Conversion to Bathroom at a Farm House in Tuscany
This simple farm house, Casetta Santa Maria, is located in Southern Tuscany. The two-story house had only a small toilet and shower, which was only accessible from within a bedroom on the upper floor.
While adhering to the strict planning laws of Tuscany, a small ruin at the entrance to the house is converted into the main bathroom.
The form of the ruin needed to be exactly retained. Now a large opening is a door that creates an indoor/outdoor shower and is an exterior bathroom entrance for summer guests. An interior connection is established, off of the kitchen.
Traditional tuscan roof and fascia with antique, salvaged roof tiles connect with the surroundings. The interior is from local travertine, partly custom chosen and cut.
120 Olive Trees, Revitalisation
The 4 Ha land with 120 olive trees had been abandoned for over 15 years as well as all surrounding vegetation. Olives, without continual pruning, not only stop producing olives, but can perish. Part of the cultural landscape of Southern Tuscany, the decision was made to care for the trees. This meant a many year commitment and process, which is ongoing.
Olives need to be pruned in late winter, February/March. The quick rebounding and production of olives already in the first year (harvest is in November) was reassuring that this care had been needed—and will continue in Bio/ ecological production.
An Initiative for a collective neighbourhood Olive Oil Label was started.
The fields between the olives are used by the neighbour to grow hay. In turn the fields are kept free of woody growth and mowed only a few times a year. Cleaning under the trees is essential for their health.
University Teaching
In working with students, my goal is to facilitate each students‘ individual process.
Essential for designers is to become good observers—To develop the ability to evaluate our surrounding environment and to develop a sense of the specific, existing qualities. Perception and Sense of Space.
Designing focuses on the translation of these existing conditions, including the context (social, spatial, ecological and geographical) into a vision that gives as much back to the existing as the space it uses.
In evaluating design, I strive to help students to identify harmonious, holistic solutions that support renewable resource principles and simultaneously form usable, beautiful spatial structures.
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Kitchen Garden at Casetta Santa Maria in Tuscany
The enclosed structure provides some protection against large wild animals (wild boar, porcupines) however, it was badly executed and unfinished. Over time, ever more of the structure was removed or replaced.
The soil was enhanced with a layer of compost, on top of crimped weeds and a cardboard covering. The type and also direction of plantings are changed in order to enhance synergies.
Outside of the enclosed vegetable garden, two areas for growing larger crops were established.
Untreated wood chips were used for pathways to reduce vegetation and also in the beds as mulch to help with water retention. Reclaimed materials are used throughout.
Public Lectures & Workshops
Curated Selection of Public Lectures & Workshops
(Organized by Theme)
Ecology, Soil & Spatial Transformation
Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic — 2024
Permaculture in Architectural Design: Symbiotic Relationships
Evening Public Lecture
Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic — 2023
Nature, Garden and Architecture: Relationships
Lecture in Architecture Theory
Online Lectures (2020–2022)
Permaculture, ecological systems, and urban design
TU Braunschweig · USF Florida · University of Michigan · Brno University of Technology
Future Urban Housing & Participatory Development
Sydney Architecture Festival (World Architecture Day Oration) — 2017
From Profit-driven to People-led Housing for Sydney
Keynote invited by the NSW Government Architect’s Office
3-day festival: lecture, expert workshops, discussions, excursions
ETH Zurich · Affordable Housing Forum — 2017
Presentation of new research from Vienna & Berlin
(CoTA Summer Research Grant)
IBA Stuttgart 2030 — 2017
Keynote: The Self-Made City – Urban Living and Alternative Development Models
Panel moderation & summarizing commentary (2-day event)
FutureBuilt International Conference, Oslo — 2016
Keynote: From Self Made City to Strategies for Future Urban Living
Expert workshops & discussions (3 days)
Ars Electronica Festival, Linz — 2015
Keynote: POST CITY: Habitats for the 21st Century
Panel with Geeta Mehta & Carlo Ratti
Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM), Frankfurt — 2015
Keynote for the exhibition Building and Living in Communities
Publication release
TU Delft “Draw the Line” Conference — 2015
Keynote & workshop with experts and students
MADRID · CAOM Architecture Center — 2015
Opening Statement & Public Events for the URBAN LIVING Exhibition
University of South Florida, Tampa — 2015
Lecture & student reviews
The Self-Made City: Alternative Urban Development Models
TEDxBerlin, ICC Berlin — 2013
City 2.0 – The Self-Made City
Public Talk
Royal College of Art, London — 2014
Lecture & workshop
Part of the Self-Made City Comes to London series
International Architecture Biennale, Venice — 2014
Official Contributor to the 14th Biennale
Public lecture at the WEEKEND SPECIAL Conference
Grand Designs Live, London — 2014
Lecture in the Grand Theatre
Invited by Grand Designs Live (British TV)
AIR Architecture Institute Rotterdam — 2013
Public keynote & experts’ workshop (2-day event)
DO IT YOURSELF CITY Symposium, Zeche Zollverein Essen — 2013
Keynote lecture & discussion moderation (2 days)
City Acupuncture Festival, Wroclaw — 2013
Keynote & expert discussions
Urban Planning, Policy & Public Debate
Berlin Senate · “Living in Berlin” Conferences — 2013
Keynote presentations (I & III):
Self-Made City: Qualities and Potentials for Future Urban Development
Graz, Austria — 2013
Keynote & World Café moderation
Public dialogue with policymakers and community stakeholders
Federal Foundation of Baukultur, Berlin — 2014–2015
Respondent at Baukultur Werkstatt events:
Planning Culture, Mixed Urban Quarters
ECKWERK Public Presentation, Berlin — 2015
Moderation of the public and political pre-design presentation
(Graft, Kleihues, Eckwerk e.G.)
Make City Festival, Berlin — 2018
Panel Moderations
Exhibitions & Research-Based Programs
University of Western Australia — Visiting Fellowship — 2016
6-week residency, Dean’s Annual Lecture (400+ audience)
Exhibition SELF MADE CITY at Cullity Gallery
DAZ German Architecture Center, Berlin — 2015
Curator & Designer of the URBAN LIVING Exhibition (10 weeks)
Multi-event program for the Make City Festival
Lectures, panel discussions, and workshops
CAOM Architecture Center, Madrid — 2015
URBAN LIVING Exhibition: Opening Statement, lecture, interviews
Full Chronological Archive of Public Lectures & Workshops
Click to expand full list
2024
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Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic – 09.2024
Permaculture in Architectural Design: Symbiotic Relationships
Evening Public Lecture
2023
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Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic – 11.2023
Nature, Garden and Architecture: Relationships
Evening Lecture in Architecture Theory
2022 / 2021 / 2020
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Online Lectures (various universities)
TU Braunschweig, USF Florida, University of Michigan, Brno University of Technology
Topics: Permaculture, ecological systems, urban design -
Brno University of Technology, Czech Republic – 09.2021
Future Urban Housing Models
3-day workshop & lecture with students
2019
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Warsaw, Poland – 04.2019
Keynote Lecture at the Architects Association
Topic: Future Urban Housing Models
2018
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Berlin, Germany – 07.2018
Make City Festival – Panel Moderation
2017
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Sydney Architecture Festival, Australia – 02.10.2017
Keynote: From Profit-driven to People-led Housing for Sydney
3-day festival including workshops & excursions -
Warsaw, Poland – 29.06.–03.07.2017
ETH Zurich Symposium: Wohnforum / Affordable Housing Forum
Presentation of CoTA research “The SELF MADE CITY” -
Berlin, Germany – 29.06.2017
Keynote: 10 Years Impact of the Baugruppe in Berlin
NBBA Network Berliner Baugruppen Architects Conference -
FH Kärnten, Austria – 30.05.2017
Keynote: SELF MADE CITY – Future Urban Living (livestream to TU Vienna) -
Berlin, Germany – 29.05.2017
Keynote & walking tour with CIEE students (Marymount College, DC) -
Stuttgart, Germany – 02.02.2017
IBA Stuttgart 2030 Pre-planning
Keynote, Panel Moderation, Discussion Commentary (2-day event) -
Brussels, Belgium – 26.01.2017
Keynote & debate at Atelier Bowmeister: Visionary Housing
2016
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Perth, Australia – 08.2016 (6 weeks)
Visiting Fellowship, University of Western Australia
Dean’s Annual Lecture (400+ audience)
Exhibition: SELF MADE CITY -
Oslo, Norway – 08.06.–11.06.2016
Keynote: From Self Made City to Strategies for Future Urban Living
Workshop with housing & urban planning experts -
Amsterdam, Netherlands – 21.04.2016
Keynote: The SELF MADE CITY – Urban Living and Alternative Development Models
Discussion & festival events (3-day event)
2015
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Sydney, Australia – 07.12.2015
Keynote (online) at the 6th Annual Housing Affordability Summit -
Stuttgart, Germany – 30.11.2015
Lecture: From Self Made City to Strategies for Future Urban Living
Haus der Architekten -
Delft, Netherlands – 15.10.2015
Keynote & workshop at TU Delft Draw the Line Conference -
Berlin, Germany – 14.10.2015
Moderation: ECKWERK pre-design presentation -
Berlin, Germany – 10.10.2015
Moderation: ‘Players of Change’ International Conference -
Madrid, Spain – 01.10.–17.11.2015
URBAN LIVING Exhibition, CAOM Architecture Center -
Sheffield, England – 12.09.2015
Keynote: Architecture and Resilience—On a Human Scale
Discussion with Tina Saaby, Cristina Cerulli, Irena Bauman -
Frankfurt, Germany – 10.09.2015
Keynote: Building and Living in Communities
Pre-opening at Deutsches Architekturmuseum (DAM) & publication release -
Linz, Austria – 06.09.2015
Keynote: POST CITY: Habitats for the 21st Century, Ars Electronica Festival
Discussion with Geeta Mehta & Carlo Ratti -
Berlin, Germany – 05.2015–07.2015 (10 weeks)
URBAN LIVING – Strategies and Housing Typologies for the Future
Exhibition, multi-event program, Make City Festival
Workshops, panels, discourse events -
Prague, Czech Republic – 01.02.2015
Lecture: From Self Made City to Strategies for Future Urban Living
Accompanying exhibition “Baugruppe is Super” (2-day event) -
Munich, Germany – 01.01.2015
BAU International Building Fair – Keynote: From Self Made City to Strategies for Future Urban Living -
Prague, Czech Republic – 07.2015
ReSite International Conference: Sharing City
Lecture & moderation -
Helsinki, Finland – 04.2015
Expert Workshop: Urban Planning & Baugruppen integration -
Katowice, Poland – 03.2015
Lecture & Urban Planning Workshop, Urban Media Lab Conference -
Tampa, USA – 03.2015
Lecture & student reviews, University of South Florida -
Berlin, Germany – 03.2015
Publication Release: Urban Living with Jean-Philippe Vassal & Regula Lüscher
CIEE – Lecture & external critic/student reviews -
Utrecht, Netherlands – 03.2015
Expert Workshop, Avicenna Academy for Leadership (3-day event)
2014
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Venice Architecture Biennale – 25–26.10.2014
Official contributor, WEEKEND SPECIAL Conference SELF MADE CITY (2-day event) -
Oslo, Norway – 10.09.2014
Keynote, Common Grounds Conference, DogA Center (2-day event) -
Berlin, Germany – 05.09.2014
Lecture, EXPERIMENT DAYS, DAZ German Center for Architecture -
Berlin, Germany – 01.06.2014
Lecture for British Members of Parliament, British Embassy -
Berlin, Germany – 05.2014
Respondent, Baukultur Werkstatt: Planning Culture, Academie of the Arts -
Berlin, Germany – 01.2014
Respondent, Baukultur Werkstatt: Mixed Urban Quarters, Academie of the Arts -
London, England – 07–13.05.2014
Lectures & workshops: Grand Designs Live, Royal College of Art, Self Made City Symposium, Hackney Wick Workshop, Studio Talk, Presentation to British Parliament -
Heidelberg, Germany – 04.2014
Respondent: Heidelberger Castel Discussions -
Berlin, Germany – 30/31.01.2014
Moderator: Ephemere City Planning, New Alternative Planning Processes, TU Berlin
2013
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Miami, USA – 21/23/25.11.2013
Public lecture at AIA Center for Architecture & University of Miami workshops
Florida Atlantic University evening lecture -
Braunschweig, Germany – 13.11.2013
Keynote: ISU Talks: The Housing Question, Technical University of Braunschweig -
Wroclaw, Poland – 23–24.10.2013
Keynote, City Acupuncture Festival -
Lausanne, Switzerland – 21.10.2013
Lecture & workshop, University of Lausanne & City Planning Department -
Rotterdam, Netherlands – 16–17.10.2013
Keynote & workshop, AIR Architecture Institute (2-day event) -
Berlin, Germany – 27.09.2013
Keynote, AIA Committee of Design delegation (USA) -
Burgau, Germany – 26.09.2013
Keynote & discussion, Burgauer Architecture Festival -
Graz, Austria – 17.09.2013
Keynote & World Café moderation, community & policy engagement -
Essen, Germany – 12–13.09.2013
Keynote & moderation, DO IT YOURSELF CITY Symposium (2-day event) -
Berlin, Germany – 06.09.2013
TEDxBerlin: City 2.0, ICC Berlin -
Cologne, Germany – 18.08.2013
Lecture & discussion: Learning from Berlin, SELF MADE CITY / Zürich -
Berlin, Germany – 21.05.2013
Keynote: SELF MADE CITY, Living in Berlin III Conference -
Berlin, Germany – 04.03.2013
Keynote: Living in Berlin I Conference -
Berlin, Germany – 15.03.2013
IBA Workshop, Tempelhof: Presentation & discussion -
Berlin, Germany – 15.02.2013
Symposium & Book Release: SELFMADE CITY Berlin -
Budapest, Hungary – 02.2013
Lecture: Bottom-up Berlin, Hungarian Architecture Center (KÉK)
2012
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Helsinki, Finland – 09.2012
Lecture: Selfmade City Berlin, multi-professional conference on post-war neighborhoods -
Wolfsburg, Germany – 08.2012
Moderator, Alvar Aalto Symposium (3-day international event) -
Berlin, Germany – 05.2012
Lecture: Selfmade City, political conference on housing policy, Friedrich Ebert Foundation -
Helsinki, Finland – 04.2012
Lecture: Co-housing: Qualities & Potentials for Sustainable City Planning
2011
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Berlin, Germany – 05.2011
Moderation & discussion with Lord Richard Rogers, Culture Forum Berlin
Invited by Alfred Herrhausen Stiftung
2007
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Berlin, Germany – 05.2007
Lecture: Co-housing alternative: 10 case studies from Berlin, DAZ German Center for Architecture -
New York, USA – 05.2007
Lecture: Co-housing alternative: 10 case studies from Berlin
Lecture: On Berlin – Activating Urban Voids
Week-long program with workshops, AIA Center for Architecture
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Public Lectures & Workshops
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Exhibition Design
Exhibitions must be impactful spatial installations that intrigue and invite the viewer. Our goal is to create exhibitions that work on many levels: In conveying main ideas with ease, while enabling to delve deeply into selective themes.
Exhibitions made for specific spaces or for travel, for display in museums and as temporary installations, fairs or workshops.
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URBAN LIVING project
Urban Living seeks to discuss future forms of urban residential construction, while considering their design qualities and social influences.
How can residential building strengthen urban structures and provide new opportunities through densification? How can mono-structures be broken up and open spaces upgraded? How can architecture meet the requirements of new cohabitation forms, addressing a broader social mix or the combination of living and working?
The exhibition and publication present exemplary designs that were generated in the Urban Living Workshop, with thirty international architecture offices, over a period of a year.
Kristien Ring, AA PROJECTS, was commissioned by the Berlin Senate for Urban Development to document the results of the workshops in the form of a publication. Additionally, an exhibition that included built projects from SELF MADE CITY, as well as accompanying discussions.
The exhibition was also shown in Madrid.
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Nature, Garden and the In-between
Where does the garden start and nature stop? When is a landscape natural and when cultured? If trees in production are abandoned, are the being re-naturalised?
Nature can be the starting point of design. Thinking about the relationship between built space and nature and what kind of nature will be key for sustainable urban development.
The idea of permaculture looks at the garden in zones that surround a living space. Moving away from the house, we move into more natural environments, less and less regularly tended to.
How does this translate to an urban environment? Where are the thresholds and in-between spaces that allow for interaction and green?
SELF MADE CITY_ article and interview in FUTURE WEST, Australia
Article for „Future West“ and Interview with Geoffrey London, following Fellowship at the University of Western Australia.
Ring, K. 2016. SELF MADE CITY. English, pp. 20-29, published in Future West, Australian Urbanism. Volume 2:
Desire for Density. University of Western Australia. Print and online at http://www.alva.uwa.edu.au/community/futurewest
http://www.lulu.com/shop/timothy-moore/future-west-02-desire-for-density/paperback/product-
22924825.html
Online Publishing of Above article and commentary: on “The Conversation”
https://theconversation.com/reinventing-density-how-baugruppen-are-pioneering-the-self-made-city-66488