40 417 Transformation in Practice
Emnenavn på Norwegian Bokmål:
Transformation in Practice
Credits:
6
Course code:
40 417
Level of study:
Master
Teaching semester:
2024 Spring
Assessment semester:
2024 Spring
Language of instruction:
English
Year:
2024
Maximum number of students:
16
Person in charge
Amandine Kastler
Erlend Skjeseth
Required prerequisite knowledge
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
Course content
The field of preservation and transformation has long been consigned to the fringes of contemporary architecture, but a paradigm shift is occurring across the discipline. In the age of climate change and circular economy the value of everything that already exists increases. The need for a more sustainable building industry is orientating architectural practice towards the reuse and renewal of our existing building stock.
This seminar will provide a framework for general 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.
Transformation in Practice courses are part of the research project “Provenance Projected. Architecture Past and Future in the Era of Circularity”, run by Mari Lending and Erik Langdalen.
Learning outcome
Knowledge:
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:
Basic skills in:
- Documenting and surveying existing buildings
- Assessing historic significance
- Locating and understanding planning documents
- Writing planning dispensations
General competence:
Students will be introduced to the processes required to work with existing buildings in general practice and encouraged to situate the emerging field of building transformation in relation to their own aspirations for future practice.
Working and learning activities
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 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 Transformation in Practice (TIP) electives and studios are run by Amandine Kastler and Erlend Skjeseth. The course series focuses on working with existing structures and places and is closely linked to the practice work of Kastler Skjeseth Architects. http://www.kastlerskjeseth.no/. Examples of previous TIP studio work can be seen @tip_archive
The elective course will meet every Tuesday. The seminar requires a full day of attendance on Tuesdays and a full week of attendance during the elective week. In addition, students are required work on independent research and complete assignments in their own time.
Curriculum
Course literature is be available in Leganto.
| Mandatory coursework | Courseworks required | Presence required | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presence required | Required | Students are expected to attend all course days and be active participants in the seminar activities. Completing assignments and attendance at reviews is mandatory. |
| Form of assessment | Grouping | Grading scale | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Project assignment | - | Pass / fail | Project assignment and Presentation |
| 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. |