August 3 – August 10
Design with Water is an immersive summer school course that explores how water can be a driving force in shaping landscapes. Set in the unique Icelandic environment, the course brings together students interested in landscape architecture, environmental sciences, planning, and related disciplines to engage with real‑world challenges of climate change, urban hydrology, and nature‑based design.
Through hands‑on studio work, field observations, lectures, and site visits, participants will work collaboratively to develop a plan for a river landscape, integrating Blue‑Green Infrastructure (BGI) and Nature‑Based Solutions. The course combines theory and practice, offering direct exposure to contemporary projects and an ongoing European‑funded BGI initiative as an open laboratory.
- Language: English
- Dates of physical mobility: 3 to 10 August 2026
- Location: Agricultural University of Iceland (Iceland)
- Virtual Mobility Dates: coming soon
- Number of ECTS: 3
- Maximum number of participants: 30
Target Participants
The Summer School is a multidisciplinary international programme open to students pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in environmental design disciplines, art, architecture, environmental sciences, and related fields.
Subject
The concept of Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) is rapidly gaining traction, positioning itself as a cornerstone of modern planning. As cities worldwide grapple with the dual challenges of rapid expansion and the escalating threats of climate change, the need for sustainable and resilient water management has never been more critical. Increased impervious surfaces lead to higher runoff volumes, overwhelming conventional drainage systems and exacerbating flood risks. Simultaneously, environmental demands on water systems, ranging from ecological health to resource sustainability, are becoming increasingly complex. Blue-Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) offer a paradigm shift, moving beyond traditional “grey” infrastructure (pipes, pumps, concrete) to integrate natural processes into the urban fabric. BGI provides multi-functional benefits, including:
- Flood Mitigation: Enhancing infiltration and water storage (e.g., green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens).
- Water Quality Improvement: Filtering pollutants through soil and vegetation.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Creating habitats within the living areas.
- Urban Cooling: Providing shade and evaporative cooling.
- Improved Public Health: Creating attractive, accessible public spaces.
Programme
August 2nd
Arrival of participants in Hvanneyri
August 3rd
- Welcoming
- Exploring the area, Hvanneyri and Andakilsá
August 4th
- Short presentations in the morning – Examples of architectural projects related to Water
- Groups – Workshop, studio work in the afternoon
August 5th
- Fieldtrip to Grundarfjordur, Snæfelsness peninsula
August 6th
- Short presentations in the morning
- Workshop, studio work in the afternoon
August 7th
- Field trip to Reykjavik, downtown (freetime)
- David Finger BGI and Environmental Engineering
August 8th
- Short presentations in the morning
- Workshop, studio work in the afternoon
August 9th
- Short presentations in the morning
- Workshop, studio work in the afternoon, finalizing work
- Late afternoon trip to waterfalls and thermal bath (relax time)
August 10th
- Finalizing works in the morning
- Project presentations after lunch
- Goodbye
August 11th
Departures
How to Apply
For any questions or expressions of interest, you may contact: Lukáš Pospíšil ([email protected]). “If you need more information, click here.
Deadline for admission is 30 April 2026.
