Travelling Architect visual

[ARIT1504] Travelling Architect

Course Description

Designers—whether in architecture, art, industrial design, or civil engineering—have long travelled to gain insights from different cultures, with Italy being one of their favourite destinations. Experiencing places firsthand deepens their understanding of the multifaceted nature of design. By studying the history and current state of cities, buildings, art, styles, and techniques, they refine their skills and enhance their work. This course aims to deepen knowledge, foster collaboration in multidisciplinary teams, and do research by creating models and using various visual/sculptural means to present findings. The concept of the travelling architect provides a lens to explore the evolution of design across disciplines and its cultural context. Historical examples and long-term developments lay the foundation for innovative solutions. As part of a case study, students travel to Turin, Italy for on-site research. National and international partners, including the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands in Amersfoort and the Faculty of Architecture at Politecnico di Torino, offer valuable expertise and resources.

Learning objectives

The 10-week course begins with a research seminar on the concept of the traveling architect, followed by a week of on-site investigations in Turin, exploring the cultural aspects of architecture, art, and urbanism. Historical developments and conditions will be examined, with findings documented through writing, sketches and photography. The research culminates in a Research Booklet and a Midterm Presentation in Week 5, where comments and questions will be provided by the Cultural Heritage Agency Partner. The research booklet serves as the foundation for a design assignment. As part of this assignment, participants will select architectural elements and building fragments for further study, leading to the creation of a physical scale model that translates abstract ideas into tangible form. This process refines spatial understanding and communication. In the final phase, research outcomes are integrated into The Traveling Architect’s “Suitcase”, a physical representation that unfolds during the Final Presentation in Week 10. The suitcase enhances the presentation’s impact and functions as a small design project in itself, embodying the architectural design process.

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ARIT1504_The Travelling Architect(1).pdf (1.17 MB)