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THIS YEAR'S THEME

Finding Eden
in Grožnjan

Takaharu + Yui Tezuka

Legend tells of Eden—a realm untouched by death or sorrow, where humanity once dwelled in eternal harmony. But Adam and Eve, bearers of the original transgression, were exiled for tasting the forbidden fruit. The Bible mourns this as a fall from grace. Yet, paradoxically, it is also the genesis of civilization, the first glimmer of hope. Without that rupture, the world we inhabit would never have come into being.

This narrative is not presented to question morality or truth, but to serve as a lens—an allegorical departure point for reimagining the purpose of a city suspended between worlds.

Grožnjan is such a city—a fortified citadel poised between the tangible and the ephemeral, between the present and the ever-vanishing. At dawn, mists rise to become clouds, and above them floats this aerial town, drifting like a memory not yet lost. People ascend in search of that illusion. But it is not merely its perch that stirs the imagination. It is the serpentine paths that conceal direction. The loggia that appears as if conjured from stone and silence. The gate that stands not just as threshold, but as proclamation.

Your task is to conceive an entrance to Eden, embedded within Grožnjan. But this is not to be a simple door. It must be an interstitial realm—a spatial passage suspended between the known world and the unseen paradise. Eden cannot be observed with the naked eye. It may be sensed, inferred, or dreamt. You are invited to propose an architectural response that defies expectation—a revelation, not a solution.

Tezuka-portrait

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

OFIS Arhitekti
Architectural practice based in Ljubljana, Slovenia and Paris, France.

OFIS is an architecture studio, based in Ljubljana, Slovenia. It was founded in 1996 by Špela Videčnik and Rok Oman, both graduates from the Ljubljana School of Architecture and London’s Architectural Association. Since 2014, they have been teaching and running studios and workshops at various architecture schools, such as Harvard GSD, Architectural Association in London, UCLA, University of Hong Kong, ENSA Paris Val de Seine and many more.

Since its creation, the practice has been investigating space relations in different scales and context. They work internationally, with partner firms in London, Paris and Moscow. Many of their projects have been nominated for and have won important awards, including the Mies van der Rohe, Piranesi and Plečnik Award. Their build work is represented by various programs, from public, sport, cultural and religious buildings to single and multiple housing. After winning a project for 180 apartments in Paris, their first large-scale development abroad, OFIS opened a branch in France. Most of their work is a result of winning competitions, including their internationally completed construction of a student residence on Route des Petits Ponts in Paris and Football Stadium Bate Arena in Belarus. They have exhibited worldwide, including at the Venice Biennale of Architecture, the Architectural Biennale in Beijing, and the Biennale in Moscow.

Apart from the extraordinary ability to successfully navigate large scale and commercial projects, OFIS arhitekti cultivate a special sensibility towards small scale housing and experimental research projects. More often than not, they try to speak through layered relationship between architecture, landscape, ecology, and public knowledge. They also investigate European and local Slovenian identity in contemporary architectural language, which includes traditional knowledge of vernacular buildings to revitalisations, conversions and new build in alpine area. Through their research of Habitations in Extreme environments they build several alpine shelters in Slovenia and glass house in the desert in Spain.
Struktura
Architectural practice based in Zagreb, Croatia.

STRUKTURA is Zagreb based architectural practice, founded by architects Grgur Butigan and Jakov Matas.
Grgur and Jakov stood out as young architects in 2019 by winning conceptual architectural and urban design solution for garages at nine locations in Split (collaboration with Bernardica Grubišić i Katarina Kazić). Their fresh approach, deeply thought out design, theoretically as well as practically, made them stand out amongst 9 other contestants.

The same approach and sensibility Grgur and Jakov continue to implement in their recent and very successful residential projects. One of the most interesting houses built in Zagreb in recent years is located on the edge of the Maksimir forest and is signed by them and Rade Trbara. The family house in Maksimir is created from the idea of a whole that is fractally broken down into smaller segments. Each of the segments that make up the house, although specific and seemingly separate, contains within itself the characteristics of the general, or total. Maksimir House was nominated for the annual Drago Galić Award in 2022.

Their House Žedno,  currently under construction, also nurtures diverting conceptual and theoretical approach. The strict geometric form carefuly narrates the story of the house in relation to its place and location. Every one of their deisgns is truly refreshing on the young archi scene in Croatia, whether it be collective housing project, residential villa or simply family house.
Papundekl Architekti
Architectural practice based in Prague, Czech Republic.

PAPUNDEKL ARCHITEKTI s.r.o. studio was founded in Prague in 2017 by Jan Bárta and Marek Fischer, graduates of Jan Šépka's studio at the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University. Today, studio partners include Šimon Biehanzl, and other studio members are Tereza Haumerová, Matěj Šépka and Kamila Vaníčková. Their work is characterized by an open approach, not limiting imagination based on a limited brief. For each project they try to find a unique concept and a unique form. They are not afraid of playful or naive solutions, combining old and new ideas. Designs are rational and accessible, yet novel. They also tend to explore unusual construction methods or interesting materials.

PAPUNDEKL ARCHITEKTI focus on house design, urbanism and interiors. Since 2017, they have been working on the revitalization of the Prague Exhibition Grounds. In 2020 a modular pavilion was created according to their design, for which they received the award Finalist of the Czech Architecture Award 2021. They also regularly participate in architectural competitions. Most recent achievements include: 3rd place in the Southern Slopes competition in Frýdek-Místek in 2020, in 2021, a prize in the competition for the renewal of the park on Mírové náměstí in Hodonín and 2nd place in the invited competition for the revitalization of Smetana Gardens in Červený Kostelec, in 2022, a prize in the competition for the Fire Department of the Volunteer Fire Department in Lanškroun and in 2023, 1st place in the invited competition for the improvement of public spaces in Svatý Jan pod Skalou.

FAQ & General Info

Grožnjan Summer School of Architecture will take place in Grožnjan, Croatia, July 31st –  August 6th, 2025

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 fee for the applications submitted 30 days before the seminar starts is 490 €.
After that fee is 560 €.

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 12 € • LUNCH 20 € • DINNER 20 €, full board: 39 € 

Bank info: JM Croatia, Raiffeisenbank Austria d.d., Petrinjska 59 HR – 10000 Zagreb,
IBAN: HR9424840081100792293,
SWIFT: RZBHHR2XXXX 
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 July 31st 2025, and leave on August 6th 2025. 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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