Material flows

Abstract

'How to teach architecture in an age of climate emergency?' This underlying question is too complex to come up with a blueprint sort of answer. Nicole Maurer and Mark Oldengarm created a process as open as possible in addressing the 'bigger issues'. The 'Material Flows' group was more about guiding than teaching, more about addressing than solving, and more about re-search than re-design. With circularity and climate change as bearing themes, the students explored new methods and ways of thinking related to their own talents and interests. Based on two existing locations, an investigative journey of two weeks developed a narrative where connections between regions, values, society, and sustainability led to concepts and stories for future use. The 'Tale of two cities, two sites and many, many, many flows' shows a promising start of storytelling in investigative design.