Taking architecture beyond the classroom in Crete

For third-year Bachelor of Design (Architecture) student Scott de Lepervanche, the opportunity to take part in the Periplus Workshop in Crete offered a chance to apply his learning in a completely different environment, alongside an international group of students and professionals.

Scott first chose to study architecture at the University of Newcastle after hearing positive experiences from students at his school who had gone on to study at the University.

“Many students from my school went to UON, some of which studied architecture and recommended it as a good university to study this degree.”

When the opportunity to participate in the Periplus Workshop was shared with architecture students, Scott immediately saw its potential.

“It was clearly going to be a very exciting and unique experience, hence why I was drawn to it, and once I knew it would count for my placement it was too good to pass up.”

Over two weeks, Scott worked alongside students and professionals from architecture, design and other disciplines, while learning about the local culture, materials and traditional practices of the Anogeia community.

During the workshop, Scott worked alongside other participants to experiment with local and natural materials, exploring how they could be adapted into new materials and design ideas. Their work was later presented at an exhibition for the local community.

For Scott, the process introduced a new way of approaching design that he can take back into his architecture studies.

“Mostly ways of thinking I brought back from the workshop - We spent a lot of time experimenting with local, natural resources on the island in an attempt to make more modern materials or components. This experimental way of thinking could be quite useful for my studies, especially if material development came into it later on, which as an architect, materiality plays a key role in designing.”

The experience also gave Scott the opportunity to learn from people who had already worked in the architecture industry and to hear different perspectives on how the profession operates around the world.

“Spending time with other likeminded people, some that have been in the industry outside of studies for some time, was a large takeaway from an architecture side of it. I was able to gain insights into the industry and how it operates in various parts of the world, as well as their own experiences working in the architecture industry.”

Living and working within the small Cretan village also gave Scott an experience that extended well beyond the workshop. He learned about local traditions and ways of life, from drystone structures and pottery to weaving and community celebrations.

“Outside of that, spending time with the local Cretan's in the village and other participants in the workshop was an amazing personal experience that essentially would be almost impossible to achieve without the workshop. Plus, we all gained some international friends for future trips.”

Reflecting on the experience, Scott says the combination of experimentation, collaboration and cultural immersion gave him a new perspective he can carry into the remainder of his architecture studies. In his journal, he described returning home with “a new way of experimental thinking” after working alongside people from around the world and seeing the different perspectives they brought to the design process.

His advice to future architecture students is simple.

“If the opportunity comes up to take part in an experience outside of what we're used to, take it for the external view on our work and an amazing experience both personally and academically.”

If the opportunity comes up to take part in an experience outside of what we're used to, take it for the external view on our work and an amazing experience both personally and academically.