Weimar, Germany

Bricks & Blocks

Expand your knowledge of modular systems, make your own set of building blocks and explore the creative potential of these systems.

This workshop takes a bottom-up approach, using play and collaborative research to teach design principles of modular systems. By varying the proportion and scale of the individual units within a given set, new complex structures can emerge in surprising and unexpected ways.

The workshop will incorporate discussions on the fundamentals of masonry (dimensions, proportions, static systems, forces, etc.), the history and properties of various materials and techniques of wood, brick, and stonework in construction using modular units. During the workshop, each participant will develop his or her own set of building blocks, produced under supervision during the course and further developed as a design tool. The course will finish with an exhibition of the results.

This workshop is informed by the belief that learning is best when both mind and hand are involved, and that innovation comes through play and creative experimentation. It will be useful to architects, artists, designers and anyone who wants to work with the basics to gain a deeper understanding of the nature of form and function, the relationship of the part to the whole, and how complex structures emerge from simple elements.

Hinnerk Utermann is a trained bricklayer, architect, and teacher. Dr Arryn Snowball is a visual artist. They have collaborated together to create building sets for various exhibitions and happenings.

Course leader

Dipl. Ing. Hinnerk Utermann
- PhD candidate in Architecture
- Artistic research at the University of Applied Arts, Vienna Make it real

Dr. Arryn Snowball
- Visual artist with multiple solo exhibitions in Australia, Japan and Europe

Target group

The course is designed for students from the fields of architecture, art, and design.

Credits info

3 EC
After successful completion of the language course, you will receive a certificate of participation issued by the Bauhaus Summer School.

Participants earn 3 credit points (ECTS) after completion of the two-week course. In order to receive credit points, t is necessary to attend at least 80% of the course lessons and to fulfil the required tasks. It is possible to receive 2 extra credit points (ECTS) for the course if you book an additional module.

Prior to your participation, it is essential that you clarify whether your home university will recognise the foreign credits you intend to earn.

If you would like to receive a grade, you must discuss this with the teacher at the beginning of the course! The fulfilment of additional tasks may be necessary.

Fee info

EUR 890: 2 weeks (90 hrs)

The course fee is 890 EUR.
EUR 690: 690 EURO for students & alumni.
350 EURO for BUW students.

The course fee includes:

- Orientation & Support
- Programme according to description
- Teaching materials
- Bauhaus Summer School ID card
- Daily Lunch at the University Cafeteria (Monday - Friday)
- Certificate
- Internet access at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar
- Free use of library
- Accompanying programme including excursions
- Free entrance to museums belonging to Klassik Stiftung Weimar

The course fee does NOT include:

- Travel costs
- Accommodation
- Insurance
- Additional module(s) (190 €)