Hello architecture students!

Finally, here is info about SESAM 03 that will happen in Banjaluka, Bosnia, between 7-19 of April 2003! Sorry for waiting a bit longer than planed, we had problems with web site and now, when problem is solved here is idea about it, for those who are interested to come and do not know much about it! SESAM in Bosnia will be organized by Eco City Group that has been found by the activists of the students organization "EASA BiH" (European organization of the architecture students, BiH committee) that wanted to extend their local activities, and change inherited situation in their local community. This year's SESAM that we started is named "BANJALUKA-ECO CITY" and it main goal is to gather European architecture students and students from Bosnia for twelve days in order to give visionary ideas on Banjaluka's image as a modern eco city. We are going to work on some way problematic locations in the city, in the urban area of Banjaluka, where it is possible to identify problems and needs of urban surroundings and where we can find inspiration for twelve days of work.This area includes industrial area, Vrbas river, in and out of the city, parks (nature of Banj Brdo).

Workshops and ideas

Workshop Eco City would be based on work, idea exchange and brain storming of 70 students from all over Europe (50 international +at least 20 local participants). Each workshop is planed to have one working team, with one or two tutors- each tutor has a mission to give basic information in order to present selected topic and location, and to coordinate work and exchange of the ideas inside the group, and between groups as well, and final presentation of the results of each workshop- presentation of the ideas and projects. Finally, each workshop is supposed to present their products in final, accessible public exhibition, in chosen techniques of artistic presentation-such as drawings, models, slide show, photos, computer aided designs, films… One part of the project will be realized in MEDIA labaratory, close to the students lodgins, and final exibition will be realised in National Galery. That is how it was possible to come up with 5 issues (themes) that would be considered within 5 different workshops: RIVER BANKS INDUSTRY INFRASTRUCTURE OPEN SPACES ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY APARTMENT More about every workshop and first ideas from tutors you can find on our web page www.ecg.rs.sr under link workshops….

Plan and program of the SESAM

As you can imagine we are going to have fun, beside work in workshops. We will try to give you closer look on Bosnia's and Banjaluka's history, tradition, and architecture. That is why we plan to have interesting lectures and excursions, as well as cultural events and parties. Ok, here is a first draft on our work during SESAM...

7. April: arrival of the students to Banjaluka, accomodation, and meeting with organisers, tutors and the City 08.April : formal beginning of Workshops; it is planed for the tutors to introrduce participants of the workshops to the actual problems that would be treated, as well as present the working material, and implementation of each workshops working schedule 07.-17. April: each workshop is an individual working team and their work is based on their planned scadual: during lunch and dinner brakes, and in evening time we have planned lectures related to the topic of the School, or entertainment program.
8. April (Saturday):Full day excursion for all participants to one of the local monasteries, in order to give a full picture of the local culture and customs: in the evening - presentation of the Institute for Urbanism of Republic of Srpska. Visit to local artistic colony nearby Banjaluka (depending on further organization) 12.-17. April.: work in workshops 17-18 April: ending of workshop tasks and preparing mateials for exibition (projects printing, finishing of instalations and models, editing of films etc.) 19.April: Opening of the exibition with gathering of all participants and invited guests, and finally, closing of the School.

Remark: Organisors will try to organise more cultural and scientific events, that will be happening paralelly with SESAM activities, but in the evening period -Time Schadulel for these events will be pulished later.

This posted story also can be call for all possible participants to apply before 25th of February. This date might be changed but we also had to consider visa period for many of you... Ok, I hope you will find few free days in the spring time, during the semester,(remember two weeks and Easter hollidays at that time - you might won't loose much of your school!) and that you will come to Bosnia... More about application eligability, each workshop, fees and other you can find on our web site www.ecg.rs.sr that will be continiously updated with new information. Also, there will be new info package for those who will be chosen to participate! I also expect you to give first coments about it, and to participate in organizing it as good as possible! Any comment, note, idea or question you can send on our mail ecgbl@yahoo.com

Best regards from Eco City Group team! Banjaluka