Design processes typically begin with an idea or a task. Decisions about materials are then made. In this intensive course, we want to explore an approach that reverses this logic: the material comes first.

The starting point for the course is the Faculty of Architecture’s workshop yard with its concrete pavilion. First, we will examine what we find there. We will explore the site and its materials by walking through it, observing, and describing: we will draw, take photographs, and engage in other perceptual exercises. On site, we will find, among other things, trees, bicycles, flower beds, steel beams, benches, and the results of past projects. What do these things “want”? What do they enable, open up, or prevent?

Theoretical points of reference include posthumanist theorists Jane Bennett and Timothy Morton. In presentations and discussions, we develop concepts to view material not merely as a resource but as an active participant. We then test these perspectives in practical exercises. In doing so, we work in groups and engage in an open, exploratory process.

Through arranging and assembling interventions on a 1:1 scale, we develop installations and temporary interventions. How does the material change, how does the space change, how does the atmosphere change?

We will present and discuss the resulting spatial installations—along with drawings, photos, and short texts. This will take place as part of a joint closing event with the course “Take a Walk on the Wild Side” and invited guests. During the event, we will explore questions of authorship, creativity, and design in relation to found material.

Sebastian Stein, Jan Neukirchen

Preliminary meeting: April 16, 2026, 5:00–6:00 p.m., Room B075
Intensive course: August 20–23, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

3 ECTS credits
BA_Modul Kunstpraxis kompakt
MA_Modul Kunst und Gestaltung kompakt

Registration on the Stud.IP list is only possible between:

Thu, Apr 9, 2026, 3:30 PM – Fri, Apr 10, 2026, 10:00 AM.
After that, spots for participation and waitlist positions will be assigned by lottery.

Please register for no more than TWO kug elective courses! If you register for three or more, your name will be removed from all lotteries.
Announcement of participation and waitlist spots via Stud-IP email: Fri, Apr 10, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM.