This project-based studio offers practice oriented design assignments focused on designing new environments for human habitation. This implies architectures that are closely embedded into their context. Together we will seek to address societal and environmental dynamics through the medium of architectural design in response to locally specific conditions and circumstances, and societal and environmental changes that require architectural designs that go beyond current standard practice. The work will be conducted in close collaboration with the renowned practices Snøhetta and Kieran Timberlake.

During the fall semester 2017 we will focus on locally specific spatial, programmatic and environmental criteria. Our process will involve the study of existing architectures and constructions and related data-collection. The collected data will serve as an input into the design process. Students will be working individually or in small teams and participate in specific research and research by design activities, as well as design projects. The design project will be located in Italy, where we will be going as an excursion. In addition there will be shorter visits to existing projects that are likely designed by the collaborating practices.