Circular Studio: Transformation and Experiment

The course explores, through a research-based design process, how materials, existing buildings, the environment, and society intersect. It examines how creative reuse can support a holistic understanding of sustainability. The studio brings together two key dimensions of circular practice - transformation and experimentation - forming a framework for learning through making, rethinking, engineering, and collaboration within a broader shift toward circularity.

The course provides suggested design brief, but students may also define their own assignments in collaboration with supervisors. Knowledge courses inform the project course, and areas of specialization provide direction for the projects.

The aim is to create an interdisciplinary environment, fostering learning across different areas of specialization.

Please note that some of the knowledge courses connected to AAR4690 Circular Studio may have limited spaces.

The course constitutes the main element in combination with one of the following knowledge courses which must be taken in the same semester:

• AAR4698 Experimental Practices
• AAR4817 Emissions as Design Drivers
• AAR4209 Parametric Design of Form and Structures
• *AAR4811 Analysis of Built Structures - This course requires good knowledge of Norwegian / Scandinavian language, both oral and written. The course is based on a real situation where the students are working with collection of information from various oral and written sources, most of which will be in Norwegian.

KNOWLEDGE

• The student has a broad understanding and knowledge of architecture and sustainable design principles, with sound resource management as a foundation.
• The student has insight into the material and structural properties of existing materials and buildings, and how reused components can be integrated into new architectural projects.
• The student is aware of the environmental, social, and cultural dimensions of circular design practice.
• The student can recognize materials for their aesthetic and cultural values, physical properties, and their impact on the environment.
• The student can identify and test design strategies and material choices that strengthen concept, form, and construction, with emphasis on climate and environmental considerations.

SKILLS

• The student can develop architectural projects based on reuse, transformation, low-emission design, and experimental design strategies.
• The student can apply theoretical perspectives on circularity to concrete solutions in design processes.
• The student manages complex, interdisciplinary, and adaptable design processes, as well as collaboration and iterative experimentation.
• The student can develop proposals for the transformation of existing buildings that take into account different areas of specialization.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

• The student can present their work at a professional level in both practical and academic contexts.
• The student takes responsibility for their own learning and professional development and can apply their knowledge of circularity in architectural practice.
• The student can reflect critically on the practice of the discipline and contribute based on ethical considerations.
• The student understands how resource use in construction relates to the environment and climate, and the role the architect can play in thoughtful shaping of sustainable architecture.

The course uses a variety of learning methods, ranging from theoretical lectures, seminars, academic literature, participation in research projects, fieldwork, and individual supervision, as well as collaborations with external partners. Students take part in a research-based design process that balances conceptual exploration with technical, environmentally focused, and social considerations. The emphasis is on student-active learning methods where collaboration, participation, and responsibility for and reflection on one’s own learning are central.

Students will be informed at the start of the semester if there will be a voluntary excursion. Participation is strongly recommended. Students who participate in voluntary excursions will be expected to pay an individual sum. Students who choose not to participate in the voluntary excursion will be offered an alternative teaching plan.

The teaching team is a resource for all students but will take special responsibility for its own area of specialization.

The course may be taught in English to accommodate international master’s students or incoming exchange students.