Valerio Olgiati. Head of the BSc1 Design Studios

Academy of Architecture

Start date: 2 August 2021 / 07:00

End date: 1 October 2021 / 23:00

Architecture as sense of space. Architecture as sense making.

Architecture is the creation of human space. In learning architecture, one does not only learn how to read and respond to one’s context but how to exercise a discipline in its own right.

It is commonly believed that architecture expresses a zeitgeist and materializes a form of life. One could even say that the history of architecture is constituted by the confrontation of the human being with its beliefs and values. Today it is more and more difficult to talk about common ideals which could provide a base for a general architectural language.

The question of how we can build today is therefore crucial. For architecture to properly engage its task of creating space is to do so interrogatively. In creating human space, the architect gives rise to a sense of space and a sense for its occupant. A sense-making building is not supposed to be referential or particular but should possess a general validity.

The first year course introduces the students to the basic foundation of architecture, the architectural space itself. Students have to develop thoughts and ideas around a given subject and materialize them into a project.

The proposed subjects are a holiday house in the first semester and an architecture office in the second semester. Dwelling and working are essential activities of the human being. Our first experience of architecture starts at home and our day-to-day experience of space is arguably at the workspace.

The site, the dimension of the project and the program are chosen freely by the students. Projects have to be developed out of an idea. The formulation of the idea sets the premises for the experience of space.

BSc1 Responsible Professor