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052-5531-00L 10 Credits BSC D-ARCH

Studio Positions I

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Adrien Comte, Prof. Adrien Meuwly
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:22

Abstract

Everything is transformation. The world we live in is being increasingly densified, not only in terms of what is built but also of ecosystems, social interactions, economic interests, political relations. In this context, we must look seriously at the existing: What qualities are there? What is really obsolete? What can we enhance? How to start with what is already there?

Objective

As a collective space of research, teaching and design, the studio explores the relation between construction and the climatic, political and economic conditions its context entails, how they inform each other and how this relation can be enhanced and transformed positively. We will explore different transformation strategies to make the most out of every existing potential: from one-to-one construction over specific site explorations to critical project proposals, from the territorial scale to the detail. Each scale entails new constraints - and with them, new opportunities. A crack, a leftover, a misalignment - every detail is an opening. There are no preconceived solutions. It’s about being opportunistic, in a positive way. The working environment is based on reciprocal respect and responsibility. The learning objectives for every student in this semester are: - Use a one-to-one approach as a tool to test and question an architectural proposal. - Explore different modalities of site-related research. - Synthesise this information into a cohesive personal narrative within the framework of the studio. - Develop a critical understanding of a specific context, including the general notions of sustainability, economy and efficiency. - Use these constraints as an opportunity to formulate an attitude towards the existing and develop a site-specific transformation strategy. - Use architectural articulation to relate a proposal to the site and its larger context. - Demonstrate the ability to work, learn and communicate independently individually and as a group. Every exercise is concluded with a Transfer of Knowledge, where students are expected to present their work and ideas concisely and coherently. Architectural (re-)presentation methods are used to convey a critical stance. The knowledge gathered and developed in the studio is transferred to other students, external guests and a general audience.

Content

EVERYTHING IS TRANSFORMATION: The world we live in today is in constant transformation. The density of our environment is increasing, not only from a mathematical point of view but also in terms of the high density of interactions, the general frenzy that surrounds us, the almost infinite speed of change and evolution, daily innovations, new norms, new criteria, new relations. In order for these transformations to have a positive impact on the way we live together, we must develop a deep and critical interest in the potentials that already exist. We must take a serious look and ask: What qualities are there? What is really obsolete? What can we enhance? CONTEXT: DENSIFICATION/INTENSIFICATION Today, in Switzerland, in an effort to limit urban sprawl, transformations of the built environment mainly occur within already developed areas: active or abandoned industrial zones, low-density residential neighbourhoods, vacant lots, etc. These situations lead to complex, but above all, extremely rich intervention contexts. In light of the current climate and social emergencies, these environments—shaped by successive layers of use over time—cannot be ignored. We therefore propose to adopt an exploratory approach that embraces the diversity of transformation possibilities of a place, rooted in the richness of the existing fabric. ONE TO ONE TO ONE TO TEN THOUSAND: Working with available substance not only requires a strong and clear architectonic approach. It is a complex process of re-interpretation for the structures to be re-activated, charged with a greater diversity, co-existing in a place where the past, present, and future are merged in an exciting organism. The project is not the pure result of a design, a style, or a form: it comes from a complex assembly of conditions and scales, combined in a precise narrative. In a series of exercises, we will explore different hands-on transformation strategies: from a one-to-one approach over narrative mapping to critical project proposals. These exercises are a series of steps, iterations, trials, attempts, failures, and hypotheses, aimed at specifying a position, determining a way of acting. CRITICAL CONSTRUCTION: We will develop an attitude that seeks to constantly reconsider the questions, to redefine problematics, to challenge what we take for granted. We cannot answer a specific question with a general answer or a standard detail. We will draw and build specific construction details, focusing on the relationship with existing buildings. The goal is making the most out of every opportunity, out of every resource used, to achieve maximum efficiency. There are no preconceived solutions. It’s about being opportunistic, in a positive way.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
graded semester performance

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
exercise Studio Positions I
No teaching on October 20 and 21, 2026 (Seminar week)
No time listed 16 h weekly

Offered In