SUSTAINABLE INFILL DEVELOPMENT - INTERNATIONAL DESIGN SUMMER SCHOOL

Promoted by: Opole university of Technology

Hosted by the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 48 Katowicka Str. 46-020 Opole

• Timeframe:07 –13.07.2024 (plus online meetings one week beforehand)
• Registration deadline:31.03.2023 (home university nomination sent to a.frajtag@po.edu.plrequired)
• Location:Opole University of Technology, Poland
• Target group:BSc, MA, PhD students of architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture
• Credit:3 ECTS
• Language:English
• Fee:free of charge

OBJECTIVES AND DESCRIPTION

Due to the intensive and often uncontrolled transformation of urban landscapes, some areas in cities lack a clearly defined purpose. This process frequently results in the creation of empty, unused spaces with unusual dimensions and shapes, which are often overlooked as potential sites for new development.

Such sites are prevalent in cities, particularly in inner-city areas, and their locations are often random. Developing these areas with infill projects poses challenges both in terms of design (due to atypical plot shapes, small sizes, neighbourhood dynamics, lighting conditions, conflicts with existing buildings, among others) and organizationally (due to potential conflicts with neighbours, issues with plot ownership, or constraints imposed by planning regulations).

However, despite the difficulties associated with implementation, infilldevelopment holds significant potential for creating sustainable urban environments. It enables the densification of existing city areas, contributes to the integration of fragmented urban fabric, revitalizes neglected urban spaces, combats urban sprawl, promotes the concept of the compact city and the 15-minute city, and facilitates sustainable urban growth while enhancing biodiversity.

The objectives of this project are as follows: to establish a robust cooperation and information exchange platform amongpartners focusing on sustainable infill development; to foster collaborative efforts in addressing complex design challenges in city centres; to accurately and comprehensively identify the difficulties and opportunities presented by infill development sites; and to explore potential solutions and scenarios for infill development within city centres.

METHODS AND OUTCOMES

Participants will collaborate in international groups comprising students from various universities and countries, supervised by international tutors from partner universities. The diverse composition of these groups will facilitate a rich exchange of experiences among students.

The design task entails conceptualizing architectural and spatial solutions/scenarios for selected infilldevelopment locations in the centre of Opole. Students will receive essential materials such as maps, planning guides, and results from questionnaires conducted with inhabitants of the chosen locations.

Design activities will be complemented by interdisciplinary lectures covering topics such as sustainable development in contemporary cities, urban history, and design challenges in inner-city contexts. These lectures will be delivered by faculty members from participating partner universities, with approximately 45-60 minutes allotted for each lecture daily.

The design process will be evaluated through a midterm critique and a final presentation. The midterm critique aims to assess the potential of proposed solutions, identify strengths, and suggest necessary improvements. The final presentation will facilitate the exchange of experiences among project groups, foster a deeper understanding of alternative solutions, and provide guidance on effectively presenting projects to a larger audience.

Students will present their proposed design solutions using architectural drawings, sketches, computer presentations, and physical models, which may be crafted from materials such as cardboard.

The expected outcomes of the project include the development of design proposals for selected locations in the city centre’s infill development that address the needs of local residents and incorporate nature-based solutions integrating greenery and water features.

FIELD OF EDUCATION

The BIP is aimed at students of architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture.

LEVEL OF STUDY

The BIP is tailored for undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students seeking to enhance their understanding of sustainable infill architecture within urban centers.

VIRTUAL COMPONENT TIMING

A virtual component refers to two online sessions scheduled for the week preceding the BIP. Each session is expected to last approximately 2 hours. The precise date and time of the virtual meetings will be confirmed following discussions with partners and the guest lecturer.

VIRTUAL COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

The virtual component will feature an introductory seminar with a distinguished guest lecturer, Architect Henk Hartzema from Hartzema Studio—an architectural firm in Rotterdam that conducted an extensive research project on infill development in the city in previous years, known as "Klein en Fijn" (translated to "Small and Nice" in English).

This session aims to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the topic, allowing them to recognize prior work in the field and serving as an introduction to the design activities scheduled for the workshop. The meeting format will include a lecture followed by a question and answer session.

BIP PARTNERS

Universita degli Studi di Pavia –Italy, Technical University of Liberec –Czechia.