Course Topics
Part I - Alessandro Luigini Design Methodology: From Drawing to Built Form - Drawing as an instrument of thought and decision-making: sketch, plan, section, model as modes of design exploration - Foundations of architectural form: space, proportion, matter, relationship as constitutive elements of compositional choices - From concept to realised project: the design process through concrete examples of competitions and projects Part II - Simona Galateo Architecture as Cultural Practice across Multiple Scales - Principles of architectural design applied to educational environments: space, light, matter, relationship as foundational elements of pedagogical space - Scales of architectural intervention: from school building to educational public space, from designed landscape to micro-architectures and temporary installations - The curatorial dimension of the project: the architect as cultural mediator, orchestrator of processes, narrator of spaces - Case studies of contemporary projects: innovative school architectures, urban regenerations with educational value, landscapes as learning environments, public spaces becoming educational

Teaching format
The course is conducted in blended mode: - Dialogic online lessons with presentation and analysis of case studies - Moments of discussion and exchange in presence during the schools

Educational objectives
Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to: 1. Recognise and apply the fundamental principles of architectural design (space, light, matter, proportion, relationship) in educational contexts 2. Understand how architecture functions as a pedagogical instrument across different scales, from building to landscape 3. Critically analyse contemporary projects, identifying the compositional and spatial choices that characterise them 4. Understand the role of drawing as an instrument of thought and decision-making in the design process 5. Recognise the curatorial dimension of contemporary architectural work as orchestration of processes and spatial narratives 6. Develop a critical vision of the relationship between architectural form and pedagogical intentionality 7. Understand the design method through analysis of actual processes, from concept to realisation

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
The course further aims to develop: - Critical reading capacities of architectural space as a system of physical, functional and symbolic relationships - Awareness of the different scales of architectural intervention in the educational sphere - Understanding of the decision-making process leading from design idea to built form - Sensitivity towards architecture as cultural practice as well as technical discipline

Assessment
Written report (maximum 10,000 characters) applying the principles explored in the course to the thesis project under development or analysing a case study relevant to one's own project.

Evaluation criteria
Theoretical Understanding (40%) Mastery of the course's key concepts: principles of architectural design, scales of intervention, design method, curatorial dimension, form-pedagogy relationship Analytical Capacity (40%) Quality of critical analysis of the chosen case study, ability to identify and discuss design choices, argumentative coherence, appropriate use of architectural language Reflexivity and Originality (20%) Ability to connect course content with one's professional sphere, originality of viewpoint, depth of reflection on the architecture-pedagogy relationship

Required readings

Weyland B., Galateo S. (eds.) (2023). Atelier Scuola. Pedagogia architettura e design in dialogo. Parma: edizioni Junior

Galateo S. (ed.) (2024). Il diritto alla Natura / The Right to Nature. Barcelona: Actar Publishers

Sennett R. (2018). Building and Dwelling: Ethics for the City. London: Allen Lane

Hertzberger H. (2000). Space and Learning. Rotterdam: 010 Publishers

A selection of essays and articles will be provided during the course.

Supplementary readings

Van Eyck A. (1962). "The Child, the City and the Artist". Forum, n. 3

Further information
The course forms an integral part of the EDENSPACES Master's educational pathway and dialogues with the programme's other courses, particularly with "Transformative Strategies for Educational Environments" and "Educational Landscape Design".