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

To be announced

FAQ & General Info

Grožnjan Summer School of Architecture will take place in Grožnjan, Croatia, August 1st – August 6th, 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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