Brief
Over the last decades there has been a dramatic break between human intervention and natural environment: the Anthropocene is the first terrestrial era in which human activity has become so significant as to affect the balance of the ecosystem itself.
And yet humans have inhabited the Earth for millions of years, achieving well-being and quality of life without depending on energy-intensive machines or technologies that are hardly sustainable on a large scale.
There is a profound wisdom in the ancient construction techniques, a disarming efficiency in the vernacular traits of poor architecture: from Persian wind towers to Berber architecture, today several past architectural solutions seem more compelling and sustainable than many modern technologies.
To look forward sometimes one has to to step into the past, and this is why the course in Vernacular Architecture was established.
Vernacular Architecture is a holistic and revolutionary educational project integrating the ancient knowledge of vernacular architectural traditions with creative elements and contemporary techniques. By doing so, it creates inspirations that can affect contemporary architecture and, thus, contribute to write a future of prosperity and well-being. Starting from the example of the symbol of human survival in extreme contexts - Siwa Oasis -, students will be provided with several inspirations from a wide range of construction traditions. This will enable them to create a new approach to meet the increasing demand for refined yet low-impact architecture both socially and environmentally. The course will consist of 80 hours of frontal lessons, 32 hours of workshop and several lectures by prominent professionals.
At the end of the course, YACademy’s placement office will provide all students with an internship/collaboration proposal with one of the partner firms.
Course info
15 In person
5 Online
Bologna
31.8.2024 - 8.11.2024
3 days/weekNovember 2024 - February 2025
€ 2900 + VAT
Online€ 9700 + VAT
In person3
Full coverage of the enrollment fee for the most outstanding candidatesTeaching modules & Workshops
Siwa in history
The role of the oasis between archeology and legendsThe Siwan community
Cultural and sociological connotationsBuilding with earth
Bricks: between tradition and innovationAdaptive architecture
The richness of poor architectureModern technologies from traditional materials
Research stems from the pastTypological characteristics and urban layout
Vernacular architecture as an aggregation phenomenonRestoration of vernacular architecture
Traditional architecture as testimonial historical heritageAfrican vernacular architecture
Hassam Fathy's schoolThe Nubian compass and Carola's legacy
Arches, domes and thrusting systemsLow-tech and collective consciousness
Communicate and transmit the construction cultureStone architecture
Techniques and traditions of vernacular culture in Central EuropeThe kershef technique
Building with mud and salt rocksSite Visits
Cairo
Siwa, Shali and the Temple of the Oracle
Noale furnaces
Ghesc
Special lectures and critiques
Architecture as research and social discipline
Traditional techniques and contemporary creativity: METI School
Shelter on the Namibian Skeleton coast
Wall House: material and formal research
The 18th Biennale of Architecture
The barn of Amtoudi: the discipline of restoration in poor architecture
Adrère Amellal: vernacular architecture as the new luxury
Tambacounda Hospital: earth, colours and light
Value and significance of Islamic architecture
Contemporaneity among the ruins
Design workshop
Alejandro Aravena + Elemental / Elemental
The workshop will be the practical opportunity to test all the notions provided during the teaching modules and will guarantee strategic solutions to a real architectural project. It will be conducted in collaboration with EQI and the Italian Embassy in Cairo, and it will concern the restoration of the ancient fortress of Shali from an artistic and museum perspective. In accordance with EQI’s guidelines, that has been committed for over 20 years to the restoration and enhancement of Siwa’s historical buildings, designers will have the rare opportunity to imagine the development of one of the most iconic Berber cities in the world, located in an oasis of ancient charm. The aim of the workshop will be to identify developments and plans to consolidate the cultural heritage of the oasis, creating an attractive offer able to attract visitors who - in addition to the natural and architectural allure of the place - may enjoy a wider cultural offer. A museum of archaeology oriented to tell the story of the oasis over time, accommodations spread throughout the site, performance spaces, architectural installations, artist’s studios, services and visitor routes, will all be functions consistent with the purposes of the workshop, where the only limitation will be the identification of solutions that are coherent with the historical and naturalistic value of the site, and which make environmental and social sustainability their strong suit.
Construction workshop
Construction is a fundamental step in architecture. For this reason, YACademy offers its students the opportunity to participate in the process of producing their own ideas. Thus, the students will gain practical experience on construction sites and, above all, the authorship of projects built for excellent commissions, destined for a major media echo and capable of defining a turning point in their professional career.
Placement
At the end of teaching modules and workshop, YACademy’s Placement office will guarantee every student an internship or collaboration proposal in one of our partner studios.
Teachers
Admission
Requirements
Students or graduates in Architecture/Design can apply to the course. The commission, based on the assessment of the application, may admit students with different qualifications.
Registration
To apply, it is necessary to register online and submit a Curriculum Vitae, a Portfolio, and a Motivational Letter. Moreover, it is necessary to pay the administration fee (€60 + VAT). The best 20 candidates will be admitted to the course according to the rules.
Scholarship
By applying for the course, the students automatically become eligible to obtain a scholarship: one will be granted to each of the best 3 applicants for each course, consistently with the Selection Committee's evaluation. Therefore, it is not necessary to make specific actions to apply for a scholarship. The scholarship covers the entire enrollment fee - regardless of the type of attendance chosen -, but does not cover the administration fee (€60 + VAT) that have to be paid in order to complete the application process successfully.
Timeline
Complying with deadlines is a fundamental requirement to take part in the course. All students are encouraged to pay the utmost attention to the timeline and to complete each phase in advance.
Applications opening
Applications deadline
Publication of the provisional ranking
Beginning of second-round admissions
Enrollment fee payment deadline for students admitted according to the provisional ranking
Publication of the official ranking (including second-round admitted students)
Lessons start
Rules
Make sure you have downloaded the course brochure, from which you will be able to obtain any information about YACademy, as well as every single detail on how to access and enrol in the courses.
Rules eng
Regolamento ita
Past editions gallery
Partners
To each one of them, many thanks from YACademy staff and students.