THIS YEAR'S THEME

Architecture of Life

Takaharu + Yui Tezuka
August 1st - August 7th 2026

Architecture is alive. Architecture is not a thing, but an event.

There is a fundamental difference between architecture and art. Architecture can be art, but it must be something more. Art is an expression of the artist. It does not necessarily need to be useful, although some art may also serve a purpose.

This workshop asks you to search for an Architecture of Life.

This does not mean architecture that merely supports or sustains daily life. It means architecture that is alive in itself. Architecture must not simply contain life. It must participate in life, change with life, and become part of life.

In Grožnjan, a walled hill town shaped by time, weather, memory, and human presence, we will search for architecture not as an object, but as a living event.

TAKAHARU + YUI TEZUKA / TEZUKA ARCHITECTS

Tokyo based Takaharu and Yui Tezuka in 1994 established one of the most innovative practices working today. They have extensive experience designing spaces for children, such as Fuji Kindergarten, which was named the best school in the world by OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) and UNESCO. Recently they were awarded for the best religious building in 2022 by Archdaily for their project of Niijima Gakuen Junior College Hall & Chapel.

“We set out on a pursuit not just in designing architecture, but in changing the world for the better through the means of architecture; a value we hold true to this day. Architecture is not merely an object but holds the power to change people's lives and societies.”

While their activity is based on architectural design, they hold lectures all over the world, receiving offers from OECD. Their theory on children`s environment is published as the "Yellowbook" from Harvard University.

This year's guests

bit architecture

bit architecture is a Zagreb-based architectural practice founded by architect Antun Stahor. The studio is an architectural practice working on research with the idea of inspiring human experience. It works across architecture, interior design and urban projects, combining research, technical expertise and contemporary design to deliver thoughtful, context-driven solutions.

Before founding bit architecture in 2023, Antun co-founded the architectural practice 9090, where he worked on a wide range of public and private projects between 2016 and 2023. He graduated from the Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb, following undergraduate studies at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy in Split. Alongside professional practice, he has contributed to architectural education as a guest critic at the Faculty of Architecture in Zagreb and as a teaching assistant at the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture in Osijek.

His work has been recognized through several architectural competitions, including the First Prize for the Sesvetski Kraljevec Kindergarten competition and the Second Prize for the Franko Lisica Student Campus competition in Zadar.

Today, bit architecture collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on residential, hospitality and public projects, guiding clients from the earliest design concepts through permitting and construction. The studio is committed to creating architecture that is innovative, technically rigorous and responsive to its environmental and cultural context.

Prostorne taktike

Prostorne taktike is an architectural practice founded in Split in 2017 by Luka Cvitan and Antonia Cvitan Vuletić, both graduates of the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy in Split.

Alongside architectural practice, the studio’s professional development is continuously expanded through education, workshops, residencies and participation in international programmes.

Since its establishment, the studio has worked across a broad range of projects, with a particular focus on public and civic architecture and on shaping spaces that contribute to the quality of life within local communities.

The studio’s work has been recognised through numerous national and international architectural competitions, including first prizes for the Foša pedestrian bridge in Trogir, the Acute Medicine Centre in Split and the Sloboština Kindergarten in Zagreb.

Completed in 2024, the Foša pedestrian bridge has received several notable international distinctions, including the NCE International Bridge Project of the Year 2025 award, the Croatian Chamber of Architects Medal and first prize at the 7th Balkan Architectural Biennale.

The studio’s activities extend beyond architectural design to include education, research and public engagement, based on the understanding that space is a shared resource and a foundation of culture, identity and social life.

void

void is an architectural practice based in Slovenia. Focused on bridging the gap between architectural theory and practical application, void was founded in 2017 by three academic colleagues, Uroš Rustja, Primož Žitnik, and Mina Hiršman. Since then, together with their team, they have entered and won several architectural competitions and received national and international awards. Projects emerge as a thoughtful response to specific needs and contexts, seamlessly integrating with the physical and social environment while balancing the past, present, and future. By challenging conventional approaches, the aim is to bring a distinct perspective to every project, regardless of its scale or function, along with a core commitment to shaping quality spaces that foster a more inclusive future for everyone.

FAQ & General Info

Grožnjan Summer School of Architecture will take place in Grožnjan, Croatia, August 1st – August 7th, 2026

Apply Now!

Who can take part?

Grožnjan Summer School of Architecture is open to students and professionals interested in architecture.

Language

Grožnjan Summer School of Architecture is international workshop with professors, guests and students from Croatia, Slovenia, Japan, France, UK, Germany etc. The tuition language is English.

Equipment

We expect that participants should bring their personal equipment such as laptop, tablets, drawing materials etc.

Accomodation

Grožnjan Summer School of Architecture is organised in collaboration with Jeunesses Musicales Croatia in their facilities in Grožnjan. The Centre has several houses with two to six bedrooms with shared bathrooms and toilet facilities, several rehearsal rooms and the concert/dance hall.

Participation fee

Participation fees for attendees of the ICC programme of JMC in Grožnjan who apply one month before the start of the program amount to:

515 € (includes accommodation, no meals),
735 € (includes accommodation and meals during the program),
685 € (includes accommodation, breakfast and dinner during the program),
625 € (includes accommodation and one meal of choice during the program).

Prices for applications submitted after this deadline increase by 15% of the total amount.

For installment payments, please contact us directly at groznjan@hgm.hr

Payments should be made to the JMC bank account:
IBAN: HR 9424840081100792293

OIB: 30457432092

Reference number: 313

How to get to Grožnjan?

If you do not have organized transportation to Grožnjan, the closest place to reach by public transportation is Buje, where a Center vehicle will meet you. The second closest arrival option is Vižinada, Novigrad or Umag. For all other destinations, you will need to participate in the cost of transportation. For bus schedules and arrival instructions, we suggest that you contact us via email groznjan@hgm.hr or find the timetable via the Obeo application.

The arrival of participants must be announced in advance.

You are expected to come to Grožnjan on August 1st 2026, and leave on August 7th 2026. Upon your arrival to Grožnjan, you need to visit the ICC JMC office Grožnjan, Umberta Gorjana 2. For the registration, we will need your ID or Passport, payment receipt, application form filled in and travel insurance receipt.

Grožnjan Summer School of Architecture

JMI CENTRE GROŽNJAN
Umberta Gorjana 2, 52429 Grožnjan, Croatia
groznjanschoolofarchitecture@gmail.com

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