The first step towards building differently is to think differently. Architect* Laura van Santen is affiliated with the Architecture & Circular Thinking research group of the Academy of Architecture. Laura often comes to work for an hour in the Culture Club while en route from A to B.

Improving the building industry for humans and the Earth is a key driving force in Laura’s work. ‘How are materials made, what does something weigh and how should it be lifted?’ Questioning existing patterns, structures and materials provides a sense of direction to a different way of building. On the basis of research into alternative materials, minimising the use of concrete and figuring out technical processes, Laura is developing a new working practice. ‘Not everything has to be a revolution; an evolution is also good.

*la-di-da, design & architecture – Laura van Santen and Diederik de Koning, winners Abe Bonnema Prize 2022.

The Projectteam Schietbaan (Shooting Range Project Team) of the Reinwardt Academy is going to take aim and fire this summer in the Schietbaan, a former shooting range at the Marineterrein site in Amsterdam. Students Bente Eijkelboom, Yessie Weber, Arthur Veys and Trijntje Smeets are organising the interdisciplinary exhibition ‘Doorschieten’ in the renovated Schietbaan. The team will work every week on this cross-academy project in the Culture Club under the guidance of Valentijn Rambonnet, lecturer at the Reinwardt Academy.

The postgraduate Art & Society programme (2020-2021 + 2021-2022) offered AHK alumni the opportunity to develop themselves in an interdisciplinary way in the transition from degree programme to practice. Read more.