The residency offered architect Alex Whitton the opportunity to explore building design and engage in teaching sessions with students (both current students and recent graduates in architecture, architectural engineering, and landscape architecture). During his residency, he introduced students to the theoretical framework of critical regionalism through case studies from Germany, Romania, Switzerland, and Portugal. As part of his residency, Alex Whitton led a workshop for architecture students. His presentation, “Architecture, Ecology, Synthesis: Critical Regionalism in an Age of Crisis”, was followed by active participation, drawing processes, and exercises that reimagined drawing as a tool for discourse.

hypha_etc organized a workshop on critical regionalism with Alex Whitton, the conceptual architect behind the building hypha_etc uses for its programs. This three-day workshop was offered to students and young professionals interested in a critical approach to architecture, landscape art, and socially engaged art.

In an era of standardization, critical regionalism as an architectural approach offers a way to consider how a building can respond to a specific social context, climate, lifestyle, and culture. Reflecting on the history of the place, its topology, and local craftsmanship are just some of the ways this philosophy shapes our thinking when designing and implementing a project.

Program Highlights:

• Case Study Presentation: Germany, Switzerland, Romania, Portugal

• Active Participation: framing challenges, understanding context, discovering the "brief behind the brief"

• Design Journey Presentation

• Active Participation: designing through action

The workshop was aimed at students specializing in architecture, architectural engineering, and landscape art. It was offered free of charge, with free accommodation in shared rooms (4-6 beds) for up to six participants.