Some say that even after centuries of developing hard surfaced urban environments, our minds and brains haven’t adapted to this circumstance. We probably always will need green and growing natural elements in our proximity to feel comfortable and safe.

Related to healthcare and ordinary wellbeing the benefits of surrounding green elements are well documented, though these surroundings vary greatly. From the endless agricultural areas outside our cities to parks, courtyards etc. within the cities. In this anthropocene epoch we live in, our manmade landscapes and buildings are everywhere – a condition that can give rise to reconsider the terms ‘nature’ and ‘culture’.

An urban environment can be as ‘green’ and lush as ‘free nature’ – just in another way.

Paradoxically the efficient monocultural fields of crops in the rural areas often lack the variety of plants and flowers found within some cities.

The theme for this seminar is the ‘Oasis’ of manmade architecture with natural elements as trees, plants, soil, pavement, water etc. It can be open and obvious or hidden behind a wall or within a building.

Key issues are general architectural qualities concerning definition of space or spatial sequences and atmospheres affecting senses through light and shade, colour, smell and taste, tactility, acoustics and the course of the seasons that natural elements can enrich.

In this field of architecture basic design issues like ‘organic’ or ‘geometrical’ become relevant to consider.

More information about the structure and the task will follow in the first virtual meeting next week (Time and date to be announced by 17/04/)

Following the first meeting, Enrollment will be open