Fall Semester 2025
Studio EAST, EPFL
During the Fall 2025 semester, Studio EAST examined the typology of Greenhouse — structures often regarded as purely utilitarian — and explored their untapped potential for housing transformation incorporating the greenhouse as a space and an effect. The studio investigated the terms associated to the greenhouse – Conservatories, glasshouses, forcing houses, hothouses, invernaderos in Spanish, orangeries, jardins d' hiver or serres in French - many are the terms associated with the idea of housing plants. Originally designed to accommodate plant life, this climatic space quickly became an exhibition space, a social space, and even a space for celebrations before it fell into disuse.
Research Phase
The first part of the semester was dedicated to a comparative analysis of 26 Greenhouses from the beginning of the 20th century to the beginning of the 21st century. Each structure was examined for its spatial logic, construction system, climatic patterns, and organizational strategy. Through detailed documentation — including plans, sections, and models — students uncovered the underlying principles that shape these buildings.
As an experiment during the research phase, three prototypes were built by the students to quantify the passive energy gain created by the greenhouse effect. Each of these prototypes, of the same volume, was accompanied by a greenhouse of equal or greater volume, or by a glazed opening. A thermal sensor was installed in the volume of the prototype to measure the passive gain. Meteorological measurements were also taken at EPFL.
This analytical work not only mapped the architectural characteristics of the typology but also laid the groundwork for questioning its climatic potential. By quantifying and comparing these elements, the studio created a shared knowledge base to inform speculative transformations in the second phase.
Project Phase
Building on the insights gained during the research phase, the second part of the semester challenged students to reimagine a tour typologie built in 1987, facing today energetical renovation and social evolution.
The aim was to incorporate the greenhouse as a climatic and spatial effect. These transformations focused on interventions and adaptations ranging from minimal and strategic to significant and structural. The students explored how 1980s housing could accommodate new living configurations – from community units and collective spaces to hybrid programmes combining housing and education.
Through narrative frameworks, the students projected the life of these transformed buildings over time, imagining how they could gradually evolve from fossil fuel energy to passive energy – to the resilience of inhabiting a certain space periodically.
As part of the semester, Studio EAST hosted a Colloquium bringing together experts to dive deeper into the topic.
Sascha Roesler (USI) explored Thermal Governance in Greenhouse Studies
Luca Volpi (Societat Orgànica) shared insights on Designing with Climate: Integrated Strategies for Low-Impact Buildings and Neighbourhoods
Gonçalo André Pires (Studio Sotnas, Aarhus) presented on Domestic Infrastructure
Special guest:
Jan Wienold (EPFL ENAC IA LIPID)
Luisa Pastore (EPFL Centre Smart Living Lab)
Fabrice Meylan (co-struct)
Intermediate Critics guest:
Katrien Vretenten (Nomos Architects)
Maria João Cunha (mar atelier)
Fabrice Meylan (co-struct)
Final Critics guest:
Duncan Lewis (Duncan Lewis Space Architecture)
Pablo Donet (Doscre Architekten)
Lara Monti
Students:
Antonietti Naïla, Arbre Julie, Balquet Louise, Chen Jinkai, Dejean Charlène, Guessous Meryem, Harbre Marylin, Huent Vincent, Lia Hao, Nussbaum Audrey, Moreau Arnaud, Oppegaard Jeppe, Ortega Alarcon Eva, Padlina Asya, Paglia Corina, Pax Laura Stéphanie, Peterschmitt Noémie, Pohl Benjamin, Potapushin Alexei, Rolland Jean-Baptiste, Saelens Iza, Sassine Romain, Rotondo Mathilde, Scotti Giorgia, Stalder Gian, Waeber Marek.
Teaching Team:
Martin Fröhlich, Tiago P. Borges, Luciano Antonietti