How can Architecture Fail Humans?
Understanding the failures of architecture when human experience is overlooked. We discuss the importance of psychological, cognitive, and physiological principles in creating spaces that support well-being.
+ Upali Nanda
Importance of the topic
+ David Kirsh
In what ways can architecture fail humans?
+ Enzo Enea
Outside - In: Architecture and Nature
+ Juhani Pallasmaa
The Eyes of the Skin
+ TBD
more information soon
How do we sense our environment?
Exploring how our senses shape our perception of space. Discussions cover lighting, sound, materiality, air quality, and their impact on human experience. A site visit to Martin Rauch’s House and Lehmbau offers practical insights.
+ Excursion Martin Rauch
Working with rammed earth
+ Santiago Caridad
Tactility of rammed earth
+ Upali Nanda
Sensthetics
+ Marilyne Andersen
Light and Human Experience
+ TBD
more information soon
Understanding the Mental Representation of Our Environment
Delving into cognitive science to understand how humans perceive, process, and interact with architecture. Topics include perception, attention, memory, and decision-making in spatial design.
+ Giovanni Vecchiato
Neural Mechanism
+ Zakkaria Djebbara
Attention and the unconscious
+ Jan Gehl Architect
Cities for People
+ Sergei Gepshtein
TBD
+ Fiona Zisch I Hugo Spiers
Navigation
Life Stages, Neurodiversity, and Health Perception
Examining how architecture can address diverse needs, including life stages, neurodiversity, and mental health challenges. Discussions on inclusivity are complemented by an exploration of Bregenzerwald architecture and its cultural evolution.
+ Excursion Bregenzerwald
Learning about the wooden Architecture in Vorarlberg
+ Verena Konrad
Head of Vorarlberger Institute of Architecture
+ Giovanna Colombetti
Architecture and Emotions
+ TBD
More informations soon
What Does It Mean to Be an Architect Today?
Investigating the role of culture, sustainability, and technological advancements in shaping architecture. Discussions include AI’s potential and the evolving responsibilities of architects in modern society.
+ Itai Palti
Architecture and AI
+ Industry in practice
Exhibition of a selection of industry partners
+ TBD
more Information soon
+ TBD
more Information soon
Conference Program
Below, you will find an overview of the topics covered each day, along with the speakers who will be presenting. This provides a clear structure of the conference and highlights the key voices contributing to each discussion.
How can Architecture Fail Humans?
Understanding the failures of architecture when human experience is overlooked. We discuss the importance of psychological, cognitive, and physiological principles in creating spaces that support well-being.
How do we sense our environment?
Exploring how our senses shape our perception of space. Discussions cover lighting, sound, materiality, air quality, and their impact on human experience. A site visit to Martin Rauch’s House and Lehmbau offers practical insights.
Understanding the Mental Representation of Our Environment
Delving into cognitive science to understand how humans perceive, process, and interact with architecture. Topics include perception, attention, memory, and decision-making in spatial design.
Life Stages, Neurodiversity, and Health Perception
Examining how architecture can address diverse needs, including life stages, neurodiversity, and mental health challenges. Discussions on inclusivity are complemented by an exploration of Bregenzerwald architecture and its cultural evolution.
What Does It Mean to Be an Architect Today?
Investigating the role of culture, sustainability, and technological advancements in shaping architecture. Discussions include AI’s potential and the evolving responsibilities of architects in modern society.
Course Program
Below, you will find an overview of the topics covered each day, along with the speakers who will be presenting. This provides a clear structure of the course and highlights the key voices contributing to each discussion.
Important: More Detailed Information on Lectures and Speakers each day will be uploaded soon! Stay tuned
image: © Adolf Bereuter
Join us: echoes of the alps
Experience the future of design:
Where human connection meets architectural innovation.
This unique conference combines breathtaking locations with cutting-edge discussions, offering an immersive exploration of how design and architecture intersect with human behavior and neuroscience. Over several days, participants will engage in scenic excursions to architectural marvels, hands-on workshops, and insightful talks by international experts. From the wooden architecture of Bregenzerwald to the rammed earth creations of Schlins, this event promises an inspiring blend of natural beauty, innovative design, and collaborative learning. Don't miss this chance to connect with like-minded professionals in a setting where research and creativity come alive.
05
Days
90
Participants
03
Countries
15
Speakers
In-Person Speakers
Our exceptional lineup of in-person speakers will be joining us for the course. This is a unique opportunity to not only attend their lectures but to also engage in insightful discussions, exchange ideas, and connect during our interactive workshops and excursions. Experience first-hand the knowledge and expertise of our renowned speakers in an intimate, collaborative setting.
Master Builder, Architect, and Curator
Cornelia Faisst combines architecture, sustainability, and social impact, specializing in earth construction and participatory design. She is a core member of the earth HUB at the Liechtenstein School of Architecture and ERDEN IMPACT, a social enterprise promoting sustainable earth-building in the Global South. She also leads the Pro Bono Module at the University of Liechtenstein, guiding students in social and ecological initiatives. With experience across Austria, Liechtenstein, the US, Tanzania, Ghana, and more, she integrates research, design, and practical expertise to advance sustainable, socially responsible architecture.
Professor and Neuroscientist
Giovanni Vecchiato is an Associate Professor at eCampus University and a researcher at the Institute of Neuroscience, CNR Italy. His work explores spatial and social cognition, focusing on how the brain processes architecture, multisensory integration, and social interactions, with an emphasis on the motor system’s role in perception.
Cognitive Neuroscientist and Architect
Zakaria Djebbara explores how architecture and spatial environments shape human cognition and behavior using advanced methods like mobile neuroimaging and Virtual Reality, with applications in urban design and embodied cognition. He is currently investigating how unconscious cognitive and behavioral adaptations are expressed in sensorimotor processes and rhythmic dynamical systems.
Professor and Researcher
Giovanna Colombetti is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Exeter, specializing in the philosophy of mind, affective science, and embodied cognition. Her research explores how emotions and bodily experiences shape cognition, drawing on phenomenology, cognitive science, and enactivism. She is the author of The Feeling Body, which examines the role of affectivity in perception and action. Through her interdisciplinary work, she bridges philosophy, neuroscience, and psychology to deepen our understanding of mind-body interaction.
Architect and Researcher
Itai is an architect, researcher, and artist exploring the relationship between people and place. Founder of The Centre for Conscious Design and Hume, he established the Conscious Cities movement and developed the practice of science-informed, and conscious design. Recognized as a 2020 Metropolis ‘Game Changer,’ he advises on systems change and promotes architecture as a socially conscious profession. His work and writing has been featured internationally and he is a regular speaker at events focused on the built environment and human impact.
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Founder of Enea Landscape Architecture
Enzo Enea is a Swiss landscape architect renowned for creating harmonious outdoor spaces that seamlessly blend with their surroundings. He founded Enea Landscape Architecture in 1993, with offices in Zurich, Miami, New York and Milan. His notable projects include Genesis Beijing+The Bulgari Hotel in Beijing and the University of Miami’s School of Law landscaping. Enea's work exemplifies his commitment to integrating nature with architectural design, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Systems Neuroscientist
Dr. Sergei Gepshtein is a scientist specializing in perceptual psychology, systems neuroscience, and computational neuroscience. He studies perception, action planning, and neural dynamics at the Salk Institute’s Center for the Neurobiology of Vision. His research extends to the built environment and immersive media, earning him roles with the World Building Institute, ANFA, and the Freeman Design Leadership Council. He will serve as ANFA’s President in 2026. His work has been supported by major research institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind.
Professor at EPFL and Head of LIPID lab
Marilyne Andersen is a Full Professor at EPFL, Head of the LIPID lab and co-founder of OCULIGHT dynamics. Physicist by training, she specializes in the psycho-physiological effects of (day)light with broader research interests on sustainability in the built environment. Previously, she has been a tenure-track professor at MIT, Dean of the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering at EPFL and Academic Director of the Smart Living Lab.
Cognitive Scientist and Professor
David Kirsh is a Canadian cognitive scientist and professor at the University of California, San Diego, specializing in interactive cognition, design, and human-computer interaction. He earned his D.Phil. from the University of Oxford and conducted post-doctoral research at MIT's Artificial Intelligence Lab. As the director of the Interactive Cognition Lab, Kirsh explores how environments, external representations, and bodily interactions can enhance cognitive processes. His work bridges cognitive science, design, and technology, offering insights into how we engage with and interpret the world around us
Global Sector Director, Innovation
Dr. Upali Nanda, EVP and Global Sector Director for Innovation at HKS, teaches part-time at the University of Michigan and has published widely on sensory environments for well-being, brain health, and outcome-driven design. She has won multiple awards, including the 2018 Architecture Record Women in Architecture Innovator Award.
Architect
Chris McVoy is an architect and partner Emeritus at Steven Holl Architects and co-founder of O'Neill McVoy Architects. With a strong commitment to sustainability, McVoy’s work emphasizes environmentally conscious building practices and the integration of natural elements. He has collaborated on a range of projects across various scales, from residential to large institutional designs. McVoy’s design philosophy focuses on creating spaces that are both inspiring and sustainable, while responding to the unique needs of their surroundings. His work reflects a deep respect for the environment and a forward-thinking approach to architectural challenges.
Architect and Researcher
Daniel Haselsberger works at the intersection of architecture and development cooperation. His ongoing PhD research is characterized by a transdisciplinary and cross cultural approach, where research and design complement each other in the construction of a school for underprivileged children in Bihar, India. Through inclusive design processes and the use of biobased building materials he aims to develop projects that build up on local potentials and develop them further.
stay tuned for our complete list of speakers
The full list of our distinguished speakers will be revealed soon! We’re excited to share the incredible experts and thought leaders who will be joining us. Stay tuned for an inspiring lineup that promises to offer valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.
Professor and Author
Sarah Williams Goldhagen, a writer and former Harvard professor, explores how architecture, landscape, and urban design shape human health and wellbeing. Her book Welcome to Your World (2017) won a Nautilus Book Award for its contribution to social and environmental justice, making her a sought-after speaker. A former New Republic architecture critic, her work has appeared in major publications, including The New York Times and Architectural Record. Her recent film, What Design Can Do, has won five film festival awards.
online Speakers
We are excited to welcome a select group of expert speakers who will be joining us online. While some are unable to travel, they will still share their valuable insights through virtual lectures, ensuring you don’t miss out on their expertise. This hybrid format allows us to bring diverse perspectives to the course, enriching the experience for all participants.
stay tuned for our complete list of speakers
The full list of our distinguished speakers will be revealed soon! We’re excited to share the incredible experts and thought leaders who will be joining us. Stay tuned for an inspiring lineup that promises to offer valuable insights and thought-provoking discussions.
Architect and Professor
Juhani Pallasmaa is a Finnish architect and educator, renowned for his work on the sensory and emotional aspects of architecture. He has taught at various universities, including the Helsinki University of Technology, and has published extensively on the relationship between architecture, perception, and human experience. Pallasmaa’s influential books, such as The Eyes of the Skin, explore how architecture can engage the senses and foster a deeper connection between people and their built environment. His work emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that are not only functional but also meaningful and evocative.
Chief Executive of Maggie’s Centres
Dame Laura Lee, DBE, has led Maggie's since its founding in 1996, transforming Maggie Keswick Jencks' vision into a global network of cancer support centres. A former oncology nurse, Laura understood the need for spaces that offer not just medical care but emotional and psychological support. Central to Maggie’s vision is the power of architecture to uplift and heal, and under her leadership, world-renowned architects have designed 24 centres worldwide. These beautifully crafted environments provide free support to people with cancer and their families, fostering comfort, dignity, and wellbeing in times of crisis.
Excursions
DAY 02 + 03: "Perception is Your Own Reality" – James TurrelL
Step into a world of light and color and challenge your own perception.
What does it really mean to see? How does light shape our experience of the world? On the evenings of Day 2 and 3, you'll have the chance to visit James Turrell's Skyspace, a hidden gem nestled in the alpine landscape above Lech. This immersive light installation plays with our perception, making us acutely aware of how subjective our experience of the world can be. As the sky transforms into an ever-changing canvas, the artwork shifts our focus, inviting personal reflection on how we perceive space, color, and light. While we’ll discuss the science and psychology of perception throughout the conference, this experience allows you to feel it firsthand. The number of spots is limited, so be sure to sign up early for this unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, light, and human perception.
DAY 02: The Tactility of Rammed Earth
Feel the earth beneath your hands – the sensory and sustainable beauty of rammed earth
Our excursion to Martin Rauch's Lehm Ton Erde Studio offers an in-depth look at the art of rammed earth construction, not just for its sustainability, but for its profound impact on human experience. The tactility of rammed earth is a unique feature, engaging our senses in diverse ways. During the visit, we’ll explore the workshop where raw materials are transformed into architectural elements, and the planning spaces where these designs take shape. Divided into three groups, we will experience firsthand how this material enhances the atmosphere of a space—not only improving air quality but also addressing our senses through its texture, temperature, and presence. This excursion invites us to consider how materials can deeply connect us to the built environment.
DAY 04: experiencing the bregenzerwald and its architecture
From tradition to innovation – discovering the world-renowned wooden architecture of Vorarlberg.
Join us on a journey through the Bregenzerwald, where traditional craftsmanship meets groundbreaking innovation. Together with Tour Guides of the Vorarlberg Architecture Institute, we’ll explore how this region’s deep-rooted building culture evolved into one of the most celebrated architectural movements in the world. What shaped the identity of Vorarlberg’s architecture? How did the transition from traditional wooden structures to today’s contemporary designs unfold? To answer these questions, we’ll visit local architects Innauer Matt and Bernardo Bader, who will guide us through some of their remarkable projects. And beyond the architecture, you’ll experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Bregenzerwald—where nature and design exist in perfect harmony.
DAY 03: Between Tradition, Art, and Architecture
Building with the past, for the future – exploring the beauty and sustainability of restoring historic architecture.
In Lech, architecture is more than just buildings—it’s a story of heritage, vision, and artistry. Gerold and Katia Schneider, owners of one of the region’s most exclusive hotels, have redefined hospitality by integrating art and architecture into their work. Their newest project, Sonnenhof, is a meticulously preserved Walser house from 1393, a rare glimpse into the earliest settlements of Lech. While honoring the past, they have also transformed their hotel into a dynamic art space, collaborating with renowned artists to create a truly unique experience. This excursion takes you through a world where history and modernity coexist, proving that preservation and innovation can go hand in hand. We will also see their current construction site of another historic Walser building.
March 2026
Registration Deadline
TBD
80 x General Admission
March 2026
Registration Deadline
TBD
10 x Student Admission
Online - General Admission
TBD
Online - Student Admission
TBD
* Please note that travel and accommodation costs are not included in the prices. However, we are happy to provide a selection of hotels at various price points for you to choose from.
Our Locations
01
Enea Treemuseum, Rapperswil
Our summercourse begins at Enea’s unique Tree Museum at its headquarters in Rapperswil-Jona. The building, designed by Oppenheim Architecture, demonstrates the Enea ethos of combining landscape, architecture, art, and design in sustainable ways.
Day 01: Switzerland
02
Lechwelten, Lech
Our second location, LechWelten, offers a stunning alpine backdrop that enriches our discussions on cognitive science in architecture. Here, we explore the role of our senses in experiencing and shaping the built environment, deepening our understanding of human-centered design.
Day 02-03: Austria
03
Fürstentum Liechtenstein
Our third location in the Fürstentum Liechtenstein provides a perfect setting to explore who we are designing for and what it means to be an architect today. In this academic environment, we reflect on the evolving role and responsibility of architects in shaping the future. The exact location will be announced soon.
Day 04-05: Liechtenstein
Deadlines + Pricing
Kick off the course with a warm Welcome Dinner. This informal gathering is the perfect opportunity to meet fellow participants and the team, setting the tone for the week ahead.
On the first day, enjoy a flying lunch and buffet dinner to keep you energized and ready for the day’s activities. Meals will offer opportunities for networking and sharing ideas with your peers.
To make your experience as comfortable as possible, we’ve arranged buses to transport you between the three course locations and excursions. This ensures seamless travel and allows you to fully engage in the course without any hassle.
Benefit from more than 15 insightful lectures delivered by expert speakers on architecture, human well-being, sustainability, and more. These lectures will provide in-depth knowledge on the course's key themes.
Engage in two hands-on workshops that encourage active participation. These workshops are designed to allow you to apply the knowledge gained and collaborate with other participants.
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Rammed Earth: Erden Studio – Martin Rauch -Visit the Erden Studio to explore the fascinating world of rammed earth construction with Martin Rauch.
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Wooden Architecture of Bregenzerwald: Discover the exceptional wooden architecture of Bregenzerwald, a region known for its innovative use of wood.
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Site Visit with Katja and Gerold Schneider in Lech: Explore architectural works by Katja and Gerold Schneider, gaining insights into their designs.
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Skyspace by James Turrell: Experience James Turrell's transformative Skyspace installation, designed to connect you with your environment in an entirely new way.
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What is included?
We are thrilled to offer you an immersive and enriching experience during the Summer Course. The price covers a range of exciting activities, meals, and amenities that will make your time with us comfortable and memorable. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included in the course fee:
End the week with a special Goodbye Dinner, a final chance to reflect on everything you’ve learned and connect with participants and speakers in a relaxed and scenic setting.
Each morning, enjoy complimentary coffee and snacks to fuel your day and offer informal networking opportunities before the lectures and workshops begin.
You’ll receive a notebook to write down your ideas and a course booklet containing all relevant information about the course schedule, speakers, and excursions.
All lectures and sessions will be professionally recorded, and you’ll have access to the recordings to revisit key content after the course.
Professional photographers will capture key moments throughout the week, and you will receive high-quality photos to remember your time at the Summer Course.
Beyond the lectures, workshops, and excursions, the Summer Course offers an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in stunning landscapes, connect with fellow participants and experts, and engage in meaningful exchanges of knowledge. The beautiful architecture and unique settings will provide lasting memories, making this a truly enriching and transformative experience.
JOIN US
ONLINE
you can't join us in person?
No problem!
Together with our expert technical team, we ensure a seamless live conference experience for all the curious minds tuning in from afar!
Our dedicated team of technicians travels with us, bringing professional equipment to create an engaging and high-quality online experience. With multiple camera setups and crystal-clear audio, you won’t miss a moment of the action. Even during our excursions, we’ll capture the most important insights and upload them the same day. Plus, all talks will remain available online for two months after the conference, so you can revisit every highlight at your convenience. Wherever you are in the world, we’ll bring Form Follows Human to you!