Engiadina — Elemental Living
In our everyday lives, we only become aware of the elements — fire, water, earth, and air — when they intermittently become dangerous during extreme weather conditions or natural events. However, this perspective represents a relatively recent shift. For over two millennia, the doctrine of the four elements profoundly influenced human understanding of nature and knowledge systems. This paradigm began to wane with the advent of modern natural science, the Enlightenment, and industrialization, which reframed nature as a quantifiable, exploitable, and productive resource for human use.
According to philosophers Gernot and Hartmut Böhme, the displacement and alienation between humans and nature, initiated by the modern scientific paradigm, are partly responsible for the environmental crisis we are currently experiencing.
It is striking that current ecological movements rehabilitate the four elements and find great interest in their mutual effects and dependencies. In disciplines such as soil science, atmospheric research, and hydrology, nature is increasingly being viewed as an interconnected system. The «rediscovery of the elements» stands for a renewed relationship between humankind and nature in times of climate crisis.
In this design studio, we expose ourselves to the elements and ask how architecture and forms of living can arise from the intense sensual experience of the four elements and respective cultural techniques. Central to our inquiry is the interplay between habitation, architecture, and landscape, with the goal of proposing simple architectural and constructive solutions that respect and enhance this intricate relationship.
The high valley of the Engadin in Switzerland, celebrated for its iconic lake and mountain landscapes, faces significant environmental and societal challenges. Climate change has intensified issues such as glacier retreat, water scarcity, wildfires or landslides, while the growth of tourism has exacerbated housing shortages for the local population.
Our studio delves into the defining elements of the Engadin–its aesthetic attributes, the myths imbued within its landscapes, and the cultural techniques and practices that have historically shaped its terrain. By utilizing scales from 1:1, 1:10, 1:100, 1:1000, and 1:10 000 through models, drawings, and plans, the studio aims to conceptualize sufficient housing solutions that align with the environmental and cultural context.
Assignments and evaluation criteria:
• Analysis and research of the element and its associated cultural technique given to the students
• Formulation of an architectural question and identification of a suitable site in the Engadin
• Translation of the inquiry into a territorial, architectural, and constructive project
• Development of forms of living and sufficiency, reflected in the floor plans
• Creation of atmospherically rich plans, refined models, and poetic visualizations
Our approach is iterative rather than linear, encouraging students to simultaneously engage with different scales from the outset.
The studio is conducted in person with Elli Mosayebi and Christian Inderbitzin alternating weekly and both being present for mid- and final reviews. Students will work individually. During the studio trip, students will engage with local experts, gain an in-depth understanding of the Engadin, and learn from significant architectural, landscape, and infrastructure projects.