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40 417 Transformation in Practice
Admission to AHO and successful completion of three years bachelor level studies (180 ECTS).
Part of course series: Transformation in Practice
The course is open to students from: Architecture
The field of preservation and transformation has long been consigned to the fringes of contemporary architecture. However, a paradigm shift is occurring across the discipline. This is emphasized by the awarding of the Pritzker Prize to Lacaton Vassal, with their motto: “Never demolish, never remove or replace, always add, transform and reuse.”
This seminar will provide a framework to practice as an architect, with a focus on working with existing buildings. Students will be introduced to practitioners that work with our existing building stock, both in Norway and internationally, from the restoration of listed buildings, to the transformation of existing buildings, to the reuse of building elements.
The building industry and the laws that govern it have traditionally been geared towards the construction of new buildings, but in this seminar, students will also learn about the regulatory and legal frameworks that govern the reuse of existing buildings. Gaining a knowledge of these frameworks is integral to general practice and key to the realization of an architectural project.
Introductory knowledge of:
- The role of regional cultural heritage authorities
- Building regulations, particularly in relation to existing buildings
- Drawing scales and types in relation to project stages
Skills:
- Documenting and surveying existing buildings
- Assessing historic significance
- Locating and understanding planning documents
- Writing planning dispensations
General competence:
- Students will learn to situate the emerging field of transformation in relation to their own aspirations for future practice and gain basic competence in processes that are integral to general practice.
The seminar will be organized in modules covering the topics listed in the learning outcomes guided by lectures and discussions with professionals from the field. Students will produce a report speculating on the potential future transformation of a case study. Coursework will include survey work and resolving fictional scenarios drawn from real situations in practice.
The seminar is not only relevant for students wanting to work in with existing buildings but also those wanting to gain knowledge of general practice. During the duration of the semester students will engage with contemporary architects, conservation architects, planning authorities, heritage authorities, and others working within the building industry. Lectures and excursions will support and supplement students' individual case study analysis.
The elective will be closely linked to the practice work of Kastler Skjeseth Architects
Course literature will be available in Leganto.
| Form of assessment | Grouping | Grading scale | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portfolio assessment (Vurderingsmappe) | - | Pass / fail | As per the course description, each student will be required to produce and present a concise report on a given case study. Reports will include drawn and written material required when developing an architectural project in practice. Areas of study will include several of the topics listed in the learning outcomes. Students are expected to execute the assignment with care, precision and professionality. Assignments will be evaluated on the level of research and quality of the execution, as well as an ability to synthesize knowledge gained in the seminar and apply it to a case study. In preparation for the final submission, students will be required to submit several shorter assignments during the semester. Each submission will contribute to the final report and assessment. The final review will take place during elective week. At the final review, students give a public presentation of their report. There will be no assessment of reports not presented at the final review. |
| Workload activity | Comment |
|---|---|
| Attendance | The seminar requires a full day of attendance on Tuesdays and a full week of attendance during the elective week. In addition, students are expected to work on independent research and complete assignments in their own time. Students are expected to attend all meetings and be active contributors to the course. |