Collaboration with BAS
The three encounters that took place within the frame of a collaborative project of ARCHIP and BAS enhanced the cooperation of the two European innovative schools of architecture. Both academic institutions that were re-visited in a series of events by teachers and students in mutual exchange clearly benefitted from the confrontation and comparison of their approaches to education. The different urban and cultural environments in which both successfully operate on an international scale were studied in field research exercises. The attributes of both schools as platforms for architecture education today have been investigated for their possible mutual interference.
From May to September of 2016 ARCHIP collaborated with the Bergen School of Architecture in Norway (BAS) in two-month educational exchange which concluded with a collaborative exhibition showcasing sustainable urban development designs.
The Bergen School of Architecture, founded in 1986, is one three approved architectural studies in Norway and educates masters in architecture in a five-year professional study. The School offers a holistic curriculum for sustainable development that focuses on landscape and climate as the basis for the architecture.
Teachers and students from both institutions travelled between Norway and Prague to participate in workshops, lectures and field research. The sustainable projects focused on reimagining iconic landmarks in Prague such as such as the Karlin Barracks, Prague Castle, Liechtenstein Palace, Rudolfinum, Zizkov Tower, the swimming stadium, and the Main Train Station. Students and teachers created different architectural designs which they compared and critiqued, in a stimulating exchange of ideas. The program allowed for Architecture students different urban areas, and backgrounds to come together and share their unique perspectives and work on new design projects. Winnie Westerlund, a third-year assistant teacher at BAS, highlighted the successful results of the exchange stating,
“Traveling with the students from Bergen to Prague, it was a valuable experience and exchange, both of architectural approaches and in educational and professional methods. Students and teachers got to know Prague and its physical context in a manner that wouldn’t be possible if only visiting as students.”
Over the course of two months ARCHIP and BAS met three times, and each encounter enhanced the cooperation of the two European innovative schools of architecture. Field-research that examined the different urban and cultural environments in which both institutions successfully operated led to a reexamination of each institution. There were several events where students and teachers from both academic institutions confronted and compared of their approaches to education, in a mutually beneficial exchange of perspectives. These field-research exercises examined the different urban and cultural environments in which both institutions successfully operate, and the attributes of both schools as platforms for architecture education. Cristian Sefanescu, teacher of Architectural Design and Methodologies at BAS praised the opportunities for productive dialogue that the exchange offered.
“I was fortunate to also host 5 of the ARCHIP faculty on their visit to BAS this fall,” he said. “The informal times in-between tours of the school and discussions on collaboration proved to be indispensable, as this was where much of the meatier discussions about academic pedagogy and professional practice were carried out. And I for one am better because of it.”
In the future, ARCHIP hopes to collaborate the Bergen School of Architecture in Norway (BAS) again as well as participate in a similar educational exchange with other international architecture schools.
Learn more about BAS exchange from its newsletter.
