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Experimental Landscape Furniture (Thesis Elective)
Ein Stuhl für die Landschaft (Wahlfacharbeit)
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:54:55
Abstract
Experimental Landscape FurnitureThe Summer School is dedicated to the construction of seating furniture for a specific, chosen location in the urban landscape of the metropolitan area of Basel. We work in the workshop of the Vitra Design Museum as well as directly in the landscape.
Objective
The teaching format combines three essential aspects: -The perception of a specific (urban) landscape from a pedestrian perspective. The appropriation of a place for a chair or outdoor funiture means to position yourself personally. The Chair: As a constructive and conceptual challenge on a small scale, it is a classic design theme by architects, especially in the tradition of the 20th century. In its relationships towards the surrounding landscape, the chair can take on the role of architecture. -The experiment: The direct practical implementation 1:1 makes it possible to collect manual experience and to question or rethink design processes.
Content
In a two-week workshop at vitra campus in Weil am Rhein, we will develop and build twelve chairs for the landscape. The choice of a precise location during an excursion to the surroundings will set the premises for the drafts. Ideas for a specific use are developed and constructive necessities have to be taken into consideration. We will implement the drafts in the vitra workshop building or directly on-site, where they will be presented and discussed in a final critique. Our approach to the task is explicitly experimental: the chairs are not required to needs of serial production or technical perfection. Well-grounded inputs inform about the choice of materials (wood, metal, textile, plastic) and technics (glueing, srewing, welding, sewing, casting) used in furniture building. The Summer School is accompanied by an inspiring framework program: At Vitra campus we will discover the production process of the legendary Eames Aluminium Chair as well as the Vitra test center and the furniture collection of the Vitra Design Museum. Visits of exhibitions and museum architecture in Basel complete the program.
Resources
Lecture Notes
A workbook with texts and background information is available.
Learning Materials (Links)
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| independent project |
Ein Stuhl für die Landschaft (Wahlfacharbeit)
Permission from lecturers required for all students.
Selbständige Arbeit. Block-Workshop / Summer School, voraussichtlich 21.06. - 3.7.2021 (Entwurf) plus schriftl. Dokumentation.
|
No time listed | 180 h semesterly |
Offered In
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Focus Work (Realization in the respective fields of the institutes. Definition of topics by professors, in consultation with the students. The content may also refer to an elective course. The performance assessment comprises either a purely written examination followed by an oral examination or a creative, manual or drawing work, including a description, followed by an oral examination. At least one focus work is a written work followed by an oral exam. The written work fulfills the criteria of a scientific paper in a formal sense. In addition to the design, crafting or drawing part, it also includes a written description of the question, methodology and knowledge gained. A creative, crafting or graphic focus work is shown in a public exhibition, a purely written focus work is accessible to the public.)
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Field of Landscape Architecture and Urban Studies (Definition of topics by professors, in consultation with the students (student's proposal / content of an elective course). Performance assessment: Purely written examination followed by an oral examination OR a creative, manual or drawing work, including a description, followed by an oral examination. At least one focus work is a written work followed by an oral exam. The written work fulfills the criteria of a scientific paper in a formal sense. In addition to the design, crafting or drawing part, it also includes a written description of the question, methodology and possibly gained knowledge. A creative, crafting or graphic focus work is shown in a public exhibition, a purely written focus work is accessible to the public. Information on exams and grades: Art. 29 of the MSc D-ARCH regulations.)
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