Studio BA5 (Parabase)

Summary

In EXFORMA, conceptual and constructive thinking is developed through 3D modeling, AI-generated imagery, and construction detailing. The atelier explores new perspectives on building construction through the reuse of components from outside the architectural field, focusing on innovative techniques.

Content

Keywords

Reuse / Circular Strategies / Construction Details / Construction Economy / Recycling / Obsolescence / Sustainabilty / Critical Design and Aesthetics / Territories in Crisis / Materials and Energy Consumption / Infrastructures.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

• Apply conceptual and constructive thinking effectively in a precise context.
• Use advanced design and communication tools such as 3D modeling, AI-based image generation, and 2D graphic representation.
• Elaborate precise construction details.
• Investigate building construction through the reuse of components originating outside the architectural field, with a particular emphasis on construction techniques.
• Design with new perspectives on the material world.

Transversal skills

• Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking
• Give feedback (critique) in an appropriate fashion.
• Take feedback (critique) and respond in an appropriate manner.
• Collect data.
• Demonstrate a capacity for creativity.
• Take responsibility for environmental impacts of her/ his actions and decisions.

Teaching methods

Various media will be tackled throughout the semester: analog models, 3D models, renders, AI images, photography, drawings, mock-ups, diagrams etc... in order to convey the best as possible the project qualities thanks to the architect tools.

The studio values collaboration between students, but also generally with other entities, labs and practices to ensure the best learning environment as possible. Theoretical and practical inputs will be implemented during the semester.

The range of inputs extends from CO2 calculation methods and structural engineering to the creative approaches of artists, art historians, and fashion designers. Every source of knowledge becomes a valuable resource for exploration.

The semester is structured around three chapters:

Chapter 1.Resource Mining: students scavange, explore and catalog available discarded components coming from infrastructures, challenging how we perceive and read the world around us. Through these findings and 3D scans, a digital component catalogue will be created that will serve as the starting point for the projects. The choice of the construction materials is the founding principle of the design process.

Chapter 2. 1/1: Through hands-on prototyping, 3D scanning, and the use of AI as an iterative design tool, we will explore new futures for materials otherwise destined for a linear lifecycle. A series of workshops and conversations with artists, material and AI specialists, researchers, and engineers will introduce key concepts in circularity, construction, and ready-made design. Together, we will uncover new possibilities, and use architecture as a means to reimagine waste as a source of potential.

Chapter 3. 1/100: these techniques will be transformed into complete architectural proposals for specific sites and programs, combining analogue and digital methods to question conventional design approaches.

Expected student activities

Actively participating every week to the studio hours, external inputs and discussion, curiosity and atendance are keys.

Study trip during the 4th week of the semester (25-29 septembre 2026). The cost is approximate but will range between 200 and 400 chf.

Assessment methods

Students' performance and work will be assessed throughout the semester. The final grade will be the result of a combination of formal and informal evaluations, which is based on the student's global engagement, curiosity, design production, working and learning performance over the whole semester. The semester is divided in three project phases, and each one is followed by a review with external guests, giving key feedbacks for students and allowing special times for the teaching team to reflect on students' evaluation. No grade will be given at each phase though, intermediate reviews are approached as "temperature checking" moments rather than strict grading steps.

Discussions time will be set-up after each review to allow both students and teaching team to address the pedagogical framework of the studio and point out fruitful dynamics or any problem. Of course, students can reach out at any moment if urgent concerns appear during the semester regarding the studio.

Supervision

Resources

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI)

Yes

Websites

• https://www.instagram.com/parabase.eu/

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/AR-301_bi