Erasmus Staff Mobility for teaching and training
Mobilität durchgeführt an folgender Universität / Institution | Mobility carried out at the following university / institution: École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Grenoble
Zeitraum / Duration of stay: 26. bis 30. Mai 2025
Abteilung an der Kunstuniversität / Department of the University of Arts Linz: die Architektur | BASEhabitat
Meine Erfahrungen / Mehrwert / Ergebnis der Mobilität | My experience / added value / outcome of the mobility: This Erasmus mobility was a deeply enriching experience, both professionally and personally. It offered a unique opportunity to engage in practical learning, exchange ideas with professors and students and be inspired by the innovative approaches to earthen architecture in France. I am returning home with new knowledge, valuable connections and fresh ideas to share with my colleagues, as well as new inspiration for my own teaching.
Message to the colleagues
As part of my Erasmus+ mobility, I spent a week at ENSAG (École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Grenoble), where I had the opportunity to engage with both the academic and practical aspects of earthen architecture. The experience offered a rich exchange of knowledge with professors and students, and I contributed through a guest lecture that sparked valuable discussions around sustainable design and architectural education.
A highlight of the visit was collaborating with a PhD student from ENSAG on an experimental project involving the construction of two poured earth columns, each reinforced with a different material (wood and bamboo). This hands-on work introduced me to a technique I had not previously used, and the results will be tested in the laboratory to better understand the structural performance of poured earth.
I also visited the construction site of prefabricated rammed earth walls for the Atelier de la Danse in Lyon, a public building currently under construction featuring 16-meter-high earthen walls. Additionally, I had the chance to visit L’Orangerie in Lyon, a contemporary office building built with rammed earth. These visits provided valuable insight into the contemporary application of earthen construction at an architectural scale and allowed me to connect with professionals working on innovative and large-scale projects.
During the week, I took part in the Festival Grains d’Isère at Les Grands Ateliers, an event organized by CRAterre and postgradute students. The festival combined exhibitions, workshops, and public engagement around climate-responsive building practices. I participated in several experimental workshops, explored the impressive facilities of Amàco, and presented the work of BASEhabitat. I also had the opportunity to exchange ideas with students and professors and contribute to the closing feedback session.
This mobility was an inspiring and enriching experience that deepened my knowledge of earthen construction techniques, expanded my network of collaborators, and offered fresh perspectives to bring back to my teaching and research.
