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

The project Summer Academies and Workshops for the Bidirectional Transfer of Knowledge and Skills in Earthen Building combines two closely interlinked focal points: the conception, organisation and implementation of two summer academies and integrated research to increase awareness and acceptance.

Lehmbau und Ziegelwand mit einem Spalten
© Stefan Schanzenbach
Detail einer Lehmbauwand mit Fenster
Lehmbauwand Detail unter Fenster, Sanierung
Period:
–
Type:
Cooperation project
Profile:
Built Space – Design, Construction, Preservation
Organisational Unit:
Cooperation partners:

WE! alliance
GOLEHM
University of Applied Sciences Mittweida
City of Weißenfels

Funding:
Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space

Summer academies

The University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is responsible for the summer academies, while the University of Applied Sciences Mittweida  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 transfer. The aim is to achieve long-term sustainability through cooperation with the city, schools, professional associations and networks.

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 earth 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 
27th - 31st of July 2026 Introductory week in Potsdam
07th - 18th of September 2026 Summer academy in Weißenfels

Conditions of participation
Enrolled at the FHP or HSMW

Recognition
5 ECTS by FHP or HSMW possible

Application deadline
01/03/2026

Number of students
24 students

Cost contribution
10.00 Euro/day

Introductory week + summer academy: 190.00 Euro
Introductory week: 5 overnight stays incl. breakfast;
Summer academy: 14 overnight stays incl. breakfast

Additional services
Excursion, workshop on a teaching construction site, evening events, vernissage, materials

We are planning another summer academy in 2027. More details to follow.

Contact the University of Applied SciencesMittweida

Responsible for the project

Prof Dr Anika Möcker
Anika.Moecker@hs-mittweida.de

Project processing

Julia Massnick
massnick@hs-mittweida.de

Contact University of Applied Sciences Potsdam

Responsible for the project

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jörg Röder
Professor for building preservation, building in existing structures and timber construction
Study Advisor Ing-Bau – Structural Conservation and New Construction in Engineering and Building Construction (M. Sc.)
Head of Construction Laboratory Structural Engineering (BKI)

Project processing

Stefan Schanzenbach, M. Eng. (FH)
Academic assistant at the BKI and research assistant in the research project "Test-based development of a design concept for crack repair in solid clay - ERiMa"