Master of Science In Advanced Architectural Design
THE BUILDING SOCIETY 建造社
Image Credit: Rural Urban Framework
THE BUILDING SOCIETY is a postgraduate programme Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design. Students and teachers research, design and construct on site collectively, in a full-time one-year three-trimester programme to implement experimental building practice with local communities.
In this online talk “Making as Research”, teachers from the 2024 programme shared their research, teaching, and practices, and responded to questions regarding the programme’s June 2024 intake.
In this online talk “THE BUILDING SOCIETY: Making as Research” (24 August 2023), four teachers of the 2024 programme shared about their research, teaching and practice, and responded to the questions regarding the programme’s January 2024 intake.
THE BUILDING SOCIETY is a new school for advanced architectural design and experimentation established with the belief that the social contract of the architect is essential to tackling the many complex and urgent issues we face today. The challenges posed by climate change alongside socio-economic uncertainty will impact not only the making of architecture, but question its relevance to contemporary society. By harnessing the technological innovations of past and present we seek a new vision for future and sustainable practices of architecture. The program fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and new methods to integrate research with practice. In three semesters devoted to field research, prototyping and onsite construction, students will develop skills and techniques that go beyond the safe haven of studio work to engage real-life problems through collective intelligence. Architecture cannot be made alone.
Architecture is on the frontlines of the climate change battle. The making of the built environment, coupled with rapid urbanization is one of the most unsustainable processes worldwide. But it is where the most potential for positive impact can be made. Our school is based in The University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Architecture, utilizing its many labs and fabrication facilities while having extensive engagement with Chinese villages at the forefront of the urbanization process. Our sites are not only physical places but exemplify a transition between traditional and modern living. These alternative lifestyles and livelihoods offer clues to sustainable ways of living. As architects we will investigate how to adapt locally intelligent building practices, low-cost materials and cutting-edge fabrication techniques coupled with traditional know-how. Our exploration will take place at the intersection of local and global forces – with the belief that universal problems are best solved through site specific action.
Technology is constantly evolving and changing how we approach design and construction. But technology cannot solve it all. People are still the most important ingredient. Increased specialization of tools and skills necessitate greater emphasis on collaboration and the importance of collectivity. The program will investigate how cutting-edge technology can combine with the social and cultural uniqueness of each place. The techniques of architectural ethnography will allow us to understand and tackle the essential question of how we should live, with each other and with the environment.
The course is based on the experiences of programme teaching team and international guest teachers. Each programme year, we will conduct design researches, make prototypes and eventually synthesise our explorations in a building construction on site. The main focus is to learn about innovations of material, technology and contextual understanding. Through these processes, we will explore architectural ideas that respond to issues we face today. This is a full-year 3 trimesters programme, comprised of 3 design studios, 3 core courses and 6 elective courses.
Teachers will have extensive experience combining research and practice. Students will bring new insight and vision. Together we will tackle urgent and real problems. Together we will experiment through community engagement, incremental prototyping and trial and error. No one knows the answer yet.
