potential in architectural design as experimental practice

● Acknowledging aesthetics and art as main dimensions in architecture

● Developing skills in open, non-linear, design processes

● Strengthen the architect’s competence in leading innovating teams

We live in a time-period of extreme challenges. The global changes of climate, biological diversity, human based consumption of natural resources, migration, worldwide pandemics etc. concerns all societies and cultures form east to west, north to south. Similar to our modern world’s incapability to turn around this dangerous development, the traditional role of the architect is in danger of being a part of the problem. To become a part of the solution, however, to rethink our role and develop new ways of thinking and acting as architects, is crucial for our society’s ability in giving form to a sustainable future.

The task of the architect is not limited to design buildings but to see and develop new solutions and visions for the challenges that in such a dramatic way is actualized. We need architects with competence to solve contradictory, messy, complex, and wicked problems that transcends our existing frames of thinking. We need architects that through creative, open, and non-instrumental methods find solutions based on an Experimental Practice.

Learning outcome

On the basis of general architect competence, the students will develop:

KNOWLEDGE as:

- an integrated understanding of the architect's role based on a diversity of architectural thinking and practice, discussions, workshops, literature studies, studies of art together with reflection on own practice.

- understanding of different ways of architectural visual communication and experimental ways of combining free form expressions with detailed and precise architectural drawings (sections / plans / elevations).

- understanding of the non-instrumental and transcending aspects of architecture

- understanding of interaction with other fields of knowledge, like art, scientific research, and hermeneutics.

SKILLS as:

- ability to develop architectural concepts as an iterative process and give concrete architectural form to complex issues.

- ability to find architectural solutions within a contradictory, non-predictable context.

- ability to deal with complex issues and diverse perspectives on the discipline

- ability in leading innovative teams

- ability to communicate architectural concepts orally, in writing, visually and spatial.

- ability for divergent thinking and master various kinds of creative methodologies at the interface between architecture and artistic processes.

GENERAL COMPETENCE as:

- by challenging conventions and develop the ability to reflect critically on one's own learning and practice

- ability to improvise and find new solutions to unforeseen and wicked problems

- will and ability to investigate issues where the outcome is unknown

- ability to handle the risk of failing, learn through mistakes and embrace the unexpected.

- ability to understand and see the potential in other discipline's way of thinking and acting

Learning methods and activities

This course must be taken concurrently with the supporting theory course AAR4692 "Experimental Practice B".

Through workshops, different exercises using artistic methods and studio work with architectural design assignments, the students will experience a wide range of learning situations and environments. Outdoors full -scale interventions may be offered as pedagogical tool.

Lectures will be given by both teachers, the students themselves and internal /external guests, along with seminars and discussions connected to workshops or lectures.

The basic activity is situated in the studio and all students must participate in building a shared, engaged, and healthy working environment.

The teacher will inform students at the start of the semester if there will be a voluntary excursion. Students who participate in voluntary excursions will be expected to pay an individual sum. Students who choose not to participate in the voluntary excursion will be offered an alternative teaching plan.

Further on evaluation

Grades are based on portfolio assessment and oral presentation. The nature and scope of the various works will be announced at the start of the semester. An oral presentation of the project work will be held in front of the examiners. Evaluation of the oral presentation is linked to evaluation of the project work.

The portfolio is presented in the form of an exhibition and a project journal that is kept throughout the semester and presented orally at reviews several times during the semester. The portfolio showcases the student's work in its entirety including the four assessment categories: research, process/development, architectural proposal, and representation.

At the interim reviews during the semester, verbal feedback is given to students for further project development.

Tutorials aim at fostering discussions, and a culture of research, exchange, and production in the studio and/or at the building site. Students work in groups and individually.

Coursework will be further discussed in the tutorials. At the end of the semester, all exam materials will be delivered both digitally and physically by the given deadline.

Postponed exams are offered in the next exam period so that students who have a valid absence or failed the previous ordinary exam can complete normal study progression.

Specific conditions

Recommended previous knowledge

Minimum three years of basic courses in architecture.

Required previous knowledge

Minimum three years of basic courses in architecture, BA in Architecture or equivalent.

The course must be taken in combination with AAR4692 Experimental practice A.

Course materials

The participants should bring common tools required for the architectural study. A list for the specific artistic equipment will be provided at the start of the semester. These will vary depending on the theme and assignments in the current course

Credit reductions