Architecture and Spatial Design Summer School FestivaL'and 5.0

Architecture and Spatial Design Summer School FestivaL'and 5.0
Jul — Aug 2024

Valmiera, Latvia
Organised by: Art Academy of Latvia

"FestivaL'and" is a summer school format, started in collaboration with the Valmiera Summer Theatre Festival and held for the first time in 2018. At the Summer School, experimental temporary architectural and design interventions become catalysts for significant processes of urban transformations. Dedicated to the creative synergy of art, design and architecture, the Summer School develops as an urban laboratory, temporarily changing places for the duration of the theatre festival, bringing them to life, offering unexpected experiences, engaging with users, changing perceptions and revealing the new possibilities of use. 


12-day Summer School “FestivaL'and 5.0”, planned for 2024, will take place for the fifth time and is organised by the Art Academy of Latvia, Institute of Contemporary Art, Design and Architecture (LMDA). In the context of climate change, circular economy principles and the quest for a humane, socially inclusive and natural environment, the summer school will highlight the theme LIFE, inviting participants to experiment with the possibilities of using wood, other raw and natural materials and by-products of industry.


During the Summer School, international participants guided by tutors will work in teams and gain new knowledge, skills and experience in the process of design creation, from research, ideation, tectonic experimentation to 1:1 scale construction in the urban environment. "FestivL'and" is part of the contemporary theatre festival's annual event in Valmiera, Latvia.


The Summer School's teaching staff consists of international team of lecturers, professionals in the fields of architecture, design and art with experience in both practice and pedagogy. Participation in the Summer School is open to BA and MA level students in the humanities and engineering from fields of study such as architecture and urbanism, spatial development planning, construction, art and design, audiovisual arts and similar. If motivated, participants from other specialisations are also welcome. 


Each "FestivL'and" brings together diverse and international crowd of people not only from EU but also other countries.


What we look for in LINA fellows


Summer school organisers are looking for fellows from different backgrounds to take part as participants or as tutors or guest lecturers. Successful applicants will receive a grant to cover the full summer school program and activities, accommodation and catering. Invitations to apply will be announced in February/March of 2025.


Applicants for fellowships in 2024 are welcome to express interest in collaborating with the Summer School in 2025.