Modernism for the future: RE-TOPIA Modern World (Re)Visions

MODERN WORLD (RE)VISIONS: LIVABLE URBAN MODERNITY

The 2022 International Summer School invites participants from architectural, urban planning and other creative practices to analyse and decode an existing cityscape to develop new visions of future modern living.

The International Summer School is planned to take place from 27th June to 1st of July, 2022. Organized by Kaunas University of Technology in collaboration with The Bartlett School of Architecture (UCL, UK), it is part of Kaunas – European Capital of Culture 2022 “Modernism for the Future” programme and builds on previous Summer Schools organized in 2018, 2019, 2021.

Outline

We are living in a time of crisis. Experiences over recent months have forced us to critically and profoundly re-evaluate our relationships with our friends, families and communities, our neighbourhoods, our cities and our planet. Focussing on the historic district of Šančiai, the five-day Summer School will provide participants with an international and multidisciplinary setting for exploring current debates, challenges and opportunities in architecture design and urbanism for modern, healthy and safe living in the city. Activities will include, neighbhourhood walks and talks, site visits, lectures and a short studio-based exercise resulting in the production of a collaborative, co-curated, creative output.

Registration until – 1th of June

Invitation to selected participants – 3th of June

2022 Summer School moments

Invitation to Summer School 2022

Results of Summer School 2021

REPORT FOR MOBILE

INFO BEFORE SCHOOL

About

What is it?

One-week creative workshop for students and young professionals.

Who can participate?

Any student or young professional, who is interested in modernism, urban history, society, architecture, urban planning and design, livability.

How we will be working?

Summer School will provide lectures, creative sessions, and workshops. Participants will work in teams.

The process will be coordinated by Kaunas University of Technology (LT) and Bartlett School of Architecture (UK) and other professionals.

Topics

Within this overarching topic, we will invite participants to explore one of several subtopics:

Harmony between Old and New – Žemieji Šančiai (Lower Šančiai) is a territory of a historic suburb that has retained the unique layout of low-rise residential houses and military heritage, a specific street structure, and a good connection with the Nemunas River. But what was once suburban is today an area very close to the city centre. Therefore, development of this neighbourhood is inevitable, but poses the challenge of how to balance what came before (e.g. nature and heritage) with what will appear in the future (e.g. new infrastructure, new constructions, and new functions).
Vibrant neighbourhood / resilient community – the success of a neighbourhood can be evaluated through the synergy of many different attributes, from social provision to economic strength, but the benefits of a vibrant and resilient community extend far beyond that community. What role do architecture, urban design, and urban planning play in cultivating and sustaining a vibrant and resilient community?
Participatory urban development and conflict management – cities are always places of tension and even conflict, with different actors from residents to policymakers competing for limited resources and space. How can we foster better communication between different interest groups and encourage inclusive decision-making in the processes of territorial planning, urban design, or even architectural design as a means of conflict resolution?

Program

PROGRAM

27 06	Monday / 1st day of workshop DAY TOPIC – TAKE a SIP of KAUNAS
	What do you know about Kaunas, its urban history and architecture? What is so special about Kaunas’ modernism?The aim of this day is to take Sip a historical and modern taste of Kaunas.
28 06	Tuesday/ 2nd day of workshop DAY TOPIC – FEEL the PLACE
	How you can feel the place? You have to visit it!The aim of the day is to find out the Žemieji Šančiai neighborhood’s, it’s cultural and historical context.
29 06	Wednesday/ 3rd day of workshop DAY TOPIC – STRATEGIES and (RE)VISIONS
	What is the resilient and livable modernity of the city? What kind of strategies we can have to reach modernity?The aim of the day is to start the formulation of the team strategy/concept
30 06	Thursday/ 4th day of workshop DAY TOPIC – WORK in PROGRESS
	What can be better than work? A good Teamwork!The aim of the day is to decode the neighbourhood of Žemieji Šančiai and work in a team to “draw” the best (re)vision of it.
01 07	Friday/ 5thd day of workshop DAY TOPIC – (RE)VISIONS FAIR
	Day to finalize and share your (re)visions. Let’s discuss Re-topia optimistic between the past and the future.

Fee

PARTICIPATION FEE

Registration fee 50 euros* (fee for KTU and UCL students is covered).

We will cover your expenses, related to the summer school program execution and daily tasks (including lunch and coffee).

Travel and accommodation expenses will not be covered by organizers.

Summer school participants will receive Certificates and a Publication of ideas generated during the school.

*selected participants should pay until the 10th of June (information will be sent with the invitation to participant).

Registration

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE:

Any student or young professional, who is interested in modernism, urban history, society, architecture, urban planning and design, livability.

All information created or shown in events is just for event purposes only and can’t be copied for personal or commercial use.

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Playlist from 2021 Summer School (online)

Moments from 2019 Summer School (before Covid-19)

RESEARCH TERRITORY

KAUNAS Context: Šančiai is a part of Kaunas city, southeast of the railway station, on the right bank of the Nemunas. Šančiai consists of two parts: the north-eastern part of Šančiai, located on the upper terrace of the Nemunas, is called Aukštieji Šančiai (Upper Šančiai), and the southern part, located on the lower terrace, is called Žemieji Šančiai (Lower Šančiai) and has direct access to the river Nemunas. Access is not limited by the street layout. There is a pedestrian and cycling path along the coast, which allows city dwellers to experience the river directly. However, urbanization also affects this area. For example, the municipality plans to build a two-lane street with parking that would create a barrier to the river and destroy the existing green space. Accessibility and parking problems are relevant to the residents of the district but what price are they willing to pay? How can we encourage the sustainable development of this district, preserving its local identity while creating a modern space that equitably meets the needs of all residents so that they can live in a safe, healthy and modern environment?

Žemieji Šančiai community

If you have any questions, write them to laura.jankauskaite-jureviciene@ktu.lt

Invited teachers

Edward Denison

THE BARTLETT SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE (UCL)

Edward is a Professor at Bartlett School of Architecture (UK) and an independent consultant, writer and photographer specializing in global histories of architecture as well as the built environment. His work for various international organizations in places as diverse as Africa, China and Europe is regularly published in international print, electronic and broadcast media. In 2016 and 2017 he received the RIBA President’s Medal for Research for “Asmara – Africa’s Modernist City” and “Ultra-Modernism: Architecture and Modernity in Manchuria”.

Carlos Huerta Fernandez

THE BARTLETT SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE (UCL)

Carlos is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Architecture and Historic Urban Environments at the Bartlett School of Architecture. He has gained experience in the field of architecture and the built environment working in Mexico and Italy as well as volunteering in the restoration of damaged heritage buildings. During his academic training, he participated in multidisciplinary projects and publications such as “Río Ciudad Monterrey” and “Post-Urban sites in Japan and Mexico”. He has received several awards including best student-built projects 2016 by Archdaily, overall winner at the VI Student Architecture Biennial of Nuevo León, and a finalist position in the 36th Alberto J. Pani national Mexican prize.

Maxwell Mutanda

THE BARTLETT SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE (UCL)

Maxwell Mutanda is a Lecturer in Environmental and Spatial Equity and Co-Director of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at the Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London. His work investigates the role of globalisation, climate and technology within the built environment. Maxwell has been an editorial contributor for The Architectural Review and is currently a Trustee on the board of Mediale, an international media arts charity and arts festival based in York.