Hands-on research and designerly experimentation are quintessential in the postgraduate journey. With a focus on the live-project, participants explore and develop materials, construction methods, identify opportunities and challenges. Each student follows their own interests, guided by the staff members, in-house researchers and befriended professionals, and shares their discoveries and skills with the broader team.

In the wood track, students sought the most efficient structure for the pavilion, experimenting with reversible construction methods using salvaged wooden beams. Their focus was on the entire process—from sourcing the wood to processing and constructing with it on-site.

The earth track divided into two sub-teams: one delved into the world of earth blocks, while a duo focused on plaster. The first group investigated MEBs (Moulded Earth Blocks) and CEBs (Compressed Earth Blocks), and their potential applications in the live project. They went even further, creating 1:1 mock-ups of bio- and geobased wall constructions for both renovation and new builds to inspire the architects working on the Pastorie. The plaster duo developed a local plaster, reusing materials from the existing plaster at the Pastorie and from houses slated for demolition to make way for the new North-South connector.

The roles and activities of the participatory team evolved significantly throughout the year, ranging from communicators to facilitators, photographers to documentarians, and from receptionists to cooks, spokespersons to ambassadors, and mediators. They navigated between the student team and the local community, organized meetings with the municipality, architects, and local stakeholders, and made sure the team spirit stayed high throughout the entire journey.

Impressed by the large number of buildings to be demolished for the new North-South connection (see below*), the students have set up a dedicated harvesting track. They explored ways to repurpose materials from these buildings, both for use in the Pastorie and in other future projects. Throughout, they were especially mindful of the emotional impact this would undoubtedly have on the original residents and their families.