Funding for DesignBuild projects and reflections in book form
A major part of the work of the non-profit Sto Foundation is the financial support of architec-tural students in the implementation of student DesignBuild projects, so-called summer schools. "Planning and implementing diverse building projects in often little-known countries, getting to know foreign building cultures and materials not only raises awareness of sustainable building methods, but it also promotes a cosmopolitan outlook," explains Prof. Ralf Pasel, foundation council member for architecture at the non-profit Sto Foundation. This year, the foundation is again offering the competition - but for the first time in a new form and with a new name as the "DesignBuild Project".
"Because we received several applications that can be implemented despite the pandemic in recent weeks, we decided to let the competition take place even in these difficult times. We are very happy about this commitment and would like to provide support again," says Pasel.
Projects and reflections
In addition to project funding, this year's "DesignBuild" competition will also feature a second category called "DesignBuild Reflect."
"Participants in such projects sometimes gain diverse and valuable experiences that can be of great significance not only to the individual, but to ideas and planning for future DesignBuild projects. That is why the Foundation has decided to open its book series to this exciting and forward-looking topic," Pasel says. "For the book series, we are looking for experiences and statements that approach the DesignBuild phenomenon from a higher-level perspective," he continues.
"Due to Corona-induced constraints, perhaps now is the time to reflect on DesignBuild in its entirety." This includes the presentation of projects that have already been completed, including a discussion of theoretical and practical requirements and how they were achieved, as well as more theory-building and comparative project studies," explains Pasel.
Templates are provided for this purpose, but they give the respective university or institute a great deal of freedom in designing the cover and content. Copyrights are regulated with an Open Content license. Commercial distribution of the books is not planned, but an ISBN num-ber will be assigned.
Public relations support
A total of 150,000 euros in funding is being offered. The competition is open to architecture faculties and departments at all universities in Germany and Europe. Both calls - "DesignBuild Project" and "DesignBuild Reflect" - must be applied for separately online. Applications and further information are available at www.sto-stiftung.de/designbuild. They can be submitted easily and directly online. The deadline for all submissions is March 31, 2021.
A jury of renowned experts will announce the winners in April. Funding can then be called up immediately, so that it will already be available in the summer semester. In addition, the founda-tion will support the winning projects in their public relations work.
