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052-0911-24L 2 Credits BSC D-ARCH

Repair: Keep in Place

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Silke Langenberg
This semester the elective (2KP) is offered in combination with a design studio (14KP) and an integrated design-build seminar week (2KP) in Davos on the Schatzalp. This course can only be taken in conjunction with 052-0923-24 U Architectural Design V-IX: Heritage-Led Teaching Project (GD A. Beer / D. Merz) and an integrated Design-Build seminar week. Please note: Registration for the elective is open until 18.09.2024. Please wait for enrolment and assignment of design studio.
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:31:00

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
ungraded semester performance

Registration & Places

Limited places (Special selection)
Signup End
09.09.2024

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
seminar Repair: Keep in Place
No course 25.10.2024 (seminar week) as well as in the last two weeks of the semester (final critiques).
  • Fri 11:45-13:30 (HIB E 52)
  • 15.11 Date 11:45-13:30 (HIL F 10.3)
2 h weekly

Offered In