Summer School 2019
Our Summer School is a two-week workshop, inviting students from all over the world to participate in a number of architectural activities. This year’s ‘Cubical City: Discovering Prague Through Czech Cubism’ programme was aimed at introducing its participants to Cubism in architecture and exploring this architectural (and artistic) style in a variety of contexts – both in and out of the classroom. Take a look at this short report and see for yourself, what our Summer School students have been up to.
This year, as many as 29 students from all over the world came to share two weeks full of exciting architectural exercises. With some of them having arrived from faraway countries (such as China or Yemen), it was only natural that the organizers planned out a friendly (yet by no means slow) start. The acclaimed Czech designer Jerry Koza and the emerging architect Jakub Kopecký – aka the leaders of this year’s Summer School – made sure the participants were familiarized with their new surroundings as best as possible. Not only were the students given a tour of the premises ARCHIP resides at – that is, DOX+ as well as the adjacent DOX Centre for Contemporary Art –, but they were also taken on multiple guided tours through the city. During these, the participants had a chance to absorb all the Cubist architectural gems Prague offers, such as the Cubist house U Černé Matky Boží or several famous Cubist houses located in the Výtoň neighbourhood.
The leaders of this year's Summer School Jerry Koza and Jakub Kopecký.
In addition to all the on-foot exploring, Jerry and Jakub prepared a variety of interesting and informative lectures for their students, and also took the participants on a day-long trip to the Czech city Pardubice. In this way, they prepared the students for individual studio work that was to come in the following days. In keeping with the overall theme, the students were ultimately instructed to come up with their own elements of everyday use. Based on what they have observed, learned and researched themselves, the participants were encouraged to design a seating for two in a scale 1:10. The designs were then evaluated by external Jury –ones praised most were then realized in a real-life 1:1 scale. The students worked in groups on constructing these life-sized cardbox seats, demonstrating a great deal of team spirit and enthusiasm which the organizers didn’t cease to notice.
Jakub KopeckýArchitectural Design
What I found especially exciting about this year's Summer School, was the fact that young people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds were able to connect here. So many of them became great friends and this could really be felt – they were having fun with all the projects they were assigned and also during presentations.
The Final Presentations of all projects took place on our school’s most unique spot – the roof. The vastness of this space presented the students with the possibility of exhibiting all their works in one place, while also giving them a chance to feel relaxed and at ease with their supervisors. Of course, the rector of ARCHIP Regina Loukotová joined the Summer School leaders and participants for this last part of the programme and shared with them these special moments, which were then followed by a small party.
Surprise guided tour with Janek Rubeš.
The goodbyes were bittersweet, with Jerry and Jakub throwing in one last surprise activity for the participants – a guided tour with the well-known Prague expert Janek Rubeš. Thanks to him, the students were able to explore the city once more – this time, from a slightly different perspective of a professional tour guide who made sure to share with them special tips only locals would know. After this playful morning walk, it was time for the students to bid farewell to eachother as well as to their teachers Jerry and Jakub. From what we've heard, though, friendships have been formed and strong memories have been made. And hopefully, all the knowledge the particpants gained stays with them and proves useful for their future!
Like what you see? Don't hesitate and apply for our next Summer School programe entitled 'Cubical City 2' – due to the success of this year's summer workshop, we will be tackling the same theme in our next year's edition, and it will also be organized by Jerry and Jakub. Find out more information about 2020 Summer School by clicking here or apply using the button bellow.