Summer Academies and Workshops for the Bidirectional Transfer of Knowledge and Skills in Earth Building

The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is responsible for the summer academies, while Mittweida University of Applied Sciences is in charge of the accompanying research. The centrepiece is a two-week stay in Weißenfels (WIR! region). There, students take on a dual role: they are both learners and part of the research team, for example by carrying out surveys or helping to design mediation formats.
Weißenfels is an associated project participant. A vacant shop space in the centre (meeting point, seminar room, "glass workshop"), a marketplace stall for interventions and an earthen building as a teaching construction site are available for the activities. Equipment and furniture are developed together with the students.
The summer academies consist of a one-week introductory course and a stay in Weißenfels. In addition to theoretical and practical basics, the students develop workshops and formats for the public, learn about historical and modern earth building techniques and pass on their knowledge in exhibitions, poster sessions and open workshops.
At the same time, the research analyses the image, impact of workshops and interventions as well as possible changes in attitudes. This includes surveys, public activities such as mobile workstations or rammed earth furniture, creative formats such as "claystorming" and open clay workshops. An accompanying supporting programme with lectures, films, excursions and an exhibition creates additional outreach.
The results are incorporated into the further development of the formats and form the basis for recommendations for integration into teaching, further education and knowledge and technology transfer. Long-term sustainability is being sought through cooperation with the city, schools, professional associations and networks.

Flyer Clay Building - Summer Academy in Weißenfels (PDF, 930.84 KB) https://www.fh-potsdam.de/media/11301/download

Summer Academy 2026:
What is it about?
As part of our GOLEHM research project, you will take part in the 2026 Summer Academy on the topic of earth building. You will gain a comprehensive theoretical insight and learn how to work practically with clay in various formats. You will become part of the research team and actively pass on the knowledge you have learnt to the general public.
Introductory week in Potsdam
During the introductory week, we will work together on the theoretical and practical basics of earth building. In preparation for the summer academy, we develop workshop content and learn interview techniques for acceptance research.
Summer academy in Weißenfels
Become part of an interdisciplinary team in Weißenfels and actively shape the exchange of knowledge. Theory, craftsmanship and research are combined at three central locations: an empty shop is our central seminar, workshop and exhibition space. At the training construction site, you will learn about basic earth building techniques and renovation methods in practice. On the marketplace, you will promote direct dialogue with the local population through playful interventions.
Research & image of earth building
Alongside the earth building workshop, you will be part of the research team investigating the perception and acceptance of earth building in society. Through interventions, workshops and surveys in Weißenfels, you will analyse how different formats convey knowledge and change attitudes towards earth as a building material.
3 preparation dates in the summer semester 2026 
27 - 31 July 2026 Introductory week in Potsdam
07 - 18 September 2026 Summer academy in Weißenfels 
Conditions of participation
Enrolled at the FHP or HSMW
Recognition
5 ECTS possible through FHP or HSMW
Application deadline
01.03.2026
Number of students
24 students
Cost contribution
10.00 Euro/day
Introductory week + summer academy: 190.00 euros
Introductory week: 5 nights incl. breakfast;
Summer Academy: 14 nights incl. breakfast
Additional services
Excursion, workshop on a teaching construction site, evening events, vernissage, material

Summer Academy 2027:
We are planning another summer academy in 2027. Further details will follow.