VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

052-0911-23L 2 Credits BSC D-ARCH

Repair: Keep in Place

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Silke Langenberg
This semester, the elective is offered in combination with a Design-Build seminar week in Davos on the Schatzalp. This course can only be taken in conjunction with participation in the Design-Build seminar week. A simultaneous enrolment in the design studio 052-1115-23L Architectural Design V-IX: Topic (T. Emerson) is recommended. Notice: The enrolment in the elective is open until 11.09.23. Please first wait for the enrolment and assignment to the design studio and seminar week.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:09

Abstract

Complex constructions that are difficult to maintain and industrial manufacturing processes decrease the lifespan of objects not only in product design but also in architecture. Repairability is becoming less of a concern – replacement seems to be the norm. We need to rethink the way we build, starting already with the planning phase.

Objective

In this course, we combine traditional topics of preservation with concepts of repair and FAB initiatives to raise awareness for sustainable thinking and action. Students will learn both traditional and digital methods as well as the basic building and material criteria for repair. The objective is not only the hands-on repair of a building part but especially to learn about the concepts of heritage preservation.

Content

The elective course will discuss and examine the reparability of constructions and building systems. Students will identify building parts in need of maintenance and subsequently develop a repair concept. In groups, they will carry out the repair under expert guidance or possibly with the aid of digital fabrication processes. The objective is to recognize and analyze mechanisms of deterioration and to propose adequate repair measures.

Resources

Literature

Baier, Andrea u. a. (Hg.), Die Welt reparieren, Bielefeld 2016. Heckl, Wolfgang M., Die Kultur der Reparatur, München 2013. Krebs, Stefan u. a., Kulturen des Reparierens, Bielefeld 2018. Langenberg, Silke (Hg.), Repair. Encouragement to Think and Make. Berlin 2018. Stockhammer, Daniel (Hg.), Upcycling. Reuse and Repurposing as a Design Principle in Architecture. Zurich 2020.

Learning Materials (Links)

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance
Grading is based on an mid-term and a final presentation, each of which contributes 20% to the final grade, and a final submission which makes up 60% of the final grade.

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
11.09.2023

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Repair: Keep in Place
No course 27.10 (seminar week) as well as in the last two weeks of the semester (final critiques).
  • Fri 11:45-13:30 (HIB E 52)
2 h weekly

Offered In