Reading Landscape – In search of a third life [EN]

DESCRIPTION

Bellelay Abbey is a very large complex of buildings with a long and chequered history and sections from different building eras. Like a palimpsest, various uses have inscribed themselves in the building and left their mark. Its rather remote location in the Jura poses a major challenge for the revitalisation of the complex through new uses. How can people live, work or do anything else here? How can the ensemble with its scenic surroundings of high atmospheric quality be activated for today’s needs?

Using current and historical examples of buildings with historical significance, we will address these questions and develop concepts for possible conversions of the abbey. The focus is also on the landscape context and the question of how the commemorative and cultural value can be preserved in a new use.

At a historical site: the profaned abbey. Bellelay Abbey, we are developing and discussing concepts for possible new uses, exploring the surrounding landscape and testing concrete strategies for the transformation of spatial and atmospheric qualities through which the historical building heritage can be put back into use.

In our analyses and strategies, we examine both the interior and exterior space as well as the landscape context of the large abbey complex.

learnings

In-depth understanding of how to deal with historical building heritage and its landscape context, the commemorative and cultural value of buildings, possibilities for the conversion of buildings through strategies for the transformation of spatial and atmospheric qualities.

learning Form

Lectures, discussion of examples, analyses on site and design scenarios for concrete transformations of atmospheres on site.

further information

Organized accommodation and meals during the course on site, equipment: computer, drawing materials, cameras ( mobile phone)