EPFLx: Groundscape Architecture Design Lab, re-thinking cities underground

by École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

Groundscape: Exploring the Subterranean Frontier

An innovative architecture course by EPFLx

Course Description

Welcome to "Groundscape: Exploring the Subterranean Frontier," an innovative and exciting course that delves into the fascinating world beneath our cities. This intermediate-level architecture course, offered by EPFLx, introduces students to the groundbreaking concept of Groundscape – a fusion of ground and landscape that opens up a whole new dimension of urban design and planning.

Led by renowned professor Dominique Perrault and the expert team at SubLab, this course will challenge you to reimagine urban spaces by exploring the untapped potential beneath our feet. You'll discover how subterranean architecture can provide resilient, responsible, and aesthetically pleasing solutions to modern urban challenges.

What You'll Learn

The fundamental principles and concepts of Groundscape
How to redefine urban spaces using subterranean architecture
Essential design tools and methods specific to underground projects
Urban strategies for intervening in Groundscape territories
Basic constructive procedures for ground excavation
How to develop and present your own Groundscape project
Participation in an architecture competition

Prerequisites

While no special prerequisites are required for understanding the course content, those interested in participating in the Underground Design Studio component should have basic experience in architectural conception and software.

Course Content

Introduction to Groundscape concepts (void, light, geography, landscape, heritage, depth, density, network)
Groundscape as a tool for creating new territories
Blending landscape and architecture in underground spaces
Establishing complex networks through subterranean design
Groundscape solutions for heritage-sensitive sites
Innovative design methods for subterranean territories
Practical application through the Underground Design Studio

Who Should Take This Course

This course is ideal for architects, urban planners, designers, and anyone interested in innovative approaches to urban development. It's perfect for professionals looking to expand their skill set, students seeking to explore cutting-edge concepts in architecture, and urban enthusiasts curious about the future of city design.

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course have numerous real-world applications. Graduates will be equipped to:

Propose innovative solutions to urban congestion and land scarcity
Design sustainable and resilient underground spaces
Integrate subterranean elements into existing urban landscapes
Preserve historical sites while accommodating modern needs
Create unique architectural projects that challenge conventional thinking
Contribute to the development of smart cities and sustainable urban planning

Syllabus

Episode 1: The Groundscape Manifest
Introduction to basic Groundscape concepts
Episode 2: Conquests
Groundscape as a tool for creating new territories
Episode 3: Geography
Blending landscape and architecture in underground spaces
Establishing complex networks through subterranean design
Episode 4: Legacy
Groundscape solutions for heritage-sensitive sites
Foundations of Groundscape architecture
Episode 5: Into the Lab
Exploring innovative design methods for subterranean territories

Throughout the course, students will participate in the Underground Design Studio, developing their own Groundscape projects and potentially entering an architecture competition.