RUINS (part 2)
The future and qualities of abandoned and derelict space
Master dissertation studio 2026-27
Master of Architecture, engagement Urban Cultures
Campus Sint-Lucas Ghent
Tutor: Erik Van Daele
English spoken
This studio description is subject to change.
The original intention is for the studio to complement the elective course ‘The Green Carpet’.
Design research
The studio Ruins part 1 results in 5 concepts for an abandoned space. In ruins part 2 students choose one of the concepts from part 1 and explore the spatial, programmatic, functional and social impact of the chosen concept.
They can alter the concepts or combine different concept strategies.
The focus is on the character and the appearance of the ruin, on materiality (which materials to use), on detailing the key elements of the ruin; on accessibility, on the programmatic sequences in the ruin…Spatial configuration and sequences, doors, stairs and windows ( how does light enter the ruin, which views become part of the ruin…) are essential elements.
How is the ruin part of the strategy of co-existence explored in the elective ‘the green carpet’ part 1?
- Important is to highlight what is existing ( concepts from studio 1s and 2 and elective 1) and how to supplement these elements?
- Essential is the way the ruin is perceived moving in and around the space ( consult the scenery in romantic English gardens) Furthermore special attention goes to the direct dialogue ruin and the surrounding context via windows, sills, canopies, trees, shrubberies, paths, topography, water…)
Method
- Detailing the chosen concept for the ruin is an individual research and project. The exercise is developing an architecture/spatial, landscape and programmatic project.
- The ruin is not an object, the dialogue with the surrounding context on different scale levels is as important as any spatial, social or programmatic intervention. Therefore, regular discussions and collaboration with the students of the studio ruins part 2 are essential. These discussions result in new dialogues, in an architecture project, a reflection on the configuration and presence of humans, plants and animals resulting in a new form of co-existence in and around the ruin. (group and individual)
Output
- Booklet. The studio discussions result in a booklet.
– A text of 600 words reflecting on the social, programmatic and architectural importance of ruins in the city ( see urban catlysts). (group and individual)
-A collage or sketch of the essence of the envisaged concept for the ruin. (individual)
-A set of drawings from the individual reflection based on the interpretation of the chosen text or project. (individual)
- Logbook
-All drawings, sketches and concepts bundled in one document;
-The photo- atlas of the materials, details, glass, hard surfaces…
-Documenting the envisaged strategy.
- Models and drawings
-Drawings: A set of reinterpretations of traditional architectural drawings (individual)
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- A plan or diagram showing the importance of the new ruin in the urban structure.
- Implantation of the ruin in the territory showing the envisaged dialogues of the ruin in the territory.
- Plan (s) of the ruin in its context showing the dialogues (surrounding buildings and open space) of the ruin and open space on the small scale
- 2 essential sections of the ruin and its context in axonometry or perspective.
- 1 perspective showing the quality of the intervention
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-Models:
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- The students help in the construction of the bas- reliefs from the elective ‘green carpet’. The bas-reliefs ( 2) show the dialogues in the ruin (see elective)
- A model of the implantation showing the ruin in its context
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