Architecture is Social. Architectur is Circular. Architecture is a Process

About

Architecture is a process. Architecture is social. Architecture is circular.

This interdisciplinary Summer School is dedicated to Phase Zero, that decisive early phase of project development that is often neglected in both education and practice. Architecture and spatial design shape how we live together. They are far more than the planning and construction of buildings; it creates spaces for encounter, participation, and collective growth.
How a construction project begins significantly determines how inclusive, sustainable, and socially anchored the result will be.

PROCESS
Building culture (Baukultur) requires a collective process: it unfolds where planning and politics enter into a dialogue with people, opening up spaces for shared listening, negotiation, and design.

SOCIAL
We understand architecture as a collective practice. The focus is on human needs and the social impact of space. Through participation even before planning begins, shared visions for sustainable spatial use can emerge.

CIRCULAR
Buildings go through various life cycles. Phase Zero assists with every new cycle, such as renovation, change of use, or revitalization. Clarifying goals and requirements early on and systematically integrating sustainability aspects is always relevant—especially regarding resources, ecological systems, and the built environment.

Course leader

Ursula Spannberger, Anne Graupner, Valerie Rainer, Karolin Knote

Target group

Professionals, graduates, and students from:

Architecture, Urban and Landscape Planning, Sociology, Anthropology, Political Science, Pedagogy, Psychology, Geography, Social Work, Municipal Employees,...

Course aim

The Summer School program is designed as an intensive, participatory learning process that closely weaves theory and practice together. Participants can expect a structured workflow to learn about and test tools for participation-oriented spatial development.

Methodological Training: The foundation is a sound introduction to the RAUM.WERTmethod for participation processes by the RAUM.WERT Institute Salzburg. Theoretical Impulses: Lectures by renowned educators and good-practice examples deepen the understanding of concepts, methods, and tools for participatory design.

Workshops: Specific tasks open up spaces for experimentation. Developed strategies are applied directly, and cooperative solutions are applied together.

Reflection & Dialogue: In dialogic formats, findings are deepened and merged with the various professional and personal perspectives of the participants and teachers.

Public Exchange: Within one week, participants develop their own handbook. This documents findings, insights, and the entire process of the Summer School and is presented publicly at the Initiative Architektur Salzburg.

Fee info