Most architectural schools in Europe do not consider Traditional Architecture as an acceptable subject. Avant garde and Modernist ideas that arose in the wake of World War I became consolidated by World War II, so much so that they replaced previous teaching and culture. Traditional principles of design were discarded, leading to a loss of knowledge of the ways in which traditional buildings and cities were created, and why they successfully embodied human values and patterns of life. The new ideas in conjunction with industrial processes also led to a decay of craftsmanship and a tendency to abandon natural materials, with untold costs for the built environment due to a lack of sustainability.
The almost impossibility of studying tradition with a view to application within accredited forms of architectural education has led many to seek to remedy the situation. Several Summer Schools in Traditional Architecture and Urban Design have sprung up all around Europe, aiming to create a viable alternative to the mainstream contemporary educational offer.
Through discussions and insights shared, attendees and participants of this Open Table Discussion gained a glimpse into the unique offerings of Summer Schools around the world and potential opportunities for alternative pathways in architectural education.
Panellists from the following Summer Schools and the discussion were moderated by Mark Wilson Jones, the TAG Chair & INTBAU:
- CSCA Summer School - Engelsberg,Sweden/ Cambridge UK
- ‘The Design Principles Behind Oxford’s Classical Facades', Oxford , UK
- La Table Ronde de l'Architecture (TRA)_The Bruges Summer School of Architecture & Crafts, Belgium and The Alsace Summer School of Architecture & Crafts, France
- ‘Let’s Build a Beautiful City’, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Rafael Manzano Summer School, Spain ; Arcos de Valdevez Summer School, Portugal
- Create Streets Foundation, Urban Design and Architecture Summer School in Sherborne
- The Summer School of Traditional Architecture and Urbanism of Izamal, Yucatán, INTBAU Mexico
- Enduring Design Masterclass at the University of Queensland, INTBAU Australia & The Prince’s Trust Australia
Access the recording here to delve deeper into this educational exploration.
