Upcycling

Study Programmes

Master's degree programme in Architecture

Course

Project Description

This elective course addresses the most sustainable concept of our economic activity: the non-production of new things. It focuses on the urgency and rediscovery of a culture of care, repair, reparability and upcycling to critically question the way we design, build and use our constructed environment. It combines methods from restoration and conservation with new ideas from a growing repair community. Using broken objects, each student will first identify, analyse and discuss the defect(s). After developing a repair concept, a complete restoration is to be realised under professional guidance. The aim is to come up with a coherent and consistent repair solution which, in the best case, will result in a technical and/or design improvement to the object.

Teaching Method

The seminar combines input lectures with an exercise to make theoretical lessons usable for practical design solutions.
The seminar is supplemented by intensive self-study and presentations.

Learning Objectives

After successful completion of the course, students will be able to

Learning Outcomes The students...

Professional Competence

summarise and explain the challenges and problems caused by obsolescence and waste.
describe strategies and methods of care, repair and upcycling.
apply theoretical and practical inputs to an individual case study using conservation and restoration methods, and ideas from the (online) restoration and repair community.

Methodological Competence

identify, analyse and discuss defects in broken objects and develop a coherent repair and renovation concept in consultation with experts.
realise the task efficiently and effectively within time and with the resources available.
give a high-quality presentation of the final result.

Social Competence

cooperate within the class and/or with external partners and make compromises in finding solutions.
realise the project with a high degree of autonomy.

Personal Competence

set clear objectives and a timetable for their realisation.
realise the project with a high degree of creativity and diligence.
realise the project with discipline and reflect on their own actions.

Technology Competence

operate suitable tools safely and use them appropriately for the task and material.
use the digital tools available at the university (e.g. scanning devices, CAD and digital lasers and printers).

Requirements

None

Assessment Methods

Minimum 75% compulsory attendance and continuous assessment.
The final grade is calculated according to the weighting of the following components: final submission (60%), midterm presentation (20%) and final presentation (20%).

Module number:

6112207

Semester:

SS 26

ECTS Credits:

Courses:

24 L / 18 h

Self-study:

102 h

Language:

English

Scheduled Semester:

1-2-3