Building on the experience of previous years, the creative workshop “Altering Matter” returns to the Vingis section of the Vilnius University Botanical Garden. The two-part workshop will delve deeper into the principles of circular design and sustainable architecture practices, where form follows availability. Experienced workshop tutors will guide participants in exploring the characteristics specific to our region, local craftsmanship practices, materials, and their cycles. Additionally, participants will test various stages of regenerative design methods—from bioregional mapping and local material harvesting to architectural design with these materials and their application in real case examples.

The workshop programme consists of two hands-on sessions and an architectural competition in between.

The first workshop session will be held from June 30 to July 4, led by Clara Kernreuter from Atelier LUMA (France) and Sanne Verhoeve from Superuse (Netherlands). It will focus on bioregional mapping and material harvesting practices.

The second workshop session will be held from September 1 to September 6 and led by Matilde Cabral and Francisco Fonseca, founders of Oficina Pedrêz (Portugal). It will focus on regenerative organic, geo-based and reused material applications in real architectural design solutions.

Between the two workshop sessions, all participants will be invited to contribute to the development of architectural designs for the second part. Based on the outcomes of the first workshop, a two-stage design competition will happen between July 4 and July 29, offering remuneration for selected teams and an additional fee for the winning proposal.

The workshop is free of charge. Workshop sessions are limited to 30 participants, who will be selected by the workshop curatorial team. It is possible to apply for only one hands-on session; however, priority will be given to applicants who commit to participating in both. 

Applications have to be submitted via following form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScdNXFs2ZnYIiYvUk2qTpyqnBiam6FyKeJJVisFq080B1-CTA/viewform?usp=sharing

The application deadline is 16 May at 17:00 CET

Workshop tutors:

Clara Kernreuter Atelier LUMA

Clara Kernreuter is a craft & product designer who graduated from the École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs (ENSAD) in Paris, with additional studies in social and political sciences. Since 2020, she has been working at Atelier LUMA (LUMA Arles) as a designer and project leader. In her role, she contributes to the development of bioregional mapping methodologies designed to represent local dynamics, territorial resources, and networks of actors in order to support projects deeply rooted in their context, with a strong focus on social, ecological, and cultural dimensions.

Sanne Verhoeve Superuse

Sanne is an experienced materials scout. She intermediates circular building materials for Superuse projects as well as for external clients, including architectural firms, interior designers and contractors. Sanne immerses herself in bio-based materials and shares her knowledge about them within the agency.

Matilde Cabral and Francisco Fonseca Oficina Pedrêz

Oficina Pedrêz, founded by Matilde Cabral and Francisco Fonseca, emerged from the fusion of the fashion design studio Fashion Office and the experimental architecture workshop Skrei. Based in Porto, the studio explores themes of ecology, housing, and materiality through local architectural projects and international cultural and educational initiatives.