Basic Design Studio

About the Studio

 Through architectural projects, this Studio investigates different experiences of architecture and conceptions of space, in relation to the synthesizing design process. It could also be defined as a Research by Design Studio on applied aesthetics investigating basic architectural concepts; colour, texture, light, gravity, sound, time and space... The education is based on problematic projects, coaching tutorials, discussions, presentations, literature seminars, lectures and excursions. 

Learning Outcome

Specifically - deeper critical studies in relevant concepts (as differentiation, pluralism, movement, gravitation, narrativity, specificity, temporality, ma, oku, privacy, directed sequences) – provides the students with knowledge and design experiences in order to develop their ability to reflect and use their minds in their design process. Our ambition is to learn the students how to create methods to analyze existing problems as a foundation for developing their own artistic and specific architectural voice, designing excellent projects with strong communicating concepts.

Courses

4:1 (A42G1B) and 5:1 (A52G1B) Artistic Interdisciplinary Tools and Methods:Art Center – Sandhamn

The students will study and use different artistic interdisciplinary tools and methods in order to develop architectural projects for a new Art Center in Sandhamn. Through deeper studies in different contemporary artistic disciplines (film, literature, dance, music, art) and discourses of immediate importance – the foundations of design theory and practise will be questioned and furthered. The students will study and use different artistic interdisciplinary tools and methods in order to develop architectural projects for a new Center for Art in Sandhamn; a beautifully located island in the archipelago some two hours by boat from Stockholm. What is the function and meaning of an Art Space today? Who are running the Art Centers and for what different reasons? Important to discuss is how to relate to the existing nature, buildings and context.  

4:2 (A42G2B) and 5:2 (A52G2B) Architectural Conceptions – SPLIT

By re-defining contemporary interpretations of different architectural conceptions, the students will use this investigation in the design process of architectural projects in a dynamic context with huge potential in big need for new strategies; Split on the Dalmatian Coast. The old city of Split is beautifully located on a peninsula, linking the Adriatic islands. The city has a long history with lots of important archaeological treasures from the old Roman Empire. It was partly destroyed by bombs in the end of WW2. During the Yugoslavian years – the area was industrialized and became very vital and important. The site is located inside the oldest part of Split – the Diocletian´s Palace built by the Romans 1.700 years ago.  In general the city is reprogramming from industry, harbour and military areas into new hybrid typologies and design for tourism, trade and education. The programme for the site is mixed use – housing and a public building (small Theatre). Excursion to Split last week in October.

4:3 (A42G3B) Specificity in Architecture (Narrative design I) A House for an Extremely Unique Person

How could the conception of narrativity be transformed into very specific architectural expressions in a tectonic project (a building for an extremely unique person or function in an urban context)? Studies and discussions of narrativity and different theories. Architectural case studies. Development of individual project design. The project programme will be developed for a specific artistic person with a specific personality and extensive history - in Stockholm (or in another city). There will be some alternatives provided (authors, poets, artists, film directors, choreographers, musicians...) but it´s also possible to choose other alternatives and urban contexts. The brief should include a house/apartment with a garden, a working space for the artist and other odd things. As an alternative it could include other programmes or functions. Study trip to Japan in March/April 2012 (preliminary)

4:4 (A42G4B) Differentiation in Urban Design (Narrative design II)

A Zen Buddhism Temple in an urban context. In this architectural urban context project, we will study how narrativity and differentiation could be used in order to develop a multitude of specific architectural and urban expressions. Studies and discussions of narrativity and differentiation. Urban and architectural case studies. Development of individual project design – a Zen Buddhism Temple in an urban context. Study trip to Japan in March/April 2012 (preliminary).

Diploma Project (5th year Students)

The first two projects in the autumn provide a common field of interest and a level of ambition for the diploma project. The diploma project is a further opportunity to respond to the issues raised. The course structure for the spring will be developed in dialogue with the students during the autumn. The aim is to keep a common ground for all diploma projects, whether it is a thematic issue, a site or a programme. The Diploma Projects will be supervised by Leif Brodersen and Teres Selberg.

Studio Culture

Our ambition is to learn the students how to create methods to analyze existing problems as a foundation for developing their own artistic and specific architectural voice, making design with strong communicating concepts. The Studio Culture is based on coaching tutorials, presentations, seminars, lectures and excursions. It has become a tradition to swim in the river wherever we go. First Canal Grande in Venice, then the Zagreb river (a swim excursion that ended in the hospital due to dangerous glass pieces) and last year in Zadar by the Adriatic Sea. Last Autumn we made investigations of the Zadar Area in Croatia. Some of the student´s innovative project will be adopted by the City Planning Office. This Autumn we will also offer our students to take part in an exclusive international workshop for architecture and urbanism – IWAU, in Wroclaw (6-11 November). 

Tutors, Teachers, Professors

• Ass. Professor Leif Brodersen is a partner in A1 Arkitekter AB, Stockholm – an office with 12 employed architects working with interiors, housing, offices and urban design. The design research in the office could be described as an investigation of differentiation and diversity; Division – making differences within something earlier unified; Indifference in opposition to difference.
• Affilliated Professor Helena Paver Njiric, Paver Njiric Architects, Zagreb – are one of Croatia´smost well known architect offices. They work with exhibitions (Croatian pavilion in the Biennale in Venice) shopping areas, offices and housing. The office is searching for a personal specific architecture (published in El Croquis a o). She will be heading the Split project.
• Architect SAR/MSA Teres Selberg works in the field in between architecture, art and dance. She is running her own office in Stockholm. 
• Architect SAR/MSA Per Elde will take part during the Spring semester. He has been heading the first Year within the KTH School of Architecture for a long period.

The Studio will also be connected to some very interesting architects and guest teachers during the Year:

• Juan Herreros, Herreros Architects, Madrid – will take part in a workshop/critic in the Autumn, and telling more about the development of the new Munch Museum in Oslo.
• Sou Fujimoto, Fujimoto Architects, Tokyo – will be hosting us in the excursion to Tokyo. Some of our students have worked in his office as a part of the Studio.

Teachers from CEU in Valencia and the Technical University of Wroclaw will take part in the optional IWAU-workshop in Wroclaw in November.