Examination arrangement

Course content

Our time faces fundamental challenges related to the destruction of nature, resource consumption and climate change as a result of human activity. Urban sprawl and construction activities are responsible for a large part of this development. How can architecture as a discipline and human form of expression be a constructive contributor to reversing this? What should the architect's role be and how do we need to restructure our thinking? Circular architecture is about resource responsibility at all levels, a frugal use of materials, and solutions that exploit the inherent properties of materials and buildings. This is achieved by combining the conservation, transformation and reuse of buildings, materials and building components, as well as designing with longevity and adaptability in mind. It is also about adapting to new perspectives, open processes, and the ability to act and shape in a world where the future is unpredictable and uncertain.

The design courses AAR4680 Circular Studio - existing buildings (AUTUMN) and AAR4690 Circular Studio - Materials (SPRING) are a part of the department for architecture and technology’s focus (IAT) on sustainable and circular architecture. These, together with the recommended knowledge courses, complement each other and provide a good basis for further specialization in the realm of circular architecture. 

Course content

Circular Studio addresses fundamental discussions about the role of the architect, critical thinking and investigation of the potential of the profession. Technological, societal, humanistic and artistic aspects are part of these investigations.

Students are introduced to different perspectives and methods that together provide a wide range of tools for the development of circular architecture.

Content elements will be:

- Reuse / extended use and refurbishment / repair of buildings and components: Methods, craftsmanship and resources.

- Transformation of buildings. Assessment of building condition and transformation capacity, evaluation of possible functions and constructive capacity.

- Circular resource management and architectural design. Creative processes, adaptability and reusability, ecology, aesthetics and tectonics.

- The architect's role as a societal actor in a circular production system. Environmental assessments, service life analyses, industrial and craft material cycles, new low-tech materials and solutions.

- Life cycle of circular buildings and neighborhoods: Energy action, energy calculations and indoor environmental quality in new and existing buildings, opportunities for reuse. Emission assessments, life cycle analyses, low-emission materials and creative circular solutions beyond material selection and energy needs.

Based on a joint introduction to the topic of circular architecture, each student will formulate their own project goals according to their chosen specialization area within the circular studio. Some will work on problems in a group, while others will choose individual problems and working methods.

The semester will have three phases:

1. Common kick-off. Here, students will receive an introduction to all theory courses that are related to the specialization areas. The theory courses differ in their schedule, some will be intensive at the beginning of the semester, while others accompany the design course throughout the semester.

2. Project phase, with a common mid-term event..

3. Common exhibition, final presentation, discussion, and critical reflections to round up the semester.

Circular Studio - Materials (SPRING)

The course examines how circular use of building elements and materials can form the basis for architectural design. It emphasizes understanding material properties, processes, reuse, recycling and development of circular solutions in practice. Students will investigate the possibilities of circular elements and materials in the context of new and existing buildings. In the course Circular Studio - Materials, students can choose one of the four specialization areas:

Transformation

Here, students practice design with existing buildings as a resource. They can work with changes to buildings from the 20th century, with architectural and functional values and potential as a premise for the choice of solutions. It is also possible to work with older everyday architecture that has no basis for good use, and where all or parts of the building can be moved and reused. Historical, technical and architectural values can be part of the resources that give buildings greater reuse or reutilization potential. Adaptation to new energy, resource and environmental requirements will be part of the discussion. The design of interventions and measures requires in-depth knowledge of buildings, materials and components. The related knowledge course, AAR4811 Building Analysis, is held during the first six weeks of the semester.

Emissions as Design driver

Students who choose this specialization will take a life cycle perspective on the reuse of materials and buildings, in cooperation with engineering students and the students of sustainable architecture (MSSUSARC). Students will receive an introduction to life cycle thinking and the related methods life cycle analysis (LCA), life cycle costing (LCC) and social LCA in the theory course AAR 4817.

Students will deepen their knowledge in LCA and greenhouse gas accounting, and material reporting by applying this knowledge to the design process for an adaptive reuse project. Students will compare the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental indicators of different design solutions and material choices to support design decisions in their projects.

Experimental practice

Experimental practice is concerned with questions of sustainable architecture as a continuous and shared process of open questions and adaptive enquiry, not with a building as an object or an end-product. We achieve this by learning from each other, from other disciplines, through practices that are experimental and as such open to infinite processes of co-creative thinking; learning happens through growing in and with the environment including sourcing natural or reusable materials that grow or are found in immediate proximity only. Related theory course is AAR4698 Experimental practice.

In Experimental practice, being together is the fundamental tool for design and operates as an interactive loop of creativity. In this way, design also becomes a tool for shaping community.

Tectonics and reuse

Students will work with the interaction between circular architecture and constructions based on reuse and reutilization. The course will critically discuss and explore how the structural parts of existing buildings can be included in new projects in a safe and practical way that contributes to good aesthetics, functionality and preservation of existing cultural values. Particular emphasis will be placed on joints, analysis of existing structures, demountability and design of new structures with existing materials. Related theory course is AAR4904 Tectonics and reuse.

Please note that if fewer students than anticipated apply for the course, one or more of the specialization areas may be merged.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE

• The student has a broad knowledge of circular architecture, where resource management is central. The student has knowledge of material properties and understands how secondary materials can be used in such a way that their properties are utilized.  
• The student has insight into opportunities and challenges in the reuse of building materials and can apply the knowledge in an architectural and social context.

SKILLS  

• The student can discuss and develop concrete solutions with existing, used materials for new use.
• The student has the ability to handle material flow and access to materials that entail a high degree of unpredictability, uncertainty and constantly changing assumptions.
• The student is able to transfer theoretical perspectives on circular resource management to concrete material choices, and reconcile design proposals with material access, such that the properties of the materials are utilized.
• The student is able to assess the reuse potential of existing materials constructively, use-wise and form-wise.

GENERAL COMPETENCE  

• The student can communicate his/her own architectural work at a professional level, both in a practical and academic context.
• The student takes independent responsibility for their own learning and professional development and can apply their knowledge within the framework of the architectural discipline in general and the field of circular architecture in particular.  
• The student can reflect critically on the practice of the discipline and make contributions based on ethical considerations.  
• The student understands how resource use in construction relates to the environment and climate, and the role architects can play in giving shape to sustainable architecture.

Learning methods and activities

The courses include a wide range of learning methods, from theory lectures, seminars, academic literature, participation in research projects, hands-on fieldwork and individual supervision to working meetings with external partners. The focus is on student-active forms of learning where collaboration, attendance and responsibility for, and reflection on, one's own learning are central.

Each student is responsible for contributing to an active and favorable learning environment, which requires attendance and committed participation in academic gatherings and work in the studio.

Both joint and individual excursions to relevant places in the surrounding area can be arranged. These are voluntary, but are closely linked to the academic work and are therefore strongly recommended to attend.

The teaching team is a resource for everyone but will take special responsibility for their respective area of specialization. In the course, students and teachers are in a joint learning situation.

Further on evaluation

The assessment in the course is carried out as a portfolio assessment with oral adjustments. The portfolio's requirements for content will be stated in the current task description. The portfolio content is submitted for assessment within the given deadline. At the adjusting oral exam, the student will conduct an oral presentation of the project work to the examiner.

Re-sit exams are normally scheduled for the next ordinary exam period.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Admission to one of the following programmes of study is required:

Architecture (MAAR)

Architecture (MAAR2)

Course materials

Academic texts in PDF format and recommended books. Upon admission, the student will be informed of the necessary and recommended equipment and tools required to complete the course.