Course content

The course provides insight into the existing built environment and examines it in the present, past, and future. It explores strategies for achieving the longest possible lifespan and the greatest societal benefit with the lowest possible resource use. Students investigate how existing buildings respond to changing needs.

The course provides a suggested design brief, but students may also define their own assignments in collaboration with supervisors. Knowledge courses inform the project course, and areas of specialization provide direction for the projects.

The aim is to create an interdisciplinary environment, fostering learning across different areas of specialization.

Please note that some of the knowledge courses connected to AAR4680 Circular Studio may have limited spaces.

The course constitutes the main element in a combination with one of the following knowledge courses which must be taken in the same semester:

• AAR4850 Light and Visual Perception
• AAR4926 Integrated Energy Design
• AAR4896 Architecture and Geometry
• AAR4250 Architecture as Technological Practice
• AAR4825 Survey, Documentation and Analysis of Existing Buildings - This course requires good knowledge of Norwegian / Scandinavian language, both oral and written. The course is based on a real situation where the students are working with collection of information from various oral and written sources, most of which will be in Norwegian.
• AAR4909 Making is Thinking

Learning outcome

Knowledge

• The student has broad knowledge of circular architecture and effective resource management, viewed from historical, technological, systemic, ethical, and aesthetic perspectives.

• The student has insight into the opportunities and challenges related to existing built environments and can address these in both architectural and societal contexts.

Skills

• The student can discuss and develop sound solutions to complex issues concerning existing buildings.

• The student manages complex, interdisciplinary, and adaptable design processes, as well as collaboration.

• The student can translate theoretical perspectives into architectural design responses and assess the overall quality.

• The student can evaluate the qualities of existing buildings and incorporate these as a basis for design.

General competence

• The student can present their work at a professional level in both practical and academic contexts.

• The student takes responsibility for their own learning and professional development and can apply their knowledge of circularity in architectural practice.

• The student can reflect critically on the practice of the discipline and contribute based on ethical considerations.

• The student understands how resource use in construction relates to the environment and climate, and the role the architect can play in thoughtful shaping of sustainable architecture.

Learning methods and activities

The course uses a variety of learning methods, ranging from theoretical lectures, seminars, academic literature, participation in research projects, fieldwork, and individual supervision, as well as collaborations with external partners. The emphasis is on student-active learning methods where collaboration, participation, and responsibility for and reflection on one’s own learning are central.

Students will be informed at the start of the semester if there will be a voluntary excursion. Participation is strongly recommended. Students who participate in voluntary excursions will be expected to pay an individual sum. Students who choose not to participate in the voluntary excursion will be offered an alternative teaching plan.

The teaching team is a resource for all students but will take special responsibility for its own area of specialization. 

The course may be taught in English to accommodate international master’s students or incoming exchange students.

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

Completed three years basic courses in architecture, bachelor's degree in architecture, or equivalent.

Students in MAAR program: The student must have met the progression requirements outlined in the study plan description for the integrated five-year Master’s program in Architecture and has successfully completed all compulsory design studio courses during the first three years of architectural studies at NTNU or an equivalent accredited institution.

Course materials

 Academic texts in PDF format and recommended books. The student will be informed of the necessary and recommended equipment and tools required to complete the course.