critical concrete celebrates another year of its 'sustainable-sustainable architecture' program

‘sustainable-sustainable architecture’ returns for 3rd edition 

Non-profit group Critical Concrete recently opened applications for the third edition of its Post-Graduation Program, ‘Sustainable-Sustainable Architecture’ (SSA), jointly offered with Escola Superior Artistica Porto (ESAP). 

This one-year program combines online interactive courses with six weeks of practical construction workshops held in Porto. Its hybrid methodology marries theory with practice, encouraging students to engage with their surroundings and apply theoretical learning to real construction projects. Leading practitioners in architecture and urban fields deliver courses — among others — in natural materials, participatory design, vernacular architecture, and social project management.

engaging current students in three practical workshops

Critical Concrete (see more here) and ESAP (see more here) welcomed current students to participate in their first practical construction workshop. They engaged in three projects with individual outcomes: renovating a roof for a low-income family to improve quality of living; designing and building furniture for a community center in the Ramalde neighborhood to increase engagement; constructing a solar water heater facade to explore alternative energy. 

These projects benefitted Portuguese communities, and participating students learned a wide array of skills and competencies from their involvement. For instance, the roof team learned to appraise the existing structure and selectively replace timber members. In addition, the whole structure was protected using a blend of natural oils and insulated with wood fiber panels. ‘It’s like a win-win situation,’ said student Yazeed, ‘we learn how to install a roof, and the result would help someone’s living situation’. 

Working out of the carpentry workshop, the furniture team processed wood from tree trunks, crafting durable outdoor furniture to reactivate a community space. Students were tasked to design based on the material available with the efficiency of cuts and a preference for friction joints. A student, Jefferson, notes, ‘after this, I will be more worried about the waste we create in our job’. 

Finally, the solar facade team took on the challenge to carefully demolish and replace the rear facade of Critical Concrete’s production center. After being faced with the unexpected realities of an existing building, they had to quickly develop solutions to structural concerns and adapt the design accordingly. The experimental prototype will eventually heat water and air by harnessing solar power.

focusing on sustainability, community, heritage, + renovation 

‘We are proud to offer a range of modules touching on sustainable topics in architecture and beyond. For instance, students get to experiment with mycelium, producing bricks and prototypes with this pioneering bio-material. One student shared that ‘each step of working with mycelium surprised me’ and it is ‘cool to learn about something being developed now’, writes Critical Concrete. 

Community participation is another theme that the program covers, with courses in ethnographic methods to equip students with a toolkit they can apply in their contexts. Meanwhile, modules focused on vernacular construction and the renovation of ancient buildings challenge students to critically think about what constitutes ‘vernacular’ architecture and how to sensitively approach refurbishment. Paolo Marcolin, program director, explains that the SSA ‘articulates and readapts traditional construction knowledge with sustainable construction methods, to use them in innovative and low-impact construction solutions’.

Akari, SSA Student, processing timber from trunk to build furniture element

Following the success of its second year, Critical Concrete is looking forward to continuing its partnership with ESAP and welcoming a new cohort of like-minded practitioners to ‘Sustainable-Sustainable Architecture’. Applications are currently open for the 2022/23 academic year, which will continue the hybrid theoretical-practical educational model. The program encourages applications from various backgrounds and individuals interested in sustainable urban development, low-tech construction, and social justice. 

The deadline to apply is July 1st, 2022. Early applications are highly encouraged as spaces are limited. Further information can be found HERE  or by contacting [email protected]. 

Henrique, SSA Student, using a carpentry machine to create furniture for a community space

Neha, SSA Student, finishing a furniture piece for a community space

Katerina, SSA Student, securing a timber element for the solar facade

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two students prepare a timber piece for a new facade structure

mentor Samuel Kalika demonstrates a cutting technique to student Pamela

project info:

name: Sustainable-Sustainable Architecture Postgraduation

location: Porto, Portgual 
program lead: Critical Concrete

collaborator: Escola Superior Artistica Porto (ESAP)

photography: Critical Concrete

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom