Share:
The School of Architecture, Feng Chia University, and the Architectural Association (AA) in the United Kingdom have entered the third year of their collaboration. This year, the workshop was held overseas for the first time, taking place from July 2 to 12 across the Greek Aegean Islands. The program also marked the beginning of an academic exchange with the Department of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA).
Faculty members Yu-Sen Chou and Li-Ting Chen led six students to Greece, joining 22 participants from the United Kingdom, France, Canada, and Greece. Under the guidance of seven instructors—Doreen Bernath and K.B. Izac Tsai from the AA, Tsomos Romanos and Eleni Sousoni from the Norwich University of the Arts, and Ching-Yu Chang from National Chiayi University—participants collaboratively completed this year’s workshop, Urbanity From The Ocean 2026—The Island Conditions: Pirate Archipelago.
The group conducted field studies in Athens, Syros, Mykonos, and the uninhabited island of Didimi. Through architectural drawings, moving images, and installation works, they explored the relationships among maritime civilization, island settlements, and contemporary living environments, transforming field observations into interdisciplinary spatial expressions.
During the workshop, the team was invited to the Department of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) for academic exchange activities. Professor Io Carydi delivered a special lecture introducing the historical development of Aegean island civilizations, settlement patterns, and the symbiotic relationship between maritime culture and local communities. The University of the Aegean, Syros Campus provided venues for lectures and the final review. Professor Carydi and an international panel of architecture scholars participated in the final critique, highly praising the depth and creativity of the participants’ works.
Professor Io Carydi delivers a lecture at the Department of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens, introducing the development of Aegean island civilizations and analyzing the symbiotic relationship between settlement patterns and maritime culture.
Doreen Bernath of the Architectural Association (AA) conducts an on-site lecture on Syros, guiding participants in developing spatial design concepts through the lens of maritime civilization.
At the conclusion of the workshop, faculty members and students presented their works in a public exhibition at the historic harbor district of Syros. The exhibition featured interdisciplinary creations integrating spatial installations, visual media, and performance art. Professors Io Carydi of NTUA and Dimitris Zissis of the University of the Aegean attended the exhibition, witnessing the creative imprint left by Taiwanese students in the Aegean.
The workshop’s final review was held at the University of the Aegean, Syros Campus.
Greek participant Meropi Kougioumtzoglou performs an interactive dance and installation piece on Syros, creating an interdisciplinary work that intertwines installation, performance, and spatial context.
Participating students also reflected on the valuable experiences they gained throughout the journey.
Chang-Jui Chen noted that this was his first experience working on projects resembling public art. By integrating humanities, nature, and local cultural elements into design, he broadened his understanding of creative practice. Beyond coursework, he treasured opportunities to experience sailing, diving, and visits to shipyards, as well as to immerse himself in daily life across different islands.
For Tzu-Hsuan Huang, hands-on participation in a design-build project reinforced the idea that “traveling ten thousand miles surpasses reading ten thousand books.” Experiencing material textures, structural responses, and the movement of light and shadow in real space enriched his architectural thinking and prompted him to reflect on differences in spatial lifestyles between Taiwan and Greece.
Meanwhile, Yi-Jhen Chu emphasized that, in addition to the academic gains, meeting peers from architecture, art, and design backgrounds was among the most rewarding aspects of the trip. The exchange of ideas across disciplines inspired diverse perspectives and became one of her most valuable takeaways.
The outcomes of this workshop will continue in Taiwan. The School of Architecture, Feng Chia University, and National Chiayi University will jointly present an exhibition at the Chiayi Cultural and Creative Industry Park from August 11 to 23. The public is warmly invited to attend.
Faculty members and students from the School of Architecture, Feng Chia University pose for a group photo in the courtyard of the Department of Architecture, National Technical University of Athens.
Faculty members and students from the School of Architecture, Feng Chia University pose for a commemorative photo at the exhibition venue in Greece, marking the conclusion of their two-week overseas creative workshop.
Share:
Related News