Practice Based Pedagogy in Socially Engaged Architecture, 2025 (ongoing)

Developing innovative pedagogical strategies through mutual exchange between Norway and Japan, focusing on artistic and practice-based methodologies in architecture education.

The goal of this four-year project (2025–2028) is to develop innovative pedagogical strategies that enhance artistic and practice-based methodologies at the Department of Architecture and Planning (IAP), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway, and the Department of Architecture, School of Science and Engineering, Meiji University in Japan. By engaging with design-build projects and existing practices of mutual support—dugnad in Norway and yui in Japan—the project aims to explore new ways of learning and co-producing architecture through close collaboration with municipalities in both countries. Structured as a mutual exchange between the two institutions, the project seeks to provide enhanced learning environments for master’s and doctoral students, facilitate pedagogical development for academic staff, and conduct experimental interventions with local communities. Emphasis is placed on face-to-face activities and hands-on workshops to encourage the transfer of tacit knowledge that cannot be conveyed solely through words. This practical experience will form the basis for critical reflection through exhibitions, seminars, and publications, ultimately contributing to pedagogical development and the creation of joint curricula that will endure beyond the project period.

Team: Alexander Eriksson Furunes, Stuart Dickson, Geir Brendeland og Olav Kristoffersen (NTNU).  Kozo Kadowaki, Norihisa Kawashima, Yutaro Muraji, Manabu Okochi, Oda Renli, Hiroyuki Sasaki and Tomoaki Tanaka (Meiji University)