Finding a Language for Change

Abstract

How can we use writing to approach a new architectural form that remains relevant even in times of major social challenges such as the climate crisis? During the semester, all seminar participants will work on their own texts in which they take a critical stance towards a particular building.

Objective

- Using text as a way of approaching questions on climate-relevant architecture. - Development of an individual text, ongoing revision with the help of various exercises and reviews. - Reflection on one's own role as an architect in the architectural discourse, in relation to the climate crisis and in the changing professional field.

Content

How do we find a new architectural form and thus a new language in a time where everything is changing rapidly – and must change? The issues of ecological sustainability in particular are causing fundamental changes in the field of architecture and in our understanding of the profession. How does writing serve us as a means of approaching an architectural language that remains relevant in this environment? In the best sense, writing forces us to take a stance. Over the course of the semester, all students explore several buildings. Through writing, they try to find out what it contributes to finding new forms for architecture in the climate crisis. We examine what influence sustainability has on the development process and the perception of the buildings, what new architectural language they have in store for us and what processes are taking place in the background. All students write their own short text. Over the course of the semester, they continuously revise their text and reflect on what they have written with feedback from their teachers and fellow students. The focus does not lie on the finished text, but on sharpening and at the same time constantly questioning their own attitude and continuously reflecting on what they have written.

Resources