Critical Construction V

Description

Abstract: In this course, we explore construction as a practice building connection between parts - an assemblage of fragments and details, each containing its own micro-narrative. Construction as an act of transformation, putting things into relation. We will investigate construction details to reveal the positive impact that carefully arranged matter can have over its environment – from 1:1 to 1:10’000. Learning objective: The course will unfold through a range of hybrid formats – blending lectures, guest contributions, critical discussions, and site explorations. The 1:1 experience of distinctive architectural moments and the understanding of the constructive measures/details used to achieve them is intended to trigger students' passion for details. Alongside these inputs, students will engage in exercises that will be discussed collectively, fostering a shared critical dialogue around construction and design. The course aims to unravel the countless possibilities of how to make the most of what's available and how to transform constraints into flourishing architectural strategies. It is about advancing spatial ideas through their material articulation, construction methods, and the performative qualities of details. To critically understand how things are put together should allow for a better estimation of one's own position as a protagonist within the force field of architecture. Construction details will serve as tools to observe, understand and critically engage with the complexity of our everyday. Their theoretical backgrounds and historical contexts will be pluralistically associated with varying contemporary voices and viewpoints. Content: The construction details investigated in the lectures, thematized by guests and explored on site are always expressions of attitudes and craftsmanship allowing for a critical understanding of contemporary architectural practice. The series aims to define an array of details ranging from existing to transformed constructions, from history to the contemporary, from engineered high-tech joints to the as found cornerstone on one’s way to work. The construction detail as a beginning of an overarching question on our contemporary building culture complemented by varying voices, 1:1 experiences and contrasting architectural strategies. To provide a multiplicity of attitudes and positions the course will be supported by guest lecturers and experts and will take place at school or directly on chosen sites. The yearlong lecture cycle is comprised of theoretical inputs, invited guests, site explorations, exercises as well as exchange in-between students. Each semester consists of multiple thematic cycles. The content will be taught in English (with possible exceptions of guest lectures in German). Prerequisites / Notice: General remarks (on exam as well as exam preparation) All the material covered in the series of lectures, guests inputs, visits and exercises is the subject matter of the exam. The course is scheduled for a full year (Critical Construction V/VI) and therefore the knowledge of the subject matter of the running as well as of the preceding semester is required. To improve your chances to pass the exam, we strongly recommend you to take the exam after having visited the course during two semesters. A “Leistungskontrolle" in the form of exercises will take place during both semesters. These exercises will be collected regularly and its evaluation will contribute to the overall grade of the course – if it has a positive influence. If you are an exchange student, or a student from a different department and wish to take a partial examination covering only the subject matter of the last semester (Construction V or VI), you need to contact the chair in advance. Lecture notes: The series “Critical Construction” will be accompanied by a schedule defining the timeline and contents of the course. The scripts published by the chair offer additional help and the knowledge of them and their key subjects is recommended for the exam. The scripts allow for further insights into a wide range of theories, lines of reasoning and fields of research tackling the questions raised within the course and are composed of project documentations, crucial theoretical texts as well as links to important source material. 17.09.2026 Intro Lecture 14.09.2026 Cycle 1: Lecture 01.10.2026 Cycle 1: (Guest Input) 08.10.2026 Cycle 1: Site Exploration 15.10.2026 Cycle 2: Lecture 22.10.2026 Cycle 2: Seminarweek 29.10.2026 Cycle 2: (Guest Input) 05.11.2026 Cycle 2: Site Exploration 12.11.2026 Cycle 3: Lecture 19.11.2026 Cycle 3: (Guest Input) 26.11.2026 Cycle 3: Site Exploration 03.12.2026 Colloqium