The research was conducted over a period of 6 months beginning in January 2023 and running until the end of June 2023. Two LINA Fellows were included in this research along with key members of the Atelier Luma team. Both LINA Fellows were assigned with the task of researching the topic A Methodology to Bioregional Approaches to Architecture and Design.
Jakob Travnik (LINA Fellow) concentrated his research on mapping and documenting the work of Atelier Luma since 2016. The objective of this was to uncover how Atelier Luma has been working with this specific methodolgy and defining a set of ingredients that could be extracted to understand this specific approach. Jakob then used two regional case studies located in Austria to test whether this specific methodology could be applied to other regions.
Inscape (LINA Fellow) using the research of Jakob and working in tandem with members of the Atelier Luma team devloped a physical board game called The Bioregional Game: An Instrument for a Bioregional Design Approach. The purpose was to take the research and simplifiy it in a way that could be played as an interactive and collaborative game. It teaches people the principles of this appraoch and reinforces the connectivness of material flows and people in a given region. The region we choose to base the first game on was Arles, France. The concept is to make the game as a template that can then be adjusted to other regions such as the two mentioned in Austria. It is a game that can be played by a wide range of individuals ith no prior knowledge of this approach - like any good borad game.
The research was developed over a period of 6 months and conducted through both on site working in Arles, France and off site working in the fellows home countries. A total of 6 residencies took place. The residencies ranged from one to two weeks long. Jakob Tranik took part in 6 and Inscape took part in 2.
The goal of these resdiecies was to work emmersively at Atelier Luma headquarter and also to gain a deeper knowlege of our bioregion and approach.
The fifth resdiency was used to disseminate the research and demonstrate the game. It was used as a key feedback session for the game in particular. The feedback came from an array of individuals including designers, architects, public people, members of research institutions, members of LINA, member of the Atelier Luma team and journalists. These feedbacks will be incorporated to a final version of the game and research.
The sixth and final residency will be used to produce a final report and game (end of June/beginning of July 2023).
During a period of 5 months we learned about the work of Atelier LUMA and their bioregional design approach. This approach is an interdisciplinary approach that follows the local territory and seeks responses to environmental, social and economic challenges of the region. With the guidance of both Jakob Travnik and Daniel Bell we learned about the region and had several interviews with the people who work at Atelier LUMA. This would form the base for an instrument to make the bioregional design approach more accessible to a wider public and navigate new projects of the Atelier. The instrument is a game as we see play as an important factor of teaching and learning new methods. At the opening of the new building of Atelier LUMA we showed and played a prototype of the instrument. Players were invited to follow the steps of the bioregional design approach in the Camargue by stepping into the shoes of a specific character role. Slowly but surely the players would work together to turn all waste of the bioregion (by-products of industries or undervalued materials) into useful products for the region. The goal is to use the steps of the game to make a more abstracted version which can be used for new terrain.
Studio Inscape was founded by Eileen Stornebrink and Willie Vogel. Trained as architects and urbanists, Studio Inscape aims to translate eco-philosophical theory into practice. Studio Inscape sees architecture as a continuation of and attunement with its environment, with the aim of creating interior landscapes or ‚inscapes.‘ The team works at the crossroad of research and fabrication, exploring spatial strategies, experiences, installations, and architectural projects.
Eileen Stornebrink holds both her BSc (2016) and MSc (2020) from the track of Architecture at the TU Delft. During her studies she obtained practical experience at OUALALOU + CHOI. Her final project was investigating social and ecological hurricane proof buildings at the island of St. Maarten. During her studies she has always been interested in the social aspects of our built environment. This interest brought her to her side job as program maker at Sport and Culture, X Delft. She is continuing this practice at the Architecture Institute of Rotterdam, AIR.
Willie Vogel holds her MSc from the track of Architecture, at the TU Delft (2020) where she also obtained her BSc (2017). In addition she holds a BA in philosophy (2020) at the Erasmus University, Rotterdam. In her final thesis she traces the concept of ecology and investigates how it can be used in contemporary practices such as architecture. She has been involved in academic research and works as a tutor at the TU Delft. She obtained working experience at the Berlin based architecture firm Barkow-Leibinger and the Rotterdam based architecture firm Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten.
The research project is an ongoing comparative analysis of case studies that help define components of a bioregional model - a template for bioregional approaches which can be a applied in different bioregions around the world. The following case studies have been analysed:
-Atelier Luma, Arles: La Camargue, Les Alpilles, La Crau, France
-Unisono Campus, Sekirn: Wörthersee / Alpe-AdriaWörthersee / Alpe-Adria , Austria, Slovenia, Italy
-Kulturgarten, Gmunden: Salzkammergut, Austria
The research comprises of the analysis of three main components:
-Bioregion:a region defined by characteristics of the natural environment rather than by man-made divisionst.
-Operational context:the social, political, economic, environmental context into which the bioregional hub is embedded.
-Bioregional hub: a centralised base from which bioregional assemblies can be accumulated, processed and shared
Jakob Travnik
Jakob Travnik
is an architect, researcher, and educator based in Vienna, Austria. He holds a degree in architecture from the University of Applied Arts Vienna (2016). Throughout his work, he is continuously active in various constallations and engages in collaborative processes within inter-disciplinary networks.
2014 - 2022 he was Programme Assistant and Mentor at AA nanotourism Visiting School, London, UK and an active contributor to the nanotourism platform. 2017 - 2022 he worked as an Assistant Professor at the Research Unit for Architectural Typology and Design at TU Vienna with a specific focus on research, theory and design within the framework of nanotourism.
Previously he was a participant at BIO 25 Ljubljana, Slovenia and a Designer in Residence at Atelier Luma, Luma Arles, France. Projects he has been a part of have been exhibited internationally, including Vienna Design Week, Austria 2018, 2020; Oslo Architecture Triennale, Norway 2019, BIO Biennial of Design Ljubljana, Slovenia 2014, 2017; Luma Days 2019, Forum Future Tourism, Vienna 2021, among others.
Currently he works with numerous collaborators on projects dealing with bioregional research, practice and development throughout Europe. His current affiliations include co-running the UNISONO Campus initiative in Sekirn, Wörthersee, LINA fellowship with Atelier Luma in Arles, and being active as an university lecturer at TU Vienna.
IDENTIFYING COMPONENTS OF A BIOREGIONAL MODEL
CASE STUDY: ATELIER LUMA(FRANCE)
Visit 1, Arles, France - January 2023 with Jakob Travnik
Research & interviews with Atelier Luma members on the possible learnings from Atelier Luma as a facillitator of a ‘bioregional model’ and the possibilities of its abstraction and application in different territories around Europe.
DRAFTING COMPONENTS FOR A BIOREGIONAL MODEL
CASE STUDY: SEKIRN, WÖRTHERSEE (AUSTRIA)
Visit 2, Arles, France - February 2023 with Jakob Travnik
Hands-on workshop with Atelier Luma members and invited guest on the possible application of a ‘bioregional model’ and associated pedagogical formats in Sekirn at Lake Wörthersee, Carinthia in Austria (campus of the Vienna Boys’ Choir).
DRAFTING COMPONENTS FOR A BIOREGIONAL MODEL
CASE STUDY: GMUNDEN, TRAUNSEE, SALZKAMMERGUT (AUSTRIA)
Visit 3, Arles, France - March 2023 with Jakob Travnik and Inscape
Hands-on workshop with Atelier Luma members and invited LINA fellows on the possible application of a ‘bioregional model’and associated pedagogical formats in Gmunden, Traunsee, Salzkammergut in Austria (campus of the former city garden of Gmunden).
SYNTHESIS & CONCLUSION
Visit 4, Arles, France - April 2023 with Jakob Travnik and Inscape
Making conclusions on the learnings from the previous two workshops and drafting a definition of a ‘bioregional model’ and its possible applications at the above-mentioned locations in exchange with Atelier Luma members
PRESENTATION OF RESEARCH AT INUGRATION OF ATELIER LUMA’S NEW BUILDING: LOT 8
Visit 5, Arles, France - May 2023 with Jakob Travnik and Inscape
Dissemination of the research findings, workshop processes & results, possible applications of the ‘bioregional model’ at the two locations in Austria as part of the Atelier Luma opening at the end of May 2023 in the form of a public presentation and exhibition.
PLANNING OF APPLICATIONS AT WÖRTHERSEE AND TRAUNSEE
Visit 6, Arles, France - June 2023 with Jakob Travnik and Inscape
Workshop / meeting with Atelier Luma members on the concrete next steps for application of the ‘bioregional model’ through pedagogical formats at each of the above locations in Austria.
discussions with Atelier Luma collaborators (here with James Binning from Assemble)
extensive interviews with memmbers of Atelier Luma (here with Henriette Waal)
collecting and studying theorietical and game-related references that support the understanding and development of the ‚bioregional approach‘
guided tour of Atelier Luma by Daniel Bell
examining material samples developed by Atelier Luma
extensive interviews with members of Atelier Luma in Arles
visits to the bioregion of Camargue, La Crau and Les Alpilles
comparative analysis of three bioregions in order to identify components of the ‚bioregional model‘
key issues and opportunities of identified undervalued resources in different bioregions
comparative analysis of bioregional hubs and respective bioregions in order to idenfity components and dynamics for the ‚bioregional model‘ and game
comparative analysis of undervalued resources in three bioregions
Both Fellows were engaged in with researching the Bioregional Approach as developed by Atelier since 2016. In its most basic terms a Bioregional Approach is about investigating a region (for this study used a 70km radius around Arles, France) and mapping its resources both human and material. A big focus is put on waste or by-products and local crafts and specialities. These elements are combined into projects to demonstrate how global issues, in particular sustainable construction, can be solved at a local level with local resources. Reducing significantly the impact of transportation and keeping the financial components of a project local.
The concentration of the research was on mapping and documenting the work of Atelier Luma since 2016. The objective of this was to uncover how Atelier Luma has been working with this specific methodolgy and defining a set of ingredients that could be extracted to understand this specific approach. Two regional case studies located in Austria were studied to test whether this specific methodology could be applied to other regions. The research was carried out by conducting interviews with members of Atelier Luma and analysis both past and current projects of the Atelier.
The research outcome, Toward a Bioregional Model, was presented between the 25-27 May 2023.
It was presented to 22 journalists, 10 Institutions & Design Companies and around 230 members of the public (see dissemination report).
The key ingredients of this Bioregional Approach (characters, materials, crafts, labs, processing facilities etc) were transformed into elements for game play.
Over the period of two months these were developed, tested, retested and restested. In game development one of the main focuses is a the dynamic ie. to make the game engaging, fun and ensuring the main principles are conveyed.
initial sketches of the game dynamics and phases first prototypes of the game by Studio Inscape identified key principles / brief for the design of the game
initial sketches of the game design
During a period of 5 months we learned about the work of Atelier LUMA and their bioregional design approach. This approach is an interdisciplinary approach that follows the local territory and seeks responses to environmental, social and economic challenges of the region. With the guidance of both Jakob Travnik and Daniel Bell we learned about the region and had several interviews with the people who work at Atelier LUMA. This would form the base for an instrument to make the bioregional design approach more accessible to a wider public and navigate new projects of the Atelier. The instrument is a game as we see play as an important factor of teaching and learning new methods. At the opening of the new building of Atelier LUMA we showed and played a prototype of the instrument. Players were invited to follow the steps of the bioregional design approach in the Camargue by stepping into the shoes of a specific character role. Slowly but surely the players would work together to turn all waste of the bioregion (by-products of industries or undervalued materials) into useful products for the region. The goal is to use the steps of the game to make a more abstracted version which can be used for new terrain.
The research outcome, The Bioregional Game, was presented and demonstrated between the 25-27 May 2023. It was presented to 22 journalists, 10 Institutions & Design Companies and around 230 members of the public (see dissemination report).
exhibition setup of the ‚bioregional model‘presentation and the bioregional game at the iniauguration
Atelier Luma‘s new building ‚Magasin Electrique‘
table setup of the bioregional game prototype called ‚Entropoly‘
second rounds of play with visitors of the exhibition
playing the game with Atelier Luma‘s artistic director Jan Boelen and members of BC architects
first rounds of play with visitors of the exhibition
The LINA Research has been a great success. We had not imagined that by the end of a 5 month period we would have reach such clarity, especially with the development of this Bioregional Game. We used the opportunity of the Inauguration of the building to not only exhibit the results of the research but also to get as much attention on the research as was possible. We also used the event to invite key players in the architecture, design and the general sustainablility world. We have collected valuable feedback from these sessions.
Following the successful demonstrations we already in active discussions about the research can now be taken further. There is insterest from a wide range of people, both internally in the Atelier Luma, but also outside the Atelier. It has proven how one approach to architecture and design that focus on sutainable and locality at its core can be translated into an instrument for education, in this case a game board. This will be used to share our approach for the coming years.
La recherche LINA a été un grand succès. Nous n‘avions pas imaginé qu‘à l‘issue d‘une période de cinq mois, nous serions parvenus à une telle clarté, en particulier avec le développement de ce jeu biorégional. Nous avons profité de l‘inauguration du bâtiment pour non seulement présenter les résultats de la recherche, mais aussi pour attirer autant d‘attention que possible sur la recherche. Nous avons également profité de l‘événement pour inviter des acteurs clés du monde de l‘architecture, du design et de la durabilité en général. Nous avons recueilli des informations précieuses à l‘issue de ces sessions. À la suite des démonstrations réussies, nous avons déjà entamé des discussions actives sur la possibilité d‘approfondir la recherche. Un grand nombre de personnes s‘y intéressent, tant au sein de l‘Atelier Luma qu‘à l‘extérieur. Le projet a prouvé qu‘une approche de l‘architecture et de la conception axée sur la durabilité et la localité peut être traduite en un instrument d‘éducation, en l‘occurrence un plateau de jeu. Celui-ci sera utilisé pour partager notre approche dans les années à venir.
The Residency Outcomes were presented as part of the Inauguration of Atelier Luma‘s new building, Magasin Electrique (project Lot 8).
The Press were welcomed around the space and presented different ongoing projects as part of the Atelier Luma work. A focus was given to the LINA residency work. Between the 25 – 27th May 2023 press representatives from the following agencies were given a presentation of the work including: The New York Times, Le Figaro, The Guardian, CCC, Wallpaper, World of Interiors, Financial Times, El Confidential, Beaux Arts Magazine, AMC, Damn Magazine, EL Pais, OT Arles, Journal de la Ville d‘Arles, Chat-Messenger, En Revenant de L‘Expo, IDEAT et Le QDA, Fish-Eye, Architizer.
Among the Institutions that were presented the research were: BC Architects & Studies (BLG), BC Materials (BLG), Assemble Studio (UK), Unisono Campus (Sekirn, Austria), Kultur 24dreissig (Gumden, Austria), Rotor (BLG), Design Museum Gent (BLG), Atelier Fanelsa (GER), Forecast (GER), The Sustainable Institution (EU Project), Tech Zity (LITHUANIA), E-WERK (GER), Hyungmin Pai, Seoul Univeristy, Gwangu Biennale (SOUTH KOREA)
As well as the press and institutional presentations we also presented the outcomes to the public (27th May 2023). We estimate up to 230 people had the opprortunity to see the presentation of the LINA research
Between the 25-27th of May we offered 6 demonstrative sessions of the Game element of the research. These demonstrations included members of the press, institutions and public. In total around 24 people participated in these demonstrations. After each demonstration feedback was gathered and will be feed into a final version of the Game and research which will be delivered in June/July 2023. In total around 270 people saw the presentation.
Below are included two arcticles that covered the event, many more will follow : The Inauguration of Le Magasin Electric of which the LINA Research was presented.
