Real Lab – The Castle – Workshop at Castle Kannawurf

Real Lab – THE CASTLE – Workshop at Kannawurf Castle in Thuringia
Elective | Students from the Bachelor's and Master's Degree Programme in Architecture and the Master's Degree Programme in Urban Planning | Summer Semester 2023

During the on-site workshop, which took place from July 16 – 20, 2023 at Kannawurf Castle in Thuringia, concepts were developed together with the students. These were to show how alternative uses of the existing rooms could look, which could also ensure the usability of the property in the cold winter months. The concept work was done in four groups. Ideas were built on site in different scales up to the implementation 1:1 and realised at least in parts.

From small living cells that can be heated with minimal effort to a cheese maturing table with tasting facilities to a swing installation and a modular living concept for the former pigsty, everything was included.

Sharing the castle during the workshop days immediately brought the necessary empathy, even if the temperatures in the mild summer month of July offered far fewer challenges to feel at home. Eating together in the castle courtyard served as an additional impetus to feel comfortable and exchange ideas.

At the end of the project, a presentation of the individual works took place in the presence of the lords of the castle, some visitors and neighbors, and the local press.

The project was supervised by Prof. Monika Joos-Keller and Prof. Juri Troy.