Atlas of Proposals V – Soft Shelters
Collectively develop a collection of design proposals for public shadow spaces in Leuven’s city centre.
MARS3 · BRUSSEL (LEUVEN) · BILINGUAL
teacher(s): Arnout Van Vaerenbergh
field of interest: Art and Architecture · Climate · Public Space · Materiality · Fabrication
attitude: Speculative · Constructive · Poetic
method of inquiry: Fieldwork · Mapping · Research by Design
design media: Model-based · Material-based · Drawing-based
learning environment: Collective learning · Embedded · Cluster Studio
study trip: No
Description
In times of climate crisis, social unrest and mental overload, the need for shelter—both physical and mental—is growing. Atlas of Proposals V approaches the ‘shelter’ not simply as architecture, but as a social, sensory and symbolic anchor within the urban landscape.
Last academic year, the AOP studio explored this theme with a focus on shadow structures. The research moved across different scales: from climate change and the urban heat island effect, through the microclimates of different public spaces, to the physical properties of materials and their reflection, transmission and absorption of heat. The research culminated in an exhibition at Tweebronnen, bringing together 11 design proposals and 1:1 prototypes that translated the collective investigation into tangible spatial interventions.
This year, the studio builds upon these findings and shifts its focus towards the public spaces in the centre of Leuven. Students will identify specific locations, conditions and needs, and develop an atlas of potential sites and strategies. How can interventions respond to climatic, social and spatial challenges while improving the quality of public space? Leuven 2030 – European Capital of Culture will serve as a catalyst for both research and implementation.
As the academic counterpart to Gijs Van Vaerenbergh, the AOP studio bridges academic and professional practice. Based in its dedicated studio space at BAC ART LAB in Leuven, the course engages directly with the city through dialogue and collaboration with different stakeholders and departments of the City of Leuven.
Position statement
In times of climate crisis, the need for shelter in public space is growing. Building on last year’s research into heat and shade, this year’s AOP studio shifts towards specific sites and conditions within Leuven’s central public spaces. How can interventions provide shelter while strengthening the quality of public space? Through research-by-design, the studio develops proposals for installations, structures and transformations, using Leuven 2030 as a catalyst for research, experimentation and implementation.
Learning outcomes
(1) The student demonstrates insight into context analysis, concept formation, problem sensitivity and engagement, ethics, and personal imagination. (2) The student is able to formulate an individual research or design strategy. (3) The student demonstrates advanced knowledge and understanding of fundamental structural principles. (4) The student is able to employ design as a mediating medium.
Expected deliverables
Architectural drawings · Model · Material experiments · Written reflection · Digital media · Presentation · Prototypes