Structure

Understanding spatial connections and shaping transformation

The methodological and technological skills taught in the lessons in the CAS Transforming Space are structured in line with three knowledge fields. The “Transforming Space Wheel” illustrates how the content of imagined, perceived and experienced space is connected and advanced by the respective individual transformation projects of the participants by focusing on work space, living space or urban space.

The project idea is implemented, documented and presented, which in turn also consolidates and tests skills that are important as transdisciplinary reference points for the participants’ own positioning. 

  • 5 ECTS points

    The module focuses on individual project development.

    Skills taught:

    Participants use the content and methods of the CAS for their own project work, research project contexts and record them precisely as the requirements for their own work; critical reflection and discussion, communication and teaching. Gain confidence in the planning and implementation of innovative projects. Project documentation, representation and presentation of their own approach and positioning.

  • 4 ECTS points

    How will the cities, living and working environments of the future be conceived? Which visualization strategies will be pursued in the process and how will these images impact on our perception of spaces? 

    Skills taught:

    Current strategies of knowledge production, room representation and perceptions in urban planning and architecture, learn about design and art, use the power of imagination as a research tool in order to plan alternative spatial realities. 

  • 3 ECTS points

    How is space remembered and narrated; reflected on critically? The focus is on methods for collecting, documenting as well as mapping spaces and spatial experiences.

    Skills taught:

    Toolkit for the research and retrieval of “materials” for further spatial narratives and spatial imaginations in order to use them in a targeted manner.

  • 3 ECTS points

    How does the body react to analogue and digital environments? To sound, light and colour, to other bodies, to proximity and distance? The focus is on perception exercises, excursions and experiments as well as exploration with the corresponding techniques.

    Skills taught:

    Discover and learn about different perception forms of built and social space; be cognisant of the effect of light, colour, sound and materiality, and use techniques precisely.

Give and Take

Besides the different knowledge fields, which are the focus of the foundation modules of the “CAS Transforming Space”, the abilities and experiences of the participants are also a huge resource. The professional skills are activated and integrated within the scope of the CAS in the sense of a “give and take”, e.g. through formats such as peer-to-peer exchange, content design of lessons, technical introduction, etc. Before the CAS starts, participants must submit a project outline on a space-related issue from their own professional practice that should be implemented as an individual project, in which they list the knowledge input that could be incorporated into the lessons. Through the interdisciplinary composition, this horizon of experience is mapped and weighted and, where possible, actively woven into the lectures so that everyone can benefit from it. In addition, individual work is also agreed on with the participants, how they can participate in the lessons and/or the peer-to-peer exchange. This communication of the student’s own knowledge experience corresponds to maximum 2 ECTS.

Forms of teaching, learning and working

Besides impulse presentations, group work and professionally chaired discussions – supplemented with exchange formats with guests – the participants’ own project work, which is supported by their peers and accompanied and implemented via mentoring sessions over the course of the CAS, plays a central role. Excursions are also an integral part of the programme and the discussion onsite, but also in digital settings.

    Assessment

    Participants take an active part in the lessons, make a contribution to the “give and take” by arrangement and develop an individual project on a space-related issue of their choice from their own professional practice, which is mentored and accompanied, uses selected methods and knowledge fields of the CAS “Transforming Space” and is presented on the final day.

      Duration

      February until July 2024

        Event location

        Zurich University of the Arts
        Toni Campus, Pfingstweidstrasse 96
        8005 Zurich

        Different spaces and equipment of ZHdK are used for the lessons, and the respective spatial setting is reflected on as part of the teaching and learning and collaboration in the digital context. This includes visits to university laboratories and workshops as well as the targeted storage of lesson sequences in the digital space.