THIS YEAR'S THEME
Invisible City Only
for Infants
Takaharu + Yui Tezuka
In childhood, you used to live in a different world. It does not mean only the scale of the surrounding environments.
You used to hear the world differently. Children are capable of recognizing hypersonic sound exceeding 20 kHz. Their ears are much more like wild animals' than the grownup's. Beyond 20 KHz, the body transmits vibration through bones to the central spine, and the deepest part of the brain sends chemical signal to the upper dermal surface of the brain. The process is similar to the one for primitive life forms before we humans evolve consciousness. They smell spring wind differently and touch the surface of stones differently.
This year we want you to find an invisible city that can be seen or experienced only by children. Please do not consider this an easy assignment. Adults are experienced in finding anything hidden by children. This is not about hiding a space nor making a smaller threshold. The assignment is about exploring parallel universe where you used to live in, yet not anymore.
Join architects led by Takaharu and Yui Tezuka from Tokyo to explore and implement these ideas in the life of the picturesque small hill town of Grožnjan, from July 29th – August 6th 2024!
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
ARGU
Architectural practice based in Zagreb, Croatia
Marko Gusić was born in Ljubljana. He moved to Zagreb where he completed his Master’s degree in Architecture and Urban planning at the Faculty of Architecture, University of Zagreb. During his studies, he worked at OFIS Architects in Ljubljana. As a student, Marko was collaborator in various awarded open competitions.
Between 2017 and 2021, he was working full-time at Njiric+ architects studio. During this period, he was also part of numerous competitions, which include large scale urban planning for the new Split region called Korešnica (1st prize), Kamensko residential complex (1st prize), Infirmary Gračani (1st prize), and many more.
Marko currently lives and works in Zagreb. In 2021 he founded ARGU. ARGU makes a small team of three and their vision is creation of high-standard projects with special attention to rationality, elaboration of details and design in relation to the context and environment.
Recently, ARGU participated and won the competition for the Congress centre in Trebinje, in collaboration with NEKOLIKO. Also recently, ARGU’s project for the urbanistic and architectural solution for the swimming pool and sports hall in Split won the 1st prize.
KONNTRA
Architectural practice based in Slovenia, Macedonia and Croatia.
KONNTRA is a young architecture and design studio, based in Slovenia, North Macedonia and Croatia, founded in 2018 by Erik Jurisevic, Mirjana Lozanovska and Silvija Shaleva. As they say, 'KONNTRA is a result of friendship and belief in something unachievable. Coming from countries with different cultures of former Y (Yugoslavia) we take every opportunity to create new connections. We strive to generate emotions and define a new type of poetics of space. Creating architecture that does not see borders or boundaries. Architecture that allows itself and its users to dream.'
KONNTRA has become recognizable for their contemporary and colourful expression in presenting architectural projects. Their collages engage all senses to define the experience and the character of a space, and they successfully narrate stories through symbolic meanings.
KONNTRA also participates in various open competitions. Among several awarded competitions are: 1st place for Secondary school and Sports hall in Vukovar, Croatia; 1st place at International Competition for Architecture and Urban Design of the City Hall building and main public square in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina; 1st place for design and refurbishment of "Square of traditional crafts" in Varaždin, Croatia; 2nd place for Health Center in Zagreb, Croatia; 4th Place for a kindergarten in Stenjevac in Zagreb and Research center ZICER in Osijek, Croatia.
In the beginning of the year 2021 their project for the Square of traditional crafts in Varaždin was nominated for the Mies van der Rohe Award 2022. In the same year KONNTRA has been part of the 17th Venice Biennale of Architecture as invited exhibitor at Hungarian pavilion.
NEKOLIKO
NEKOLIKO (meaning: a few) is already a well established 'new generation' practice. The team of 6 young croatian architects, Luka Šen, Mario Peko, Martin Mertz, Dora Lončarić, Mario Kralj and Hrvoje Arbanas, has been working together since autumn of 2022.
NEKOLIKO's occupation has been a variety of scale and typology, from public buildings and competitions to private investments and interior design. Their first prize awarded kindergarten Vukovarska-Heinzlova in Zagreb, which is to start construction soon, surely stands out. There is also the first prize for the Congress centre in Trebinje, which NEKOLIKO recently presented at Oris House of Architecture with a lecture and an exhibition.
NEKOLIKO are interested in various architectural themes and topics, as they are re-examining the importance and dynamics of teamwork, patterns and knowledge acquired or learned through formal education, and even the position of young architects in the profession and society. They are experts on importance and issues of the competition institution, shortcomings and advantages of architectural education, small and large projects, youth in architecture, clients from the private and public sphere, and a number of other spatial and related current events, and all the while they work diligently and successfully, cherishing original and innovative approach.
ONDA
Architectural practice based in Zagreb, Croatia.
Onda arhitektura was established in 2017 in Zagreb, Croatia. Krešimir Renić and Nika Dželalija started working together on competitions in 2016 and realiest they share a same sensibility for architecture. Their first big success was winning the competition for the Ruđer Bošković Institute. From then, they are evolving through their work, designing and the team with an accent to architectural competitions.
ONDA creates projects that are dynamic and innovative, and dedication and analyticalness in designing have brought them many successes in competitions. The beginning of the office's activities was marked by the victory in the competition for the Ruđer Bošković Institute, and they stand out especially in competitions for kindergartens (Podbrežje 1st place, Valmade - Pula 1st place, Sesvetski Kraljevec 2nd place).
Recently, ONDA architecture won the first place in a competition for a kindergarten in Omiš. They describe their approach to architecture and design as a 'problem solving' process. The creation of pleasant and functional spaces and human-friendly environments are universal principles of architecture, regardless of scale. It is precisely from these settings that emerges a very colorful portfolio of different scales that this office deals with.
Outsider
Outsider is an independent Slovenian magazine founded in 2015 by architects Nina and Matevž Granda, focusing on architecture, culture, and society. Updated daily online and published quarterly in print, it features 200 pages of original content. Outsider addresses space issues in all dimensions, connecting architecture, culture, art, and society, and has successfully reached a diverse audience.
Beyond journalism, Outsider organizes events such as the Tools for Better Living festival, competitions, debates, exhibitions, and workshops. It emphasizes renovation, reuse, and the use of primal materials like stone, wood, and earth, with workshops at the Centre for Building with Earth in Dobrava.
Outsider has received several accolades, including the Plečnik Medal in 2017, selection for the national pavilion at the 2018 Venice Biennale, and a 2022 European Prize for Urban Public Space finalist for revitalizing a Plečnik-designed kiosk. The Granda team earned honorary membership in the Chamber of Architecture and Spatial Planning of Slovenia in 2022. Outsider's earth construction project was recognized by the CIRCE Foundation in 2023 and shortlisted for the European Prize for Urban Public Space in 2024.
Scapelab
An architectural and design office based in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
SCAPELAB was established in 2001 by Marko Studen. Marko graduated from the University of Ljubljana's Faculty of Architecture and GSAPP, Columbia University in New York, and for six years he was director of Europan Slovenia, an international housing competition project, as well as a lecturer at both the Faculty of Architecture in Ljubljana and the University of California. He was an editorial board member of Piranesi Magazine and Art.si Magazine, and a member of national and international competition jury committees. He is a co-editor of European Urbanity: Europan 7 and 8, Austria and Slovenia (Springer Verlag, 2006).
Boris Matić taught at the University of Ljubljana’s School of Architecture, served as an Executive Committee member of the Slovenian Chamber of Architecture, and has published contributions in outlets such as Hise and Mladina.
Together with Jernej Sipos, they have been an integral part of Scapelab for more than ten years and joined as owners and partners in 2018. Scapelab was awarded the Piranesi Prize Honorable Mention (Cufar Square, 2005), the Golden Pen Award (Shared Space Slovenska Street, 2015), and the Plecnik Award (Technological Center Eles, 2019). Their project for Cukrarna Gallery in Ljubljana won the first prize in an open competition in 2009, and stands out as an urbanistic attractor at the city center’s edge, regenerating a former derelict city area.
Scapelab's design portfolio includes a variety of architectural projects, including landscape and planning projects, residential, public, and many more. They have great experience in both open competition projects, as well as projects for private investors.
SVET VMES
Architectural practice based in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
SVET VMES was founded in 2010 as a non-formal collective of architects in Ljubljana, Slovenia, with an urge to question, explore and expose the potential of 'in-between' space. Projects include interventions into existing public spaces, educational and cultural buildings, and new builds. Through these, they instigate and explore new in-between behaviours, encourage spatial sensitivity and emergence among people whilst challenging their daily patterns and existing social reality. For their work, embedded with strong social agenda, the two architects have been locally and internationally recognised, published, and awarded.
The practice is led by two founding partners, architects Jure Hrovat and Ana Kreč who is currently a practice - based PhD candidate at KU Leuven, Department of Architecture, Campus Sint Lucas Brussels in Belgium whilst assisting the design studio of prof. Jurij Sadar at the University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture. They have been lecturers or guest critics at the University of Ljubljana, Slovenia, Tsinghua University in Beijing, Hunan University, China, KU Leuven, Sint Lucas School of Architecture, Ghent, Belgium, University of Westminster in London, UK, NTNU, Trondheim School of Architecture and Fine Arts, Norway, BAU Design College in Barcelona, TU Wien, IUAV in Venice, Italy, Aedes Gallery and Technische Universitat in Berlin.
In 2023, SVET VMES received the Plečnik Medal awarded by the Plečnik Fund and the Golden Pencil awarded by the Slovene Chamber of Architecture and Spatial Planning - ZAPS for their 16-unit, timber Kindergarten in Kočevje, Slovenia. Rather than occupying the green periphery and usurping new land, it upgrades a post-industrial complex site. By adapting the new building volume to the surrounding context and the allotted site all the while structuring its interior according to the program around two internal atria, an interiorised city of nooks and niches for children is created, a place that encourages children to explore, interact and develop essential life skills.
Institute for Transmedia Design
Institute for Transmedia Design, a pioneer in its field, is an impact organization focused on story and technology-driven innovation. Sara Božanić is a CEO of the Institute, and she is a ‘hybrid’ – a designer, strategist, educator and thinker. She has been working for many years on the promotion of interaction and interactive design disciplines in Slovenia, organizing events, designing labs and lectures. Sara believes that digital opens new paths to the public and fosters an endless series of design possibilities. In 2011, she was given a Young Creative Entrepreneur Media Award by the British Council.
Sara's projects center on inovation, education and engagement and encourage diverse audiences to think critically and act creatively. Institute's participatory project Disco School, created in collaboration with designers Jimmy Loizeau and Matt Ward, and Primary School III in Murska Sobota, as well as the City Municipality of Murska Sobota, was conceived to inspire and engage local communities to imagine a new vision for the future of their city.
Disco School is a project that encourages children to take on the role of designers, entrepreneurs, and active citizens, imagining and co-creating the future of their city. Through Disco School, renowned international and local artists, musicians and designers joined forces with 98 primary school students to create a new vision and urban plan for the city. The project resulted in a playful exhibition, which was first on display at the Youth Club in Murska Sobota, then moved on on a tour from Slovenia to France and Austria.
FAQ & General Info
Grožnjan Summer School of Architecture will take place in Grožnjan, Croatia, July 29th – August 6th, 2024.
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 fee for the applications submitted 30 days before the seminar starts is 420 €.
After that fee is 480 €.
Participation fee does not include meals. The meals will be provided in ICC of Jeunesses Musicales.
(According to your choice filled in the application form).
Here you can see the prices of the meals: BREAKFAST 10 € • LUNCH 15 € • DINNER 15 €, full board: 32 €
Bank info: JM Croatia, Raiffeisenbank Austria d.d., Petrinjska 59 HR – 10000 Zagreb,
IBAN: HR9424840081100792293,
SWIFT: RZBHHR2XXXX
After that fee is 480 €.
Participation fee does not include meals. The meals will be provided in ICC of Jeunesses Musicales.
(According to your choice filled in the application form).
Here you can see the prices of the meals: BREAKFAST 10 € • LUNCH 15 € • DINNER 15 €, full board: 32 €
Bank info: JM Croatia, Raiffeisenbank Austria d.d., Petrinjska 59 HR – 10000 Zagreb,
IBAN: HR9424840081100792293,
SWIFT: RZBHHR2XXXX
How to get to Grožnjan?
If you don’t have your own transportation, you can arrive to Koper, Slovenia railway station, or Buje, Croatia bus station as well as airports in Trieste, Italy or Pula, Croatia. The nearest town with public transport is Buje. We would pick you up if its needed and if we are informed in advance about your arrival. You are expected to come to Grožnjan in the afternoon hours on July 29th 2023, and leave on August 6th 2024. 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. After final presentation we will organize party where you will receive your diploma for participation.
Grožnjan Summer School of Architecture
JMI CENTRE GROŽNJAN
Umberta Gorjana 2, 52429 Grožnjan, Croatia
groznjanschoolofarchitecture@gmail.com
