Master Dissertation studio 2025-26
Campus Sint-Lucas Ghent
Tutors: Mechthild Stuhlmacher, Stijn Leemans
Description of the studio:
Beguinages belong to Flanders’ most valuable heritage and represent an ideal typology constantly relevant and topical – as places to live, meet, work, care, learn and enjoy. In the studio we explore their potential as urban enclaves with a social and cultural meaning. The studio starts from an architectural introduction to several selected sites. Some of these introvert ensembles need revaluation with new programmatic infills and refined architectural means. Others are waiting for specific adaptations and preservation or have been altered in a poor way and therefore offer room for large or small, cautious or even radical architectural interventions.
Despite (or also thanks to) the protection of their heritage value, Beguinages depend on architectural and programmatic renewal to continue to exist in a future-proof way. In the studio, we explore their architectural value and significance, the role they (can) play today and their chances for the future. After an exploratory analysis, we work on proposals for a reinterpretation and new use for several specific properties where we see opportunities for expressive and contemporary architectural interventions. Here, each student individually or in small working groups can choose their own site and shape their own project.
The possibilities are diverse and can be designed in different ways, from pragmatic and technical, to experimental, poetic and visual. Architecturally, the assignment focusses on the discovery and (re)interpretation of existing qualities, conversions and extensions (for instance the redevelopment and conversion of churches and vicarages), subtle and bold new-build interventions and fundamental sustainability. From an urban planning perspective, we examine the spatial and landscape embedding of the beguinages, possible (renewed) relationships with the surroundings and the role and meaning of public and collective spaces and gardens. Programmatically, we focus on the design of various public functions (eventually in combination with housing) such as libraries, specific schools, childcare and care institutions; social, cultural, gastronomic, touristic programmes and uses.
Our work in the studio is linked to current studies and projects that take place outside the academic world and is intended for motivated students with an interest in transformations and a focus on the relationship between interior and exterior spaces, to unusual interiors and detailed elaborations. There is room for exploring and developing a specific architectural relationship between existing and new, for (circular) use of materials.
The necessary structural and programmatic interventions require artistic flair and conceptual intelligence. Enthusiasm for craftsmanship, tectonic aspects, materiality, model making and spatial quality are prerequisites.
Expected output:
Analysis and presentation of reference projects
Choice and analysis of a specific site, with its spatial, cultural context
Design of a programmatic and architectural masterplan of the wider context (preferably in smaller groups)
Architectural design of a fragment in detail, image research, structural research, model making
Presentation
Reflective, illustrated essay or ‘project journal’
Excursion/study trip/…
Several spontaneous study trips and site visits within Belgium and/or The Netherlands
Optional: excursion to Berlin, Munich and/or Nürnberg or the UK
References/Further reading:
Umbaukultur, The Architecture of Altering, Grafe, Rieniets
Reference for the image (if necessary):
Interior Beguinage Hasselt, competition entry by Bovenbouw and David Kohn/ Open Oproep